Associated Fastening Products, Inc. provides laser and waterjet cutting services through our advanced 2, 3, 5, and 6-axis equipment. These options can deliver highly customizable solutions for a wide range of manufacturing needs. Our precision laser cutting processes—including gaseous CO2 and solid-state Nd:YAG lasers—and our moving material, flying optic, and hybrid configurations help us achieve complex shapes and burr-free cuts.
Learn more about how laser cutting works, its benefits, and the common materials used.
What Is Laser Cutting Technology?
Laser cutting technology uses a high-power, thermal laser to cut sheet metal. By focusing the optic-guided laser on a small point of the workpiece, the equipment can cut materials up to 10 mm thick. Laser cutting can transform 2D files into physical objects.
There are different types of lasers, pulsed or continuous. Pulsed lasers deliver energy in short bursts, while continuous lasers continuously deliver energy until stopped.
- CO2 lasers are often used for cutting, marking, drilling, or engraving.
- Nd lasers are mainly applied for drilling and are characterized by high-energy pulses and low-speed repetitions.
- Nd:YAG lasers use high-energy pulses to drill, adjust, and engrave.
Advantages of Metal Laser Cutting Services
Many manufacturers are adopting laser cutting for its numerous advantages over other methods. For example, it’s cost-effective and efficient while producing highly precise results with a variety of substrate materials. Here are the key benefits of laser cutting services:
- Flexibility: Laser cutting doesn’t require tool exchange for each separate cut, meaning you can use the same setup to cut many different shapes within the same material thickness. The technology can also make intricate cuts without distortion or warping.
- Accuracy: Laser cutting is incredibly accurate. In most cases, the machines cut with tolerances of 0.003 to 0.006 mm. Custom laser cutting metal is a great choice for fabricating parts with exacting quality standards and dimensional tolerances.
- Reduced material waste: Laser cutting is more efficient than traditional cutting methods, especially with more complex cuts. As a result, it maximizes the number of components produced from a single sheet of material.
- Reduced energy consumption and costs: Laser systems are also designed to use less energy than other cutting methods. Laser cutting equipment typically uses about 10 kW of power per cutting session, whereas other cutting devices can use up to 50 kW. Plus, most workstations have shuttle tables that further lower labor costs and the price per piece.
- Suitable for thin materials: Laser cutting is a non-contact process that produces a relatively small heat affected zone (HAZ), which preserves tolerances and dimensional accuracy. Because lasers cut quickly, there is little risk of the heat warping even thin substrates.
What Metal Materials Can You Use With Laser Cutters?
Laser cutting technology can cut through various metals. However, some metals require special preparation because of their thickness or hardness. Here are the common types of metals used for laser cutting:
- Aluminum
- Steel
- Stainless steel
- Heavy plate
- Thin metal
- Ferrous metals
- Nonferrous metals
- Inconel
- Monel
- Pipe
Why Choose Associated Fastening Products, Inc. for Your Metal Laser Cutting Services?
Associated Fastening Products, Inc. specializes in laser cutting services, with capabilities that range from prototyping to full production. Our state-of-the-art facility and skilled staff enable us to deliver high-quality products with rapid turnaround times. We’re committed to customer satisfaction and ensure each client gets the attention they deserve.
We also provide value-added services, including warehousing, special packaging, kitting, assembly, welding, plating, reverse engineering, and customized shipping programs. Contact us today to learn more about our precision laser cutting or other services. You can also request a quote for your specific project.