

What Do You Plan on Making with this Machine? Just make sure the dimensions work with your workspace. But it is ultimately one of the main factors when deciding on a machine for your shop. This won’t be much of an issue for most small CNC machines, as they’re designed for smaller workshops. Also, will you be able to get it through garage doors if necessary? Of course, we’re emphasizing small or desktop-sized machines here, so we need to first look at whether they fit in your space. There are three main things to consider when buying a small CNC Mill. Any designs or prototypes can be turned into a reality.Related Posts: CNC Milling Machine Overview We fabricate from stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, copper and brass.

Other ways to save on scrap relate to cutting techniques such as nesting, lead-ins and lead-outs and tabbing on a laser.Īt Quest-Tech, we provide a complete range of fabrication and finishing services using state of the art equipment for laser cutting.

Also, two images or patterns can share a cut line, further reducing scrap. Using a laser to cut images saves on material scrap, as the accuracy and precision of the laser beam does not require a border on either side of a cut. Savings on material costs are another benefit of laser cutting. Because of CNC programming, no tooling changes are necessary to make adjustments to the cut. This enables the laser to adjust settings automatically during cutting depending on the thickness of the metal. The laser performs fast cutting actions with high accuracy, and a feature of CNC programming is regulating power output, meaning less energy while cutting is used. Once images or designs are programmed into the laser cutter, designs, shapes, and sizes can be altered, adjusted and tweaked with the punch of a button. These computer controls enable high levels of precision and increased cutting speed. Most laser cutting systems are operated by Computer Numerical Control (CNC) parameters. Other cost-effective measures of this method are the limited labor, setup and operational costs. Laser cutting requires no such maintenance and thus, manufacturing detailed shapes with precision can be done in less time. Comparatively, the traditional methods of cutting metal, e.g., shearing or punch press, tooling, retooling, and sharpening, require continuing maintenance. The heat cutting through the metal affects a smaller area, resulting in cleaner edges, but that smaller area also minimizes warping and distortion of the metal.Ī laser beam does not wear down during the process of cutting and does not require work stoppage for retooling or replacement parts. The laser is fixed and moves along a narrow path.

A laser beams accuracy and precision provides an intricate cut of the metal. This technique has the ability to cut metals more precisely than other methods can, such as with plasma cutting or waterjet cutting. Laser cutting offers several benefits and unique advantages for metal fabrication that can save time and maximize resources. True, fiber laser technology has increased laser beam power over the years however, improved cutting efficiency is controlled by the speed of the beam, not by raw laser power. It relies on high-energy beam power to give tighter cutting tolerances and maximize precision.Īnother of the more common misconceptions is that its efficiency is related to raw laser power. One such misconception is that the laser head makes direct contact with the material when it actually does not. Nevertheless, some common misconceptions about laser cutting still persist. The process is flexible, versatile, and highly efficient, and can be a cost-effective option when considering metal fabrication. The high-powered laser beam cuts by melting, burning or vaporizing the material, resulting in a very fine level of detail. They are all programmable and can convert 2D digital designs from CAD, or other vector-based images, into a physical object. Three main types of lasers are used in industry today: CO2 lasers for engraving, and Nd and Nd-YAG lasers for cutting. Laser equipment is distinct from other metal cutting machines in both design and application. Laser cutting is a manufacturing process that utilizes laser technology to cut flat-sheet metal.
