Custom laser cutting is the process of making specialty parts or creating designs with the use of a machine that emits laser beams. The lasers can be used to cut pipes in non-standard lengths or create pieces of unusual shape or size. They can also etch lettering and designs into hard materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and carbon steel. These services may also be combined.
The process of custom laser cutting is typically conducted by a machining company. These services can be either the sole offering of the organization or one of several other fabrication or finishing services. The work is usually done with large machines that are able to handle big pieces, such as sheets of metal.
Custom laser cutting can be performed for a single piece or for a batch of specialty pieces. Many kinds of laser cutting equipment have multiple lasers, which enables the machines to handle a large volume of material. These machines have varying ability to handle materials, depending on their size and durability. Often the larger machines are more able to handle heavy or big pieces while the smaller machines tend to work more quickly.
Good custom laser cutting will result in a clean design without any other blemishes on the material. In orders of multiple fabricated parts, each piece will be identical to the rest. There will be no ragged edges, which are called burrs. This quality of work depends upon how well the machine is maintained and the skill of the operator.
One of the primary reasons for using custom laser cutting services is that it saves costs for the customer. This is because creating tools to make custom parts or designs can be expensive. By using laser machinists, materials can be made not only at a lower cost, but in varying designs. If a customer wants to make an alteration for the next batch of materials, there is no need to create a new tool; the laser machine can be adjusted.
An alternative to laser cutting is abrasive water jet cutting. This is a process where a high speed stream of water is propelled through an abrasive particle in order to create the necessary force to make a cut. Some common abrasives include diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. This is a good method for especially thick materials. The process is also able to handle more kinds of materials.
