Laser cutting was first put into production on a broad scale in the 1970s for the cutting and crafting of aerospace applications. Additionally, in the decades that have followed, numerous industries have embraced this advanced technology for manufacturing processes.
From custom cut aluminum and custom laser cut steel that are instrumental in the automotive and construction industries. Many metal products that Americans use every day begin with laser cutting services. Also, laser cutting masters precise cuts required for intricate medical devices like pacemakers and stents.
Companies that want to boost their productivity are advised to examine laser cutting to determine if this highly advanced manufacturing process can revolutionize their operations. This process begins with a foundational understanding of laser cutting advantages and disadvantages, evident across all industries and sectors.
The Laser Cutting Process
While cutting is one of the most widespread and fundamental steps in metal fabrication, not all cutting techniques are created equal. Moreover, the best laser cutting machines on the market have a highly specified process.
Laser cutting begins with computer-generated guidelines that are then fed to the laser cutting machine as detailed instructions for the work. The high-power laser beam then vaporizes the material with cuts smaller than a millimeter, leaving the desired shape behind. The process is repeated as many times as needed, based on the original software instructions, for thousands of units or products at a time.
The Advantages of Laser Cutting
There are a wide range of advantages to using laser cutting as opposed to traditional cutting methods (like stamping and die-cutting). Let’s explore some of the most prominent benefits listed below.
Precision
There’s a reason why laser cutting is the preferred cutting process in industries that require perfect detail in parts. For example, the medical industry or the electronics industry, and that is because of laser cutting’s inherent precision. Most top lasers can perform cuts as minute as 0.003-0.006 mm. Therefore, the accuracy compared to traditional cutting tools is unparalleled.
Complexity and Range of Materials
Some manufacturers require metal parts or products that may be difficult to cut simply because of their thickness, thinness, or other inherent properties. Laser cutting is the preferred option to tackle these delicate or difficult materials because laser cutters can handle various production projects. From the thinnest sheets of aluminum to tougher metals like brass and copper, laser cutting can handle the most complex jobs without error.
Less Waste and Better Sheet Metal Utilization
Since laser cutters are so precise, manufacturers can make maximum use of sheets of metal, as there is minimal amount of waste and excess material when the laser cutting process is involved. This, in turn, saves costs on raw materials and resources, as laser cutting maximizes every sheet of metal that needs to be altered and cut.
Less Downtime Due to Changes
Laser cutting is a highly flexible process that does not need to be paused in order to make changes or tool adjustments to complete every cut on the original metal sheet or other material. Instead, laser cutting machines follow the initial software guidelines to the letter, using the original setup to conduct every cut as precisely as required. As a result, manufacturers will have less downtime regardless of how complex or intricate the cuts are and can minimize inefficiencies in even the largest volume projects.
Automated Process
Once the laser cutting process begins, little to no human involvement is required to repeat the same process and design repeatedly and as many times as needed. This automation means laser cutters can run 24/7 without interruption, with every part or product created to exact specifications. While experienced technicians are required to ensure that all operations run smoothly, especially at the start of the process, the lack of human involvement inherently reduces the room for error. It creates perfectly produced cuts every time at a high rate of speed.
Consistency
As stated, companies save money on wasted materials due to error simply because laser cutting is so precise and can be repeated with the highest levels of accuracy. The first cut that a laser cutter performs will be as perfect as the last. Additionally, companies will save resources, time, and money on every large production project.
Speed and Efficiency
Once the instructions have been fed into the laser cutting machine, the cutting process can proceed uninterrupted until the project is complete. Even with shipping to and from a laser cutting service provider, the speed at which laser cutting can handle projects is simply unmatched and is the fastest cutting process available.
Saves Costs Across the Board
Laser cutting saves a company’s production costs in many ways, such as:
- reduction in waste,
- limited personnel required
- fast production times
- saving on power and utilities
These are just some reasons why laser cutting has been heralded as one of the most cost-effective cutting methods across all sectors.
Disadvantages of Laser Cutting
The primary disadvantage of using laser cutting in manufacturing processes is the cost of employing the personnel and machinery to conduct projects in-house. The best laser cutting machines on the market are expensive and require a specific skill set to operate. Therefore, only the largest corporations have the expertise and funds to conduct laser cutting operations on-site and within their company.
Experience the Advantages of Laser Cutting with Steelway Laser Cutting
At Steelway Laser Cutting, we serve as your expert laser cutting resource, and we use the best machines and most experienced technicians available to ensure every job is performed as accurately, timely, and successfully as possible.
Reach out to us today and tell us about your challenges when it comes to your company’s production operations. Furthermore, we’ll formulate a plan for how Steelway can make your job easier, more cost-effective, and more productive.
Located in Pennsylvania, we offer top-notch laser cutting services customized to your manufacturing needs. With Steelway as your laser cutting services provider, your business can reap the benefits of what laser cutting can provide without hurting your bottom line.
Discover the benefits of laser cutting for yourself, and explore how you can save time, money, and resources when you have an expert laser cutting partner.