Today we turn to a metal-cutting process that impresses above all with its precision. In laser cutting, metal is cut with computer support. The effort involved is high, but in return you get optimum results that no other metal-cutting process can guarantee.
Here we explain how a metal laser works. You will also learn why this is a method for professionals and why laser cutting is not for hobbyists. But so that you do not have to do without perfect cuts, we present our offer for made-to-measure sheets and reveal how easily and conveniently you can order stainless steel sheets from us.
What happens when metals are laser-cut?
The cut in laser cutting is created by melting the metal through continuous laser irradiation. It is thus a thermal cutting process.
Several processes come into question for laser cutting metal, differing in their handling. What they have in common is that they all work with the heat of a focused laser beam and are extremely precise.
Laser fusion cutting
In this laser process, an inert gas is blown into the kerf as the cutting gas. The inert gas prevents - or at least considerably inhibits - a reaction with the oxygen of the ambient air. A positive side effect of this gas is that the cut edge is cooled. Because a low-oxide cut edge is formed, workpieces cut by laser fusion cutting do not need to be reworked.
Laser flame cutting
In laser flame cutting, oxygen acts as the cutting gas, causing an exothermic oxidation process. The heat generated in this process helps burn the metal away at the desired point. Laser flame cutting is well suited to the rapid production of multiple parts.
Sublimation cutting
For thin sheets up to a material thickness of 3 mm, a laser process without the addition of cutting gas can be used. This process is called sublimation cutting: the metal vaporises through the power of the laser beam. The result is a fine kerf that meets the highest demands.
Which metals can be laser-cut?
Almost all metals can be cut with a metal laser. It does not matter whether they are pure metals or alloys such as stainless steel 1.4841. More important than the type of metal is the thickness of a sheet.
To obtain an exact cut with very smooth cut edges, the material thickness should not exceed 6 mm. Under certain circumstances, however, it is also possible to bring sheets up to 30 mm thick to size by laser cutting. If you want to bring thicker sheet to a specific dimension, you may have to resort to other metal-cutting processes.
Which metals cannot be laser-cut?
Since a metal laser is always a fixed installation, its dimensions dictate how large a workpiece may be to be suitable for laser cutting. Alongside material thickness, the dimensions of the sheet you need are also a possible obstacle to laser cutting.
Looking at our own production facility, we could cut stainless steel sheets for you up to 2.5 m wide and up to 6.2 m long. The sheet must be at least 0.5 mm thick and can be up to 30 mm thick. We use a highly efficient Bystronic Fiber Laser XXL.
Why should you have metals laser-cut?
There is a series of very good arguments for using a metal laser to cut metals:
- Highest precision: cutting is computer-aided and the kerf is very small. Even complex shapes are possible.
- High cost-efficiency: there is no offcut waste, and a metal laser can work around the clock.
- Higher productivity: the speed of laser cutting metals puts all other processes in the shade.
- The surfaces remain intact: since the laser only strikes the sheet in the area being cut, no scratches or other damage occur on the surface.
Why is laser cutting metals only for professionals?
The advantages of laser cutting are obvious. However, the costs and the space required for a metal laser are out of all proportion for occasional use. Anyone who would not use such an expensive, high-quality installation daily should not consider purchasing one.
Whenever absolute precision is required or you need a sheet in a particularly difficult shape, metal saws or hand-held metal cutting tools are no alternative. Even if you like to keep your project in your own hands from start to finish, in this case you should consider help from a professional.
Why ESC Burg is the best partner for laser cutting metal
If you want to use a professional's services and need a stainless steel sheet, we are exactly what you are looking for. We have specialised in order-based sheet production. Lean processes enable us to accept not only large orders from companies but also smaller orders from private individuals.
The process is always the same: every order is taken personally by our sales staff. This is so important to us because we want to make sure you receive the right sheet. The alloys in our range differ considerably in some cases - stainless steel is not all the same.
With a few targeted questions, we can find out which requirements the sheet you want must meet, and present you with an individually calculated quotation.
We deliver quickly and reliably
With us, you can always rely on millimetre-precise work. We also make sure that every sheet sets off to the customer securely packaged.
Since we need less than 2 days on average for production and work with reliable shipping partners, our customers have a sheet to their specifications in hand within a few days. If purchasing your own metal laser makes no sense for you, but you do not want to do without the advantages of this metal-cutting method, we would be delighted to hear from you. Incidentally, our offer is not limited to cutting: you can also commission forming or surface treatment. Then you receive your sheet exactly as you need it for your project - and only have to think about the installation.
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