Laser Cutting
Laser Cutting is a process where a high powered laser source is focused to a small point and used to cut through a sheet of material. We have 3 main types of lasers, CO2, Diode, and Fiber Lasers, that are able to cut and engrave nearly any material.
If you need sheet components produced for a low cost, laser cutting is a good process to explore.
Materials
-
Our CO2 lasers can cut nearly all woods in up to 1” thickness. Since laser cutting is a zero force process, this means that fragile geometries can easily be cut without any concern about grain direction. Woods can also be engraved to add patterns and other interesting features.
-
MDF is a material made from compressed wood shavings adhered together. We can cut MDF in shapes up to 1/4” thick, with prices starting at $5/ft² (volume and complexity dependent).
-
ABS Sheet is a good material for enclosures and housings that need to be durable and cheap. We laser cut 1/8” and 1/4” ABS sheet starting at $8/ft² (volume and complexity dependent).
-
Similar to ABS, we cut 1/8” and 1/4” HDPE. HDPE is extremely tough and impact resistant, making it great for parts that need to take a beating. Pricing for HDPE starts at $5/ft² (volume and complexity dependent
-
Acrylic is a shiny and hard plastic that is often used for consumer products. It is somewhat fragile, but if you need colorful and pretty parts it is a fabulous option. Pricing starts as low as $5/ft² (volume and complexity dependent)
-
Mainly for craft work, we cut and engrave a variety of leather and faux leather for whatever project you may need. Pricing starts at $25/ft² (volume and complexity dependent)
-
Used primarily for producing gaskets and seals, we cut a variety of rubber sheet such as nitrile and neoprene. Pricing for rubber materials starts at $15/ft² (volume and complexity dependent).
-
We cut Steel in several alloys and thicknesses, ranging from 42 gauge stainless (0.076mm) up to 1/4” AR500. Laser cut steel is great for shims, spacers, machine parts, and more.
We cut stainless steel from 42 gauge to 1/4”, and all other steels from 1/16” to 1/4”.
Prices for laser cut steel start at $60/ft² (volume and complexity dependent). -
We can cut grade 5 titanium up to 1/8” thick. This material is ideal for parts that need a high strength to weight ratio and need to have a low thermal conductivity. Pricing for laser cut titanium starts at $100/ft² (volume and complexity dependent).
FAQ’s
-
We have machines of various sizes, with the largest non metal cutting machine having an area of 24×36”. Our metal cutting fiber laser has a cutting area of 24×24”.
-
Our pricing is calculated by a few factors.
Material cost, stock material is expensive; and any material cut away as scrap cannot be reused for other parts and contributes to the material cost.
Engineering time. Parts must be nested together and programmed into the laser cutters, which takes time to do. Additionally, any hardware or post machining (thread cutting) needed takes additional time to add.
Machine time, which covers the cost of maintaining and repairing our equipment, along with the cost of consumable tooling and fixtures.
-
Of course! We understand that most of our customers are not well acquainted with all of the various materials available for laser cuttign, so we are happy to provide advice and help select the best material for your use case.
Our goal is to fit you with the right material for the job, so we make a point to not upsell you on a material you don’t need and will point you in a more cost effective direction whenever possible. -
Yes, to a limited extent. We are able to source alloys and materials outside of our normal inventory for customers upon request, and we can even work with customer supplied materials.
The caveat is that many plastics and metals can release harmful fumes or pose a fire hazard, in which case we are unable to work with that material safely.