No matter your need, we have the means to get the job done. But not every job is the same. Material selection, size, tolerance, post processing needs, and more are all considered when choosing the best fabrication method to make a given metal sign. Each cutting process has its own advantages and challenges. Where one cutting method falls short, another offers a solution.
CNC vs. Laser vs. Waterjet Cutting
CNC, laser, and waterjet cutting are distinct manufacturing processes with differences in cutting method, materials, precision, heat effects, and cost.
CNC cutting utilizes computer control for cutting tasks, suitable for metals, plastics, and wood. Designs programmed into the CNC machine direct the router to cut or carve material with exact velocity and positioning. It is very precise but may generate heat.
Laser cutting employs a high-powered laser for precise cuts across a range of materials, with minimal heat-affected zones, making it ideal for intricate designs. It excels in precision and minimizes heat effects especially in detailed designs with small features.
Waterjet cutting utilizes a high-pressure stream of water mixed with abrasives, offering versatility in cutting materials without heat, suitable for metals, glass, and composites. The choice among these methods depends on factors like material type, desired precision, and budget considerations, catering to diverse applications in manufacturing and fabrication industries.
Laser Cutting
As the name suggests, Capable of cutting upwards of 2,500 inches per minute, laser cutting is the fastest method available, and often the most economical. Our high-powered fiber lasers range from 4kW to 12kW and are accompanied by a fleet of low-powered CO2 lasers. Highly accurate cuts with tight tolerances are the norm with laser cutting, the process of using a laser to make two-dimensional cuts into stock material. A laser is a very fine amplified light beam that melts, burns, and even vaporizes through work material along a preprogrammed path, making a highly accurate cut.
Capable of cutting upwards of 2,500 inches per minute, laser cutting is the fastest method available, and often the most economical. Our high-powered fiber lasers range from 4kW to 12kW and are accompanied by a fleet of low-powered CO2 lasers. Highly accurate cuts with tight tolerances are the norm with laser cutting,