One of the essential requirements of sheet metal fabrication is the cutting of the sheets into predetermined shapes and sizes. Earlier, it was very time-consuming and hard work to do the cutting manually, but with the advent of laser cutting, that work has now become more manageable and fast. Basically, computer numerically controlled or CNC laser cutting technology uses a laser to cut materials, and has been found to be a heaven sent tool for industrial and manufacturing applications. The system works by using a high powered laser beam directed at the material to be cut and shaped, usually by a programmed computer.
Smooth Finishes
As mentioned earlier, the laser is directed at the material that needs to be cut, and the CNC laser cutting instrument burns, melts, or vaporizes the metal. The cut edges are of very high quality without any sharp or uneven edges. In industry, laser cutters are used primarily to cut flat sheet material in perfect shapes of varying sizes which allows metal fabricators to create precision parts which require very little, finishing work. As the CNC laser cutting machine cuts the sheets, any excess material or debris is melted or burned away, leaving a very smooth finish with very little debris. This system offers manufacturers a system which is very effective as physical tooling has been totally eliminated. It has proved to be a very effective tool when compared to existing sheet cutting procedures.
Vital Manufacturing Tool
Some of the advantages by using the services of a CNC precision machining company which uses laser cutting technology gives your metal sheets a very fine finish, reduces sharp burrs, and maintains very close tolerances. The best mediums for laser cutting is on materials like carbon, stainless steel, wood, aluminum, polythene, galvanized steel, etc. It has been found unsuitable to cut metals like copper and aluminum alloys because of their property of reflecting laser light; they also conduct and absorb heat. By using programmed software, a CNC precision machining instrument can run the laser cutter in a very precise manner with very fine tolerances and precision. The cut material possesses smooth edges with very little imperfections, and has proved to be vital in the manufacturing sector.
Precision Parts
Currently there are machine shops and industries which use CNC laser cutting machine for their production along with other machines which use water jets for cutting. To produce precision blanked surfaces or precision finish, a new type of stamping process called fineblanking has become very popular. This stamping technology produces excellent fineblanked parts with surfaces that are free from any cracks or other imperfections. This technology uses multiple pressure points to produce the finest precision blanked parts requiring very little finishing. Fineblanking parts manufacturers using this technology have found uses for the manufacture of small engine parts, automobile chassis parts; brake components, machine tool parts as well as turbocharger components. When compared to parts manufactured by conventional stamping as against fineblanking, it is very easy to see the difference in the quality of finish.
