Laser cutting uses a high-powered, focussed beam of light to cut thin materials. The same technology is also used to mark and engrave surfaces.
Material is placed on the machine’s bed and a CNC program moves the laser in the X and Y axes to cut profiles.
The cutting program is created by importing 2D CAD data for the profile(s) and, if multiple parts are being cut from the same sheet, nesting software arranges the parts efficiently to minimise cutting time and material wastage.
Laser power is set to suit the material and the laser is focused on before the cutting begins.
After the parts have been cut, they are removed from the machine and inspected.
Laser cutting is ideal for 2D profiling in thin sheet material. It is highly versatile for producing prototype and end-use parts. With no hard tooling, it is cost-effective for low volumes and small batches.
Our machine cuts a variety of materials, though we outsource the cutting of sheet metal.
Being a non-contact process that leaves no burrs, laser cutting is ideal for processing sterile materials for medical, pharmaceutical and life science applications.
Our laser machine durably and indelibly marks and engraves prototype and production parts. We can mark alphanumeric codes or sequential serial numbers, as well as machine-readable bar codes, QR codes and Data Matrix codes. Furthermore, symbols, logos and other 2D shapes can be marked or engraved.
Marking, engraving and coding are widely used in industries such as logistics, electronics, medical, automotive and aerospace to aid compliance with standards including UID, GS1, ASTM, UPC and EAN.
Whereas laser marking discolours the surface to create a visible contrast, laser engraving removes material to a controlled depth, usually without causing discoloration.
Our Trotec Speedy 400 laser machine has a working area of 1016 x 610 mm the laser is rated at 250 W. Our quoted tolerance is ±0.1 mm per 100 mm plus the tolerance on the material thickness.
As well as making continuous cuts, the machine can cut perforations or engrave continuous lines to create fold lines.
Laser cutting produces a clean edge with no burrs and minimal kerf. Parts seldom require any post-processing.
Cutting acrylic results in a polished surface, unlike conventional mechanical cutting processes.
We can cut, mark and engrave most non-metallic sheet materials, including plastics, rubbers, cardstock, gasket material, fabric, felt and woven glass fibre. MDF and plywood can be cut but the edges tend to be charred. Glass and ceramics can also be marked, engraved and etched. Other components can also be marked or engraved, not just sheet material.
Some plastics are incompatible with laser processing. Talk to us about your requirements and we will advise as appropriate.
Similarly, most materials can be laser engraved or marked but contact us to check compatibility.
Although we do not cut metals, we can mark and engrave them.
Laser cutting is a clean process, so parts generally need no cleaning or deburring.
Finishing options depend on the material. For the plastics we process, finishes include priming and painting, screen printing graphics, electroless plating and vacuum metallisation.
We can also carry out folding, bonding and other assembly operations.
Laser cutting is quick and relatively simple, so we can usually turn parts around very quickly if necessary. Please contact us with your requirements and we will advise of the lead time.
Do you need laser cut parts? Talk to us 01763 249760 or complete the enquiry form below to request a quote.
Our office team manages everything from the commercial, consulting and planning of the business through to the management of customer quotations and invoicing. If you’d like to meet the team, and take a tour of our prototyping facilities, please contact us.
Justin Pringle
Managing Director
Hannah Game
Head of Business Relations
Johnathan Andrews
Account Manager
Nicola Sparrow
Administration Assistant
Wendy Webb
Business Relations
Co-ordinator
Emily West
Business Relations
Co-ordinator
Vikki Pringle
Accounts and Company Secretary
Shane Lee
Finance Team Leader
Cookie | Duration | Description |
---|---|---|
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional | 11 months | The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". |
viewed_cookie_policy | 11 months | The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data. |