Technology

Take advantage of our cutting-edge Machining and Engineering solutions

The manufacturing industry has always been at the forefront of technological advancement. As an innovation engineering and manufacturing solutions provider, we are constantly upgrading our solutions to achieve better results for our customers. In the following sections, you will learn more about the technical aspects behind our services, which in turn can help you make the right decision on how to progress your project.

Amada ENSIS-4020AJ is one of the most powerful flatbed fibre laser machines in Scotland

CNC Laser Cutting: a highly precise and efficient metal profiling process

The Laser Cutting method uses a focused high-power laser beam to melt or vaporize the material in a small area to create the desired shape or pattern on a work-piece. This non-contact, thermal-based process can produce intricate patterns with narrow kerfs.

Pros and Cons of Laser Cutting

Pros

  • Laser Cutting offers high precision, which can produce very detail parts with cleaner cuts.
  • This non-contact method generates less heat than conventional cutting methods, which reduces the likelihood of warping or other defects.
  • CNC Laser Machines are fully automated and compatible with computer vector software.
  • The Laser Cutting process is more streamlined and efficient, shortening the lead time for production and reducing the need for further machining and finishing.
  • It can be used on a variety of materials, including plastic, aluminium, and steel, in various thicknesses.
  • In many circumstances, it is more cost-effective than CNC milling or casting solutions.

Cons

  • Unlike a CNC milling machine or 3D printer, a typical laser machine works on a X axis and Y axis, meaning it cannot create a 3D pattern.
  • Laser machines are less efficient on large-quantity production (when compare to CNC Punching or Mass-Produced Casting).
  • Material thickness is limited by the power output of the machine. Working on thicker material may sacrifice cutting quality.
  • Laser machines are expensive and require constant maintenance and calibration.
  • Laser machines consumes a lot of energy and relies on adequate and stable power infrastructure to properly perform.

Plasma Cutting: a popular alternative to Laser Cutting

Plasma Cutting offers many of the same benefits of laser cutting, but it cut also through thicker material at a faster rate and has a lower energy consumption. Plasma can cut through electrically conductive materials (including steel, stainless steel, aluminium, brass and copper) with an accelerated hot plasma jet that can reach 20,000°C or above. Plasma Cutting can produces an edge as smooth as Laser Cutting, but it also creates a slight (4 to 5 degrees) bevel in the cut face.

Plasma Cutting

Plasma Cutting

Plasma Cutting

Pros and Cons of Plasma Cutting

Pros

  • Plasma cutting can also produce high precision parts with clean edges just like a laser machine.
  • Plasma cutters can cut faster and go through thicker material than laser cutters.
  • Plasma cutters consume less energy than laser cutters, lowering operation cost.
  • Modern CNC Plasma Machines are also fully automated, boosting its efficiency even further.
  • It can also be used to cut many common metals, including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and copper, at basically any useable thickness.
  • In general, Plasma Cutting is more efficient and cost-effective than laser cutting

Cons

  • Plasma cutting usually follows a 2D design.
  • CNC Punching or Mass-Produced Casting are more efficient for large-quantity projects.
  • Plasma machines can be more expensive than laser machines.
  • Plasma cutting creates a slight (4 to 5 degrees) bevel in the cut face.
  • The heat generated by the plasma may harden the cutting edges of the material.
  • Plasma cutting may create dross on the parts, which needs to be cleaned after cutting.

CNC Software: the backstage hero that makes every engineering marvel possible

CNC Software:

  • SigmaTEK Systems

Our operation involves a diverse line-up of machines, and to optimise material utilization utilisation, machine motion, manpower, and data management, we have decided on the integrated software solution from SigmaTEK Systems. Their advanced CAD/CAM software is designed specifically for professional fabricators like us. SigmaTEK’s product suite covers the full range of fabrication including laser, plasma, press brake, and much more, ensuring precision and consistency across all processes.

We are always ready to help

If you are interested in our Laser Cutting services, feel free to contact us for a quick quote. You can check out other services we provide on this website.

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