Sheet Metal Laser Cutting

As the name suggests, sheet metal laser cutting uses a laser to cut different shapes in different materials. The laser beam is generated by a high-powered laser system and is directed at the sheet metal by a computer-controlled system. Heat from the laser beam melts the metal, which is then blown away by a stream of compressed air.

There are a huge range of applications for laser-cut metal panels. They can be used in everything from signage and artwork to architectural cladding and even as structural elements in buildings.

Also there are many different buildings where laser cut panels are used, this includes, but in no ways limited to: luxury hotels, restaurants, offices, apartments and houses.

Other Panel products could be for industries such as, Auto mechanical, agricultural, Refrigeration, Medical and other OEM’s.

Sheet metal laser cutting machines are used for metal fabrication because they offer a number of advantages over other methods of cutting sheet metal. These advantages include:

- Increased accuracy

- Faster cutting speeds

- The ability to cut complex shapes

- A cleaner, smoother cut edge

- Reduced set-up time and costs

High powered laser beam is used during laser cutting to cut steel sheet. The laser is directed through optics and the use of cnc helps guide the beam or material. Heat from the laser melts the steel, which is then blown away by a stream of compressed air. This leaves a clean, smooth-cut edge with very little need for secondary machining operations.

Materials that can be laser cut include:

- Metals. Steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper and brass

- Wood. Plywood, MDF, walnut and pine

- Plastics. Acrylic, polyester film, polypropylene

Some of the materials that cannot be laser cut include PVC, fibreglass, ABS (acrylonitrile

butadiene styrene).

The advantages of laser cutting sheet metal include:

- Increased accuracy

- Flexibility. The same tools can be used to cut different shapes.

- Faster cutting speeds

- The ability to cut complex shapes without the need of any tooling.

- A cleaner, smoother cut edge

- Reduced set-up time and costs

The disadvantages of laser cutting include:

- The high initial investment cost

- The need for specialist skills and training

- The sensitivity of the equipment to dust and other contaminants

Laser cutting is accurate because the laser beam is generated by a high-powered laser system and is directed at the sheet metal by a computer-controlled system. This means that the laser can be precisely controlled to cut intricate shapes with a high level of accuracy.

The thickness of metal that can be cut by a laser depends on the power of the laser. Low-power lasers can cut through thin sheets of metal, while high-power lasers can cut through thicker sheets.

The three main types of laser for cutting metal are:

- CO₂ lasers

- Fiber lasers

- Nd: YAG lasers