One of the most common manufacturing methods we utilise here at Qualitetch is metal laser cutting. Much like the photo etching process, we use this to cut through material according to a specific design, and this is an extremely precise technique. Metal laser cutting does exactly what it says on the tin and is a very popular method of manufacturing parts and components for industrial applications, where photo chemical etching is not feasible.
Sometimes, we cannot undertake the etching process due to limitations of specific materials and design aspects. When this occurs, the next available option is to utilise the CNC metal laser cutting technique. Laser beams are able to complete the task at hand with a high level of precision, and due to the nature of this technique, the laser beam incurs very little by way of wear and tear, making it a very efficient and long-standing procedure.
Highly Precise
While the cutting process itself is undertaken by a laser beam, it is controlled and directed using computer numerical controls. Essentially, there is very little room for error, and high-quality results are produced in large volumes.
Compared to the etching process, however, metal laser cutting can also be applied to a variety of other materials, including wood and paper, amongst many others. The speed at which we are able to produce parts using this method allows for a very competitive turn-around time frame at minimal cost.
Look Further
While these processes might not seem apparent in everyday life, we would like to assure you that they affect many things that you might come across daily. For instance, over the course of the last year, scientists have been working on a method of laser cutting which renders the material resistant to water.
Lasers are pulsed rapidly on a sheet of metal to create tiny grooves, a mere 0.1mm apart. The laser creates such power and force in this rapid movement that it alters the surface of the material permanently, creating micro-structures and nanostructures.
Once exposed to air, the metal is now able to repel water. This might sound familiar in your use of Teflon coated household items like frying pans, however, this method allows for water to bounce off the surface of the metal, opposed to sliding off like it does with Teflon.
It is anticipated that this technique can be developed so that it is much faster and also creates results on a smaller budget and timeframe. The opportunities for this technique are endless; from ensuring solar panels do not rust, to providing developing countries with safer, more hygienic access to fresh water.
For more information on the metal laser cutting technique, or to enquire about any orders, please contact our team, who will be more than happy to assist you.