Laser Cutting FAQs

Laser cutting is a manufacturing process that uses a highly focussed light beam to cut through materials. Cutting is achieved by directing the output of a high-power laser most commonly through optics. The focused laser beam is directed at the material, which then either melts, burns, vaporises away and is blown away by a jet of gas, leaving an edge with a high-quality surface finish. The laser is programmed to follow the design to be cut into the material.

Modern techniques use a fibre optic delivery system. This system produces a purer beam and uses less power than traditional CO2 machines. Unifabs are equipped with the latest machinery from Amada including the Regius AJ fibre profiling centre. This equipment offers superior accuracy and delivers quality products to our customers.

At Unifabs we process the following materials: Mild Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminium, Pre-Galv, Zintec, Brass, Copper.

We handle sheet metals up to 20 mm in thickness, but most commonly up to 10 mm due to the nature of our products.

Flexibility:

As no tooling is required, there are very few limitations to what can be cut using a laser. Generally, if it can be drawn in 2D, it can be profiled! Beam control allows the beam’s output and intensity to be controlled, allowing for an array of different materials to be cut, or for different processes, such as engraving, to be performed. Laser technology also enables thicker material to be cut than is possible on a CNC punching machine, meaning we can bring a wider range of parts together in our fabrications.

Cost effective:

Laser cutting is an economical method of profiling as it does not require any kind of bespoke or modified tooling to be made. Plus efficient nesting of parts together means less waste, reducing cost to the customer.

Precision:

Laser cutting utilises an extremely small, and highly focussed laser beam to cut material with extreme precision. The material is vaporised with extreme accuracy and to tight tolerances with speed, meaning very little if any heat affected zone (HAZ) or warping occurs.