Laser Cutting: A Good Fit for Machining and Fabrication?
When it comes to cutting sheet metal for precision machining and fabrication projects, laser cutting has always been the best choice. An advanced technology used in many metal fabrication projects, laser cutting is versatile and precise. If you’re about to embark on a new fabrication project, here are five major reasons to choose this method of machining for your next project.
Competitive Pricing
Like any other process, there are costs associated with laser cutting that cover labor, operation, and machining. The great thing about laser cutting is that it is a highly automated process, which keeps labor costs down. Compare that to hand-operated machinery and processes, laser cutting is much more cost-effective.
One key advantage of laser cutting is that lasers don’t get dull or worn as other cutting tools do. As a result, there is no necessary changeover mid-process, leading to better productivity and shorter lead times.
Speed and Efficiency
Lasers are known for their speed and efficiency when it comes to cutting. They can cut through materials very quickly, moving between 20-70 inches per minute, depending on the laser cutting machine model. Of course, the exact speed will vary depending on the tolerances and intricacy of the parts. Laser cutting also offers flexibility since you can increase its cutting speed by using multiple lasers at once.
Quality Precision
When it comes to precision, nothing beats the cutting ability of lasers. They are able to create incredibly small cuts at tight tolerances. However, with great precision also comes a tradeoff in speed. With that said, custom laser cutting is still the only type of cutting capable of performing extremely intricate cuts. One key advantage of using a laser is how smooth and clean the edges and the curves tend to be when cut by a laser. This means there’s less burring required since the laser melts all the rough edges.
Versatility
The cost of operation, speed of the machine, and easy operation make laser cutters a good fit for products of every size. This makes a lot of routine tasks and projects easier to complete, including prototypes, industrial orders, and large cutouts. They can handle tight tolerances and intricate designs, ensuring that any sheet metal fabrication project is within their reach. If your project doesn’t require tight tolerances and very intricate patterns, your laser cutting machine can work really fast and produce parts at incredible speeds.
Automation
As mentioned above, laser cutting is a highly automated process. Laser cutting machines are computer numerically controlled (CNC), which means the formula and instructions are entered into a computer. This results in each part and product created by the machine being identically fabricated, following your standards. You get to fabricate more products by the hour with significantly fewer defects.
Automation means less labor is necessary to operate the machine and carry out its tasks, making the process more efficient.
Conclusion
Laser cutting technology has made a reputation for its efficiency, versatility, and cost-effectiveness, making it the preferred choice for machining and fabrication projects. Its unique capabilities are still unmatched by other sheet metal cutting methods currently being used in the industry.
Rost Machining and Fabrication is the premier provider of machining, fabrication, and finishing services in the San Jose, Santa Clara, and South Bay area. We serve multiple clients in varying industries, from aerospace, automotive, medical, defense, robotics, and more. If you need precision machining and fabrication services, don’t hesitate to call us. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.
