When it comes to metals that can be fabricated with a laser cutter, aluminum is a material that generates a wave of questions and potential challenges. An advanced metal laser cutter is renowned for its ability to handle different sheet metals of varying thickness and properties. However, the delicate and reflective nature of aluminum adds an extra curve ball to the metal fabrication process.
So, how do you access the best aluminum cutter? Also, is a laser cutter for aluminum better and more efficient than other cutting methods?
The simple answer is that the laser cut metal process is best achieved with an expert in all types of metal fabrication like Steelway Laser Cutting. With decades of experience and the most advanced metal laser cutter technology available, Steelway can streamline all your laser cut metal projects and improve your manufacturing operations across the board.
It’s helpful, however, to have a general understanding of the aluminum laser cutting process and the challenges that may arise, and that starts with understanding how a laser cutter for aluminum works.
Understanding Laser Cutting
Multiple industries recognize laser cutting as the best way to transform metal into various parts and products. Through a wholly automated process that begins with specifications created with computer aided design (CAD) software and continues with computer numerical control (CNC) that drives the laser beam itself, a laser cutter can create the most detailed and precise cuts in virtually any metal sheet.
The reason why this detail and perfection are possible in laser metal cutters is because of the power of the cutting source. A laser cutter uses the heat of the laser beam to effectively vaporize the designated areas of the sheet metal, leaving behind no excess waste or debris. The tiny diameter of the laser beam also plays a role, and cuts or engravings that are under a millimeter can effectively be created for most metals and other materials.
(For more information on a laser cutter’s capabilities when it comes to varying types of metal, click here.)
Since the process is automated, cuts and designs can be replicated again and again, with no variations between one part or product and the next. The best laser cutting service providers can handle projects of 1,000 units or more in a timely and effective manner, giving companies a professional resource to improve manufacturing efficiency.
Aluminum Properties and Laser Cutting Compatibility
There are a handful of inherent challenges in the process when it comes to laser cutting aluminum. Especially if you don’t have access to advanced laser cutting machines or experienced technicians behind the scenes. These challenges include the following:
Reflectivity
Aluminum is a highly reflective material. This means it can reflect the laser beam and cause damage to the laser cutting machine. Top-rated and advanced laser cutting machines, however, have built-in technology and a high frequency to eliminate this issue, and manufacturers using lower quality laser cutting machines in house can also use a less reflective aluminum alloy for better results.
Thermal Conductivity
Aluminum has a very high thermal conductivity. Meaning that the heat tends to dissipate quickly during the cutting process. This makes cutting aluminum difficult, as high temperatures are required for the laser cutter to operate effectively and without error. Like issues with reflectivity, this problem is solved when the best laser cutters are utilized in the cutting process.
Other potential problems
Aluminum is thin, reflective, and has high thermal conductivity, and all these factors combined mean that expertise in specifically cutting aluminum is required to power the cutting process. As for the cutting machinery itself, lower-quality laser cutting machines have a habit of creating distortions, sharp edges, or burrs along the cut line, so having access to the most advanced and high-powered laser cutters is crucial when it comes to ensuring a successful process.
Advantages of Using a High-quality Laser Cutter for Aluminum
Challenges certainly exist, but there are more advantages than disadvantages using a laser cutter for aluminum, especially if it’s one of the best metal laser cutters available in the industry.
These benefits include the following:
- Speed – Even if shipping to and from an expert laser cutting service provider is involved, laser cutting is one of the fastest cutting processes available.
- Precision – Manufacturers can create the most intricate cuts and engravings possible, thanks to the laser cutter’s high levels of precision and inherent ability to handle detailed specifications.
- Flexibility – Regardless of different alloys or varying thicknesses, a laser cutter can adjust to different types of aluminum sheets (as well as other sheet metals), meaning multiple projects can be handled with an advanced laser cutter.
- Fewer errors and less waste – With a laser cutter’s inherent precision and automation, there are fewer (if any) errors in the cutting process, as multiple parts and products can be cut and fabricated without any deviation from one part to the next. In addition, and due to this precision, a laser cutter can utilize more sheet metal to craft these parts, which means there is less waste (and less expense on raw materials) during the cutting process.
- Cost–effective – When you combine all the bullet points above, it equals a more cost–effective fabrication process from start to finish for any type of metal, but especially for aluminum. Cutting aluminum is well-known as a process that can generate a lot of errors and headaches along the way. However, these potential issues are eliminated when the best technology and expertise are utilized.
Discover the Best Way to Cut Aluminum with Steelway Laser Cutting Can Help
Successfully cutting and fabricating aluminum starts and ends with the best laser cutting services available, and this is where Steelway Laser Cutting can step in as a trusted and time-tested resource.
Regardless of your industry or project specifications, we’ll work with you from the initial design to the finished project to ensure all your metal fabrication requirements meet and exceed expectations.
Reach out to us today. Discover a new initiative that will make every aspect of your manufacturing operations more cost effective, productive, and efficient – even when it comes to aluminum.