Revolutionizing Metal Cutting: Benefits of Laser Cutting for Steel Plates

Metal cutting is a fundamental process that has significantly transformed with technological advancements. In the industrial realm, its usefulness is unparalleled. Different methods and techniques are used to cut metal, and each has its own limitations and advantages. Laser cutting is one method known for unmatched precision and accuracy.

This blog is about metal cutting, the role of laser cutting in industrial settings, its benefits, applications, and related matters.

Read on!

Traditional Metal Cutting Techniques

The traditional metal cutting methods include:

Metal Shears: Metal shears have been used for metal cutting for ages. Several handheld tools achieve metal cutting, but as we know, “to err is human,” these shears are not used very commonly, not unless absolutely required.

Shearing Machines: Different metal shearing machines are used for metal cutting. Hydraulic and CNC machines are all examples of metal shearing machines.

Sheet Metal Shears: Cutting sheet metal is different from cutting sheet bars and pipes. Sheet metal shears have been in use for years. These handheld metal cutters include pliers, combs, electric shears, etc.

Laser Cutting: The Modern Approach

Laser cutting is the best method of sheet metal cutting. It utilizes a focused laser beam to melt, burn, and vaporize the material, leading to clean cuts. The laser beam is so powerful that it can cut through any hard or thick metal.

How laser cutting works is a common question asked by the masses.

Here is the answer.

The laser beam is at the center of this process. The high-power laser is carefully guided on the surface of the metal, whose heat melts and burns the material, separating it into two clean parts. The laser is guided by CAD, thus able to cut even larger and thousands of sheet metals with the same accuracy and precision.

What makes it better than other traditional metal-cutting methods is that it is a very efficient and quick process. Laser cutting can cut any metal and any complex shape. There is no significant tooling requirement, as the process is automated.

Benefits of Laser Cutting for Steel Plates

The multiple benefits of laser cutting for steel plates are discussed below:

Precision and Accuracy

Steel plates come in varied thicknesses and sizes. Multiple industries require different plate types to be cut in distinct shapes. With laser cutting, a metal service provider can offer unmatched precision, accuracy, and custom cuts. The pattern is fed into the computer program, and the machine takes care of the rest. Millions of plates can be cut with laser cutting in a similar pattern.

Cost-Effectiveness

Laser cutting is often used for industrial needs because the larger the operation, the more cost-effective it is. Time is money, and the time that laser cutting saves the industries makes it a cost-effective process.

Also, it causes the least material waste, and with lower labor costs, it is indeed the most cost-effective method.

Increased Efficiency

Compared to other metal cutting methods, laser cutting has emerged as the fastest. And why not? With minimal manual intervention and automated techniques, the process offers quick turnaround times.

Versatility

Harder and thicker steel plates require high-power lasers, but there is no metal that laser cutting cannot shear. From thin gauges to thick plates, it accommodates diverse manufacturing needs.

Applications of Laser Cutting

Laser cutting was introduced in the 1970s. Although it has only been a little more than 50 years since then, this method of metal cutting is used extensively in almost all industries. Here are some of the industries that use laser cutting for shearing steel plates.

Automotive Industry: The precision that the automotive industry demands is unreal; thus, laser cutting has emerged as the solution. Whether it’s chassis parts or body panels, laser cutting is the way to go.

Construction and Architecture: Steel is used heavily in architectural endeavors. Laser cutting is the only way to achieve intricacy in steel structural components.

Aerospace Industry: No part of the aerospace industry can be trifled with, let alone designing the structural components. The aircraft components are crafted using laser cutting.

Manufacturing and Engineering: Laser cutting is a boon for mass production, be it industrial machinery, heavy components, or small metal parts. It can carve millions of identical products.

Choosing the Right Metal Cutting Service

Choosing a metal-cutting service provider requires assessing the needs to be fulfilled and whether the service provider has the resources and knowledge to do so. Ask for their qualifications, experiences, check out customer reviews and testimonials, visit the workshop, learn about the machines they house, etc.

Ask important questions about their techniques and methods, such as:

• What material thicknesses and hardness does their laser cutting machine can handle?
• Do they have samples of the steel plates they have produced in the past?
• Do they offer on-site technical support?
• What types of machines do they use for other operations?
• What quality assurance do they offer?

Final Words

Laser cutting is an advanced metal cutting technique not used by every metal fabricator. From shear to cut metal to laser cutting, metal cutting has witnessed rapid transformation over the years. Laser cutting has emerged as the unmatched winner in terms of precision and accuracy.

At New Mexico Metals LLC, we offer exceptional metal-cutting services. With our trained staff and advanced machines, you get quality service.

For more information, contact us today!