Sheet Metal Service:
Laser Cutting
Parts in days anywhere in the USA.
Sheet Metal Laser Cutting offers:
- Repeatability
- High Dimensional Tolerances
- Custom Prototypes and End-Use Parts
Quality Matters | AS9100D Certified, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485:2016, & ITAR Registered
* Not all locations have all certifications and registrations. Parts requiring these will be made at facilities with the correct certifications and registrations.
Our Digital Manufacturing Process is Simple.
Upload a CAD file and request a quote.
Our team starts production after finalizing project specifications and accepting the quote with you.
When the part has been completed and finished, it passes through quality control.
After your part goes through quality control, our team ships the part(s) to you.
What is Sheet Metal Laser Cutting?
Laser cutting is a highly sophisticated process utilizing a computer-controlled laser beam to melt or vaporize metal sheets precisely. Consequently, this results in clean and accurate cuts, making it an ideal choice for various industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical, and electronics. Moreover, laser cutting has become an indispensable tool for many manufacturers who require high precision and consistency in their production processes. Additionally, thanks to its versatility and efficiency, laser cutting technology provides a reliable and cost-effective solution for creating intricate designs or cutting through thick metal sheets, delivering excellent results every time.
How does Sheet Metal Laser Cutting Work?
Sheet metal laser cutting involves using a high-powered laser beam to cut sheet metal. Firstly, the laser cutter for metal or plastic is programmed with the desired cut pattern and positions the sheet metal into the cutting area. Subsequently, the laser emits a beam of light that heats the sheet metal to its melting point and vaporizes it. Then, as it moves across the sheet metal, cutting it precisely along the programmed pattern.
Additionally, the laser cutter uses a chiller unit to maintain a constant temperature and a nozzle to deliver assist gas to the beam, helping to produce a clean and precise cut. The assist gas, usually nitrogen or oxygen, also helps to cool the metal as it is being cut.
Laser cutting offers several advantages over traditional methods, including higher precision and accuracy, faster cutting speeds, and fewer mistakes. Consequently, it is a popular choice for cutting precision parts used in various automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries.
Types of Laser Cutting Machines
CO2 Laser Cutter: This technology uses a high-powered laser to cut, engrave, and etch materials like wood, acrylic, plastic, fabric, and metal. The laser is created by a focused light beam. It is highly accurate and widely used in the manufacturing, prototyping, art, and design industries.
Fiber Laser Cutter: This is a precise and efficient method of cutting materials, particularly metals, using a high-powered laser beam generated from a bank of diodes. The heat from the beam causes the material to quickly heat up, melt, vaporize, or burn away. Fiber laser cutting is faster, more efficient, and less prone to human error than other methods.
Punch Laser Cutter: This cutter type combines the capabilities of a punch press and a laser cutting machine. It is often used in the manufacturing industry to produce various parts and components precisely and accurately. The punch laser cutter uses a laser to make the initial cut, and then a punch press is used to create the desired shape and contour.
Laser Cutting Advantages
Laser Cutting has revolutionized the way products are designed and manufactured. The following are a few of the advantages of CNC milling:
- Material Versatility - Metals to plastics and composites.
- Consistency - Consistent quality and repeatability.
- Clean Edges - Cuts down on finishing and post-processing needs.
Laser Cutting Disadvantages
While there are a lot of advantages to laser cutting, there are also some disadvantages to consider:
- Material Thickness - Thinner materials ideal.
- Highly Reflective Metals - More difficult to cut.
Sheet Metal Laser Cutting at Prototek
OEM:
Amada, Beam Dynamics, Epilog, IPG
Lead Time:
1 – 15 Days
Max Dimensions:
61 x 99 x 11.8 in
Tolerances:
± 0.0004 / 20 in
Material:
Metals: Aluminum, Bearing Bronze, Brass, Bronze, Carbon Steel, Copper, Phosphor Bronze, Silicon Aluminum Bronze, Stainless Steel, Steel, Titanium
Plastics: ABS, Acrylic, Acetal, HDPE, Nylon, PEEK, Polycarbonate, Polypropylene, Radel, Ultem
Prototek's Materials
Prototek Digital Manufacturing offers advanced laser cutting services designed for precise material processing with high accuracy and efficiency. Our state-of-the-art technology and skilled team ensure exceptional quality across various materials, including metals, plastics, composites, and polymers. Committed to excellence and innovation, we aim to deliver superior results that exceed customer expectations and ensure timely project completion.
Metals
- Aluminum
- Brass
- Bronze
- Copper
- Nickel Based High Temperature Alloys:
- Inconel
- Invar
- Kovar
- Nitronic 60
- Stainless Steel
- Steel
- Titanium
- Tool Steel
Plastics
- ABS
- Acrylic
- Acetal
- HDPE
- Nylon
- PEEK
- Polycarbonate
- Polyproylene
- Teflon/PTFE
- ULTEM
Other Materials
- G-10
- Machined Ceramics:
- Macor
- Wood
Does your project require a material not on our list?
Let us know if your project requires materials that are not on the list! We can accommodate other material requests, but quotes may need more time while we source the material.
Designing Parts for Laser Cutting
When designing parts for sheet metal laser cutting, it’s essential to consider the capabilities and limitations of the machine. This includes understanding the maximum thickness of material that can be cut and the minimum internal radius achieved. Additionally, it’s essential to design parts with a consistent thickness and minimal features to reduce the chances of distortion during the cutting process and simplify manufacturing. Proper material nesting can be achieved by using nesting software and optimizing the arrangement of elements on the sheet metal. Lastly, thorough testing and prototyping of designs before starting production will ensure that the final product meets the requirements and is manufactured efficiently and effectively.
| Feature | Recommended |
|---|---|
|
Fillets |
Necessary for smooth finishes |
|
Holes |
Size of hole ø < t Space between holes ≥ 2t Space from edge to hole ≥ t |
|
Kerf |
0.008 – 0.012 in The width of a cut resulting in the removal of material. Laser cutting results in the least amount of material being removed compared to waterjet and plasma cutting. |
ø (diameter) | in (inches) | ± (plus or minus) | > (greater than) | ≥ (greater than or equal to) | t (material thickness)
| Feature | Recommended |
|---|---|
|
Fillets |
Necessary for smooth finishes |
|
Holes |
Size of hole ø < t Space between holes ≥ 2t Space from edge to hole ≥ t |
|
Kerf |
0.2 – 0.3 mm The width of a cut resulting in the removal of material. Laser cutting results in the least amount of material being removed compared to waterjet and plasma cutting. |
ø (diameter) | mm (millimeter) | ± (plus or minus) | > (greater than) | ≥ (greater than or equal to) | t (material thickness)
Finishes for Sheet Metal
Several finishes are available for sheet metal cutting. The choice of finish depends on the desired appearance and the end product’s functionality. Some standard finishes include painting, powder coating, anodizing, electroplating, and passivating. Painting and powder coating are commonly used for laser cutting as they offer aesthetics, durability, and corrosion resistance. On the other hand, anodizing adds a protective layer to the metal surface, enhances wear resistance, and improves corrosion resistance.
Electroplating is another option to improve the metal’s appearance and protect it from wear and corrosion. Lastly, passivating is a chemical process that removes impurities from the metal surface to enhance corrosion resistance. The best finish for laser-cut metal depends on the intended application, and it’s essential to seek professional advice to determine the ideal finish for your product.
Prototek's
Other Sheet Metal and Fabrication Capabilities
Why choose Prototek for your next laser cutting project?
Prototek is a top provider of laser cutting services. There are several reasons why customers prefer Prototek for their next laser-cut metal or plastic project. Firstly, Prototek has over 30 years of experience in the industry, which means that we have refined our processes, enabling us to produce high-quality and precision parts. Secondly, our state-of-the-art equipment and facilities allow us to work with various materials and thicknesses. Thirdly, Prototek is committed to customer satisfaction, evidenced by quick turnaround times, competitive pricing, and the ability to produce custom parts to meet unique customer needs. Lastly, Prototek has a team of experienced engineers and technicians who work closely with customers to ensure that their needs are met and their projects are successful. By choosing Prototek, customers can be assured of receiving top-quality laser cutting services.
