One of the largest and most demanding global industries is automotive production. It is fast paced, highly competitive, and rapidly evolving. The goal to continually produce more, better, faster, and safer is the expectation. Additionally, an industrial CNC laser cutter is a popular machine for automotive manufacturers due to its high standard of quality and effectiveness.
With one versatile laser cutter, cutting, welding, cladding, engraving, and marking are all accomplished by the same piece of machinery. Using a CNC laser cutting machine provides everything the industry is looking for, precision and speed partnered with cost-saving techniques.
However, if you’re looking for a manufacturing partner that can complement your business with CNC laser cutting services, Steelway Laser Cutting is here for you. We work with laser cutters every day, so we know first-hand how a laser cutting machine can impact the manufacturing process.
Advantages of Using a CNC Laser Cutter
Over the years, the automotive industry has increasingly benefited from using CNC laser cutting machines. Billions of dollars support the market for laser cutters, and auto manufacturers are one of the industry’s biggest supporters. Therefore, laser cutting machines have become an essential tool in global automobile production because they offer a range of advantages over traditionally used cutting dies and punch presses.
CNC Laser cutters are operated by robots that read computer numerical control (CNC) software. This means all design processes are planned ahead of time and manually entered into a computer before the lasers are activated. The computer software communicates with the laser components to optimize the level of accuracy for every cut. Here are a few advantages of CNC laser cutters.
Improves Precision
Auto parts are constantly undergoing design updates to meet the demand to be lighter and thinner. This is the type of work that laser cutters are made for. CNC laser machines produce clean and precise cuts for even the most intricate designs. Additionally, a laser cutter’s intense and highly focused heat guarantees fused edges and seals.
Helps Repeatability
In addition to delivering highly precise cuts, laser cutters can do this repeatedly. Man-made cuts are hard to imitate consistently. Using computer and laser components to get the job done is especially important for high-volume manufacturers, like those that provide automotive parts and components.
Less Material Contamination
High heat and precision also benefit the sustainability of the material being worked with. The faster and more accurate the machine can cut, the less chance there is of unnecessary exposure and risk of damaging the material.
Less Material Waste
Similarly, because laser cutters are incredibly accurate, the job is done right the first time. Repeated attempts are unnecessary, resulting in far less wasted material. Additionally, for manufacturers, less waste translates into lower production costs.
Increased Speed
Industrial CNC laser cutters work at remarkable speeds. For manufacturers, the rate of production is a vital component of profitability. Moreover, the quicker you can produce parts, the faster they sell, and the faster you see the return on your investment. Maximizing output is essential in the fast-paced automotive industry.
Improved Flexibility
A significant reason that CNC laser cutters are widely used is that they offer the ability to work with different materials, unlike other machines. However, the versatility of the laser cutter is able to reach and produce shapes and contours exactly as programmed.
Saves Cost
CNC laser machines cut costs for the automotive industry in many ways. Therefore, one major advantage of using laser cutters is that they save the manufacturer money because they are low-maintenance machines.
Requires Little Maintenance
- Low Power Consumption: Compared to traditional automotive manufacturing machinery, the power consumption of a laser cutting machine is far less. Lower power consumption means lower production costs and higher product returns.
- No Downtime: With a proper and predictive maintenance program in place, laser machines can run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
- No Tool Wear: No tools are involved with laser cutting, so the need to repair or replace tools is eliminated, even with the rate of repeatability that laser cutters can provide.
Emerging Laser CuttingTrends
Manufacturing in the automobile industry is not limited to metal and carbon-fiber components. Furthermore, laser cutters are used in all aspects of production, even when working with smoother, softer parts.
- Automotive Carriage Components: Laser cutting machines are the perfect way to produce interior automotive components. Dashboard panels, trimming and perforations for cup holders, and other inserts require fast and clean cuts that a laser cutter can produce.
- Hydroformed Parts: Metal components that have been formed into 3D shapes are crucial parts of automobiles. Laser cutters provide the best cut, leaving a smooth and highly precise end product.
- Airbags: The ability to cut specialized patterns on almost any material has made laser cutters a new and growing way to manufacture airbags. Laser cutting has the advantage of leaving a seamless edge with no fraying.
Laser Cutting is Driving the Future of the Automotive Industry
Versatility, speed, precision, repeatability, and low system maintenance costs make the CNC laser cutting machine the primer choice of automotive manufacturers. However, as the sophistication of the industry increases, so will the need for automotive lasers.
Materials are becoming lighter, thinner, and more complex, proving that industrial automotive laser technology will become even more pivotal in the future. To meet this demand, the global automotive industry is already looking for and finding more innovative ways to utilize the unique qualities that CNC laser cutting machines offer.
Steelway Laser Cutting for All Automotive Projects
If you are not using laser cutting machines for your manufacturing needs, now is the time to make a change. If you need or have questions about CNC laser cutting services, reach out to Steelway Laser Cutting.
We are experts in the industry and can help you find a way to make laser cutting part of your business so that you can reap the rewards. From design and manufacturing to packaging and delivery, Steelway Laser Cutting is the trusted resource for all your laser cutting needs.
Contact us today!