One of the most efficient ways of cutting sheet metal is laser cutting. When selecting a cutting technique for a sheet metal fabrication project, it’s critical to weigh the tool’s capabilities against the project’s requirements. Laser cutting is the ideal option for many sheet metal manufacturing applications. We’ve put up a list of reasons why laser cutters are commonly used for sheet metal manufacturing jobs.
Low costing
Laser cutting is particularly cost-effective when contrasted to other cutting processes. Labor expenses are low because to the CNC automation, as no one has to run these machines when they’re in use. Instead, you’ll just turn on a light and leave it running. Furthermore, unlike other cutting instruments, lasers do not become dull or worn over time. As a result, there is no need for a switch in the middle of the process, resulting in higher production and shorter lead times. Costs will be cheaper if the cutting process is interrupted as little as possible.
Efficiency and productivity
Lasers can swiftly cut through materials, cutting at speeds of 20-70 inches per minute. The actual pace will be determined by tolerances and the complexity of the pieces, but they will move swiftly. Multi-head lasers or numerous lasers functioning at the same time can enhance cutting rates even more. In addition to quick cutting rates, laser cutters may function overnight and while operators aren’t present, enhancing the cutting process’ overall efficiency. Laser cutters will complete items faster than conventional cutting techniques due to the combination of these characteristics.
Automation
One of the advantages of laser cutting is that the machines are completely controlled by CNC. Someone will enter codes into the computer, resulting in components and products with little variance and fewer errors. Automation also reduces the amount of manpower required to run the equipment and complete its duties, resulting in a more efficient process. The automation of the cutting process results in increased efficiency and product quality.
Precise cutting
Laser cutters have fine-tuning capabilities, allowing them to make tiny cuts with tight tolerances. Laser cutters are the greatest option for delicate cutting. They provide edges and curves that are smooth, crisp, and clean. Because the laser burns the material rather than cutting it, there will be minimal to no burring. Because laser cutters are incredibly precise and produce exact, high-quality cuts, they are ideal for sheet metal manufacturing.
Minimum waste
Another advantage of laser cutting’s precision and accuracy is that it may use a large percentage of your sheet material. A laser cutter can increase the amount of useful components and pieces from any given sheet of material by nesting cuts effectively.
Again, this results in cheaper total project costs and shorter completion dates. It takes less time to switch out fresh sheets of material, and the machining and cutting process wastes less of your raw material.
Versatility
Laser cutters are a fantastic match for any size product because of their low cost of operation, high speed, and ease of use. You may be confident that the finished result will be of the greatest quality since laser cutters are exact and precise. Laser cutters are capable of cutting through a broad range of materials, including most metals, making them an excellent choice for sheet metal manufacturing. They can work with precise tolerances and sophisticated designs, so they can tackle any project. Laser cutters are also one of the quickest ways to cut sheet metal, ensuring that your project is finished on schedule and with little downtime.
Low power usage
Despite the fact that compressors and other slicing tools require enormous amounts of power to produce cutting power via a physical knife. This reduces overall operating costs while also minimizing the environmental impact of laser trimming services.
When utilized at maximum capacity, a turret punch, for example, can consume up to 36 kW of electricity. Laser cutters, on the other hand, seldom require more than 10 kW of power, even when cutting highly thick, reflective materials like aluminum.
This lowers total operating expenses while also lowering the environmental effect of laser cutting devices.
Final thoughts
When it comes to metal fabrication, it’s critical to do your homework because not all organizations are capable of producing high-quality work. Because of its numerous benefits over other methods, laser cutting is the industry’s preferred way for doing such tasks.