laser cutting stainless steel sheet metal uk
All our sheet metal components that are either CNC punched or laser cut are programmed off-line. This basically means all the instructions needed for laser cutting stainless steel parts are ready for the machine operator when needed for cutting. A few simple alterations can be made at the laser machine but the part details and the part layout (nest) is set off-line. We use Radan CAD/CAM programming software to control this aspect of the manufacturing. The algorithms within the Radan software instantly find the best fit from any given sheet and the quickest path for the laser head to cut all the internal cut-outs and the outer profile.
laser cutting stainless steel sheet metal uk
When laser cutting stainless steel with a protective plastic coating we have to carry out a vapour laser cutting operation first. This is a quick process with the laser cutter running around the profiles of the holes and profile at low power fusing the plastic film to the stainless steel substrate. This then allows the laser to switch to full power and cut through the stainless steel without the nitrogen cutting assist gas blowing bubbles in the plastic.
laser cutting stainless steel sheet metal uk
Once the laser cutting program has been created. A single part checked out for size and edge quality. There is only the the batch to run and with a 3KW Trumpf fibre laser that is very quick. With an automatic pallet changer we can be laser cutting stainless steel parts while removing the previous nest of parts. This enables us to keep the machine running more of the time saving time and money.
You can now see how easy it is for us to laser cut stainless steel parts to suit our customers designs.
For more information on laser cutting take a look at this page.
Simple send us a drawing or two and we will be happy to take a look and produce you an estimate for supplying materials and manufacturing. Either a direct e-mail to sales@vandf.co.uk or use our contact form on the website.