Laser cutting is a fast and accurate way to process sheet metal. But there are more factors than you might think that affect both price and quality. Here we share some concrete tips that can help you get more out of every cut, whether you are working on single parts or larger series.
The wrong choice of material or unnecessarily thick sheet metal can quickly increase costs, both in material and processing time. Think about what the part actually has to withstand and what properties are required. For example, stainless steel may be necessary for corrosion protection, but if it's not needed, a cheaper hot-rolled sheet may suffice - often reducing the price significantly.
Discussing material choices at the design stage can also help you choose dimensions that require less post-processing, thus saving both time and money.
Nesting is about how the parts are laid out on the sheet to minimise waste. In practice, this can mean rotating or mirroring parts to fit together better, or adjusting dimensions by a few millimetres to fit more parts per sheet.
For example, a small change in width or length can allow an extra part to fit on the same sheet, which can save hundreds of kilos of material per order while reducing waste.
Not all parts of a part need to have the highest possible finish. If a surface is to be welded or further machined, you can often opt for a simpler cut at that point, which is quicker and less expensive. For example, an edge to be sanded afterwards may have a wider kerf or a slightly rougher cut, while visible surfaces will have a finer finish.
By identifying the areas that need extra precision, you can get a better balance between quality and cost.
Laser cutting generates heat that can affect the properties of the material and lead to deformation or stresses, especially in thin or complex parts. For example, if you have very narrow sections or sensitive tolerances, it may be beneficial to use a customised cutting strategy, such as adjusting the speed or power, to reduce heat propagation.
It can also help to plan details so that heat impacts are not concentrated in one place, but spread out to reduce the risk of deformation.
At AB Linde Maskiner, we offer laser cutting with a focus on high quality, delivery reliability and cost-effective solutions. With long experience and modern machinery, we help you to produce parts that meet your requirements, whether for small series or larger volumes.
Please get in touch if you want to know more or discuss a specific project - sometimes a quick chat is enough to find a better way forward.
Phone: +46 581 883 00
Email: info@lindemaskiner.se
Invoices: faktura@lindemaskiner.se
