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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.

5 Simple and Fast ways to Cut Steel

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Beauty of steel works lies in how perfectly the edges are rounded and cut into lovely shapes
without any hassle. First step to working with steel or aluminum or any other metal, is to get
the right equipment to cut the metal. Steel cutting can either be done at home or with the
help of a professional.

steel cutting
steel cutting
What are the 5 ways of cutting steel?

1. Use of circular saw: It may not be the most used equipment but apparently it has
been realised, with the right kind of blade, circular saw is great at giving the shape
one is looking for, especially for small home projects. Yes, you do need to remember
to wear your gear before working with this tool as sharp, small pieces of the metal
can fly and hit you. To avoid accidents, do not forget to take adequate precautions.

2. Use of Flame Cutting Method: For small projects, Flame cutting with gas or torch or
with an oxygen tank can also be used. Remarkable feature of flame cutting is, it can
penetrate through thick metals and can be done in the field. With professional guidance, it is easier to achieve the results with this methodology.

3. Use of Grinding Disc: When thickness of steel or metal is a challenge, then a metal
fabricator or contractor, take use of grinding disc. They balance the disc with the right
type of rotary or abrasive disc which can do the job efficiently.

4. Use of Plasma Cutting: Professional metal fabricators use this method for bulk
orders. It is comparatively low cost and does the work at a very high speed. It brings
down overall expense and helps in achieving a neat metal cutting work of shaping
steel or other metals in NY or Jamaica.

5. Use of Oscillating Tool: It is a great tool for plumbing purposes as cutting pipes or
may be bolts and nails or several other metal materials. This is helpful to professional
cutters when it is tough to fit large tools. We only need to ensure the oscillating tool
has been fitted with the correct steel cutting blade for realising the dream of perfect
shape of the metal.
As professional metal fabricators, we at Omni Steel Supply would also like to share a couple of working tips, if you are planning to do-it-yourself.

● Always remember to wear gloves, glasses and a helmet to protect yourself from any
kind of injury. During metal cutting, fine pieces of metal tend to fly and hit the person.
● Use of the correct blade depending on the thickness and size of the metal sheet.
● Do not touch metal which has been cut recently, let it cool down.
● Do not allow anyone to come near you while doing the work.
● Last but not the least, read the instructions carefully before using the metal cutting
tools.
For more information on metal cutting and other tools, we at Omni Steel Supply have a vast
range of metal cutting equipment. You just need to fill in the form below to get quotes from us.

For efficient services and fast turnaround ring us at +1 (718 523 5400 ) or visit our Website to get more insights https://www.omnisteelsupply.com/services/