Custom Laser Cutting
Custom laser cutting machines produce intricate designs that are too complicated for manual work. Sharp angles, smooth curves, small holes for screws and complex lace designs are all accomplished with the use of CNC (computer numerically controlled) or PC laser cutting machines. Sheets of material can be cut to any design and engraved with text, logos or graphics with the use of a laser. Unlimited design freedom and a wide use of materials, including steel, stainless steel, spring steel, titanium, wood, cork and acrylic makes products manufactured via laser cutting unique, intricate and completely customizable. This type of complex laser cutting is always done with computers, and software programs are used to design the blueprints. If the customer doesn't have access to the software, they are often able to submit a sketch of their desired product and the manufacturing company will convert it to the computer program.
Laser cutting machines are confined to producing two dimensional products, but can manufacture parts with slots and tabs, brackets or screws that, when put together, form a three dimensional product. Welding is also often done by lasers. Laser cutting machines eliminate the tooling process, which cuts down on cost and time. Custom laser cutting is mostly used for prototyping or low production yields for promotional or commercial products. Since the laser beam is tapered in a cone shape, one side of the cut part is smaller than the other side. Although there is no way around this problem, it is not noticeable when thinner sheets of material are used.