Laser cutting is a common fabrication process that creates high-precision parts and intricate patterns with tight tolerances. The technique is fast, produces minimal material waste, and is compatible with a range of alloys. Learn more about the laser cutting process, including its benefits, applications, and Cone Engineering’s unique capabilities.
Laser Cutting Process
Laser cutting is the method of precisely cutting and shaping materials using a high-powered laser directed by optics and computer numerical control (CNC) technology. A motion control system guides the laser beam according to a CNC or G-code, which provides the pattern for the laser beam to burn, vaporize, or melt the material, resulting in high-quality edges.
Our laser-cutting capabilities at Cone Engineering include:
- 4k Fiber Optic Industrial Laser: Equipped with an advanced vision system, this is a cutting-edge fiber laser machine that can cut challenging materials of varying thicknesses.
- Versatility in Material Thickness: We can cut sheet metal from thickness of 0.025″ up to 1.0.
- Wide Material Range: We can cut a wide range of alloys including mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum and copper.
- Automated Sheet Nesting: To minimize material usage while retaining accuracy, we use automated sheet nesting for all orders.
- Precision: We can achieve a laser cutting accuracy of +/- 0.005”, which is the industry standard for most applications.
- Quick Turnaround Times: We prioritize efficiency and guarantee 48-72 hour lead times on all laser cutting jobs. Local customers can enjoy same-day laser cutting services.
- Guaranteed Satisfaction: We offer a 100% money-back guarantee for parts that don’t match your approved prints.
Benefits of Laser Cutting
Laser cutting is a good investment for applications and industries that rely on high-precision materials. Here’s an overview of the benefits of laser cutting:
- Precision and Accuracy: Laser cutting technology is popular because of its ability to achieve a high degree of precision and accuracy. It helps create highly intricate designs and shapes, especially useful for businesses that require custom components.
- Speed: It’s a fast process that cuts through materials quickly and efficiently, increasing production speed.
- Versatility: Laser cutting can be used on a wide range of materials, including textiles, acrylic, wood, metals, and more.
- Consistency: Laser cutting machines provide consistent results, ensuring all your products maintain the same high-quality standards.
- Minimal Waste: The high efficiency of the laser cutting process results in minimal waste, making it an environmentally friendly and cost-effective option.
- Cost Effectiveness: While the initial investment in laser cutting equipment or services may be significant, the long-term cost benefits are substantial. Laser cutting reduces the need for manual labor, decreases material waste, and boosts productivity, ultimately saving your business money in the long run.
- Safety: Laser-cutting machines have safety features, such as enclosures and interlocks, to minimize contact with the operator and reduce the risk of accidents.
Applications of Laser Cutting
Laser cutting is used in different applications in industries such as:
- Automotive: Used to manufacture high-precision vehicle parts such as chassis and body panels.
- Aerospace: Fabricates intricate aircraft, satellite, and spaceship components, such as aircraft frames, engine parts, and turbine blades.
- Marine: Helps to customize design elements for shipbuilding, such as hull sections and structural components.
- Military: Laser cutting helps in the fabrication of military equipment, such as armored vehicle parts, weapon components, and specialized materials, all of which must meet stringent government regulations.
- Food Service: Used in the food processing industry, laser cutting can cut metal or plastic pipes or containers for food packaging.
Choosing Cone Engineering for Laser Cutting Services
Cone Engineering delivers high-quality laser cutting services with quick turnaround times to ensure your projects are completed on time. We use premium CAD/CAM programs that can handle a wide variety of file formats, including hand-drawn designs. Our team is readily available for free consultations via phone/email on design and material selection, and our office in Los Alamitos, California, is open Monday through Friday for in-person visits.
Contact us today or request a quote to get started with your laser cutting project.