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Laser Cutting Metals: Things to Know

Introduction:

In the realm of metal fabrication, laser cutting has emerged as a popular and highly efficient method for precision cutting. This advanced technique utilizes a concentrated beam of light to effortlessly slice through various types of metals, offering numerous advantages over traditional cutting methods. If you’re curious about laser cutting and its application in metalworking, read on to discover the essentials of this cutting-edge technology.

steel plasma cutting NY

What is Laser Cutting?

Laser cutting is a non-contact process that employs a high-powered laser beam to melt, burn, or vaporize material, resulting in precise and accurate cuts. The laser beam is generated by amplifying light through stimulated emission of radiation (LASER). This intense beam is directed through a series of mirrors and focused onto the workpiece, creating a narrow, concentrated heat-affected zone. The focused laser energy rapidly heats the metal, causing it to melt or vaporize, enabling precise cutting along the predetermined path.

What Metals Can Be Laser Cut?

Laser cutting is versatile and can be used on a wide range of metals, including but not limited to:

  1. Stainless Steel: Laser cutting is highly effective for stainless steel due to its excellent reflectivity properties and high melting point.
  2. Aluminum: The reflective properties of aluminum require specific laser parameters for optimal cutting results.
  3. Carbon Steel: Laser cutting offers fast and accurate cutting of carbon steel sheets, making it a popular choice in various industries.
  4. Copper and Brass: Copper and brass can be laser cut, but they require higher laser power due to their high thermal conductivity.
  5. Titanium: Laser cutting is an effective method for intricate cutting of titanium alloys due to their strength and high melting point.

steel plasma cutting NY

Advantages of Laser Cutting:

Laser cutting provides several advantages over traditional cutting methods, making it a preferred choice for many industries:

  1. Precision and Accuracy: Laser cutting offers exceptional precision, allowing for intricate designs and complex shapes with tight tolerances.
  2. Speed and Efficiency: Laser cutting is faster than many conventional cutting methods, enabling high productivity and reduced lead times.
  3. Versatility: Laser cutting is capable of cutting a wide range of metals with varying thicknesses, providing flexibility for diverse applications.
  4. Minimal Material Distortion: The concentrated heat-affected zone in laser cutting minimizes distortion, resulting in cleaner and more accurate cuts.
  5. No Tooling Costs: Unlike traditional cutting methods, laser cutting eliminates the need for complex tooling, reducing production costs.
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Disadvantages of Laser Cutting:

While laser cutting offers numerous advantages, it’s important to consider some limitations as well:

  1. High Initial Investment: Setting up a laser cutting system can require a significant investment in equipment and training.
  2. Limited Material Thickness: Laser cutting may be less efficient for extremely thick metals, as the laser energy becomes less effective beyond certain thicknesses.
  3. Heat-Affected Zone: Laser cutting produces a heat-affected zone, which can affect the material’s properties, especially in heat-sensitive metals.
  4. Safety Considerations: Laser cutting involves high-power lasers, requiring adherence to strict safety protocols and precautions.

Types of Laser Cutting:

There are several types of laser cutting methods commonly used in the industry:

  1. CO2 Laser Cutting: CO2 lasers are versatile and widely used for cutting non-ferrous metals and some plastics.
  2. Fiber Laser Cutting: Fiber lasers are highly efficient at cutting reflective metals like stainless steel and aluminum.
  3. Nd:YAG Laser Cutting:Nd:YAG lasers are ideal for precision cutting of thin metals and are commonly used in jewelry making and electronics industries.

What is the Best Laser for Cutting Metal?

The choice of the best laser for metal cutting depends on various factors, including the type of metal, thickness, desired cutting speed, and budget. Fiber lasers have gained popularity.

How steel fabrication can enhance an ambience?

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“Buildings designed with careful attention to aesthetics arouse and enlighten their occupants and that promotes their good health.” by Robert Evans

Yes, it is so true, a little attention to detailing and even metal furniture and décor can enrich a simple, dull space and add life to it instantly. If you have a design or an idea in working in your mind but have restricted budget, do give a chance to steel fabrication in New York. In present times, metal is considered as value for money because of its durability, tangibility and availability. Rather, if you are one of those who is very particular about carbon footprint, then metals like steel, aluminum can be a good choice for you.

Over the years, we at Omni Steel have realised that market for ornamental steel fabrication services in New York has really grown. There is a steep increase in the demand for customised products that seamlessly fit the décor of an area whether it is residential or commercial purposes. Some of the common things that we have recently indulged ourselves in are gates, stairs, fences, railings, shelves and more.

steel aluminum fencing

Our workers have recorded that demand varies and comes under several classifications but a few things that essentially drives a customer towards customisation of metal works are:

  1. Cut to size: This may make you wonder, what exactly we are angling at? Most of the customers look for cut to size beam in New York, to fit perfectly and at a lower cost as well. This works especially when there is no alternative other than changing the stuff. So, there is an increasing demand for cut to size metal sheet to fix or to bring a new look to a place.
Steel Spiral Staircase

  1. Diamond Plates: It has been observed that inquiry for aluminum diamond plates or steel plates is on rise due to its frictionless property. These are not only durable and sturdy but quite a convenient option for stairs, sometimes for racks, for industrial purposes and for ambulance. It has such a wide range of usage that demand for this product has seen a lot of interest from the market and believe it or not both for residential and commercial purposes.
steel doors NY
steel doors
  1. Fencing: For security reasons and as it is easy to maintain steel fences, we have noticed that customers either call us for welding or maintenance purposes or for installing a good quality sometimes decorative fences in and around their property. It also increases the overall feel of the place. Sometimes, we also get demand for computer generated designs which is different yet strong enough to withstand the weather conditions. So, there is definitely a strong demand for custom fencing NY.
Steel and aluminum fencing
Steel and aluminum fencing

4. Structural Steel Fabrication: Now, structural steel fabrication calls for combining multiple pieces of steel to form a perfect structure which has predefined shapes and sizes. So, it is just not strengthening of steel but giving the requisite shape by assembling. This is again one area which is now on shoot and we are often asked to give estimation for work and also how much time would be required to complete a project, both of which entirely depends on the nature of the project.

metal planters
  1. Miscellaneous: Some miscellaneous projects that we get in hand include building wine cellar doors, lintels, ornamental shelves for books or even as wardrobe as these are termites and pests free and mere polishing and timely welding can make it your companion for life.
Steel letters & signs
Steel letters

At Omni Steel, we have realised the accelerating demand in fabricated steel products is on a roll as it is easy to give desired shape and technology makes a faster delivery. Further, as earlier belief was metals are only for industrial purposes, it is changing and interior designers encourage clients to go for pocket friendly metal fabrication doors & gates, railings, staircase and fences. Especially, if the interior requires zig-zag or spiral staircase, then steel is regarded as the best alternative. It gives a fabulous look and blend perfectly.

If you too, are considering cut to size beam work, then do not delay, give us a call today or just fill up the form below and one of our executives will get in touch with you.

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