How do I determine which cutting method is best for your needs?

In order to determine the best metal cutting method for your process, you will need to conduct a through examination of your production needs. All cutting methods including waterjet cutting, flame cutting, laser cutting etc have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Typical criteria used for most process evaluations should include the following:

1. Type of material that is to be Processed
2. Material Thickness – you will have to determine the range of material thickness to ensure best cutting method for it.
3. Accuracy required in the cutting of stainless steel profiles.
4. Finish required in the material to be cut.
5. Rate of production desired.
6. Cost of technology that will be used for processing.
7. Machine operating costs and machinist skill requirements

Metal cutting by Laser Cutting Machines

Laser cutting is one of the fastest processes that allow metal fabricators to create high-quality parts. The pieces cut by laser cutting fabrication machines require very little, if any, finishing work as the high-powered laser burns, melts or vaporizes away the excess material left in the cutting process.

Two most popular types of laser cutting machines widely in use today are CO2 laser cutting machines and Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) laser cutting machines. CO2 were one of the first gas lasers and are the most common variety of laser cutting machines. These machines have an excellent input output power ratio ranging its efficiency up to 20 percent. Nd:YAG laser machines use a crystal as a lasing medium and are extensively used in manufacturing industry for cutting and welding steel profiles and various alloys.

Benefits of Laser Cutting Machines

1. Laser cutting machines cut metals with a very higher precision.
2. Since the machine never comes in contact with the metal, there is no wear and tear on the equipment and there are less chances of the metal to become contaminated.
3. Laser cutting is faster and more productive. Computer touch screens aid the laser equipment to plot out designs and the machine can cut multiple designs in one run by storing inventory on site.
4. In laser machine cutting, the heat affected zone is kept small, thus reducing the possibility of warped material.
5. Apart from being decently quite, laser profiling and cutting machines are safe too. Most of the laser machines are completely enclosed to prevent any kind of accident.

A few considerations

1. Laser machines do not function well on highly reflective metals like aluminum and copper.
2. Laser machines consume very high level of energy, making it more difficult for conventional metal fabricators to incorporate into its metal fabrication system.
3. Holes created by laser cutting machines are slightly tapered with the hole entry being slightly larger in diameter than the exit.