DC Manufacturing provides a high-precision sheet metal laser cutting service utilizing cutting-edge machinery. With a diverse portfolio covering various industries, Alpha Manufacturing has a proven track record of delivering exceptional products.
With our advanced laser cutting technology, which includes CO2 and fiber laser machines, we proudly offer a versatile precision laser cutting service capable of working with various material types, such as:
With a history dating back to 1862, our experienced team comprises experts with extensive knowledge in working with various materials and applications across a wide range of industries.
Laser cutting is a highly precise technique used to cut designs from different materials, guided by a CAD file. This thermal cutting process employs two types of laser sources: fiber laser and CO2 laser. Among them, the fiber laser stands out as the most advanced and cutting-edge laser cutting technology available today.
The laser can cut materials that are flat, tubed or profiled
CO2 lasers use a gas mixture and have an exceptionally high voltage
Laser cutters have a positioning accuracy of 10 micrometers and repeatability of 5 micrometers
Laser cutting is a highly precise technique used to cut intricate shapes from a workpiece, typically sheet metal. It involves focusing a powerful beam onto the workpiece, causing the material to melt or vaporize.
By following a predetermined path, the laser beam cuts out the desired parts by melting the material along its trajectory. This enables the quick and accurate creation of complex shapes. Subsequently, the operator removes the finished parts from the remaining sheet metal framework, a process known as “breaking out.”
There are two main types of laser cutting machines: CO2 lasers and fiber lasers, each with its own distinct characteristics and operating principles. At Alpha Manufacturing, we currently operate two fiber lasers and one CO2 machine, allowing us to cater to a wide range of laser cutting requirements.
CO2 lasers are widely utilized in laser cutting applications, making them the most commonly used type of laser cutting machines. These lasers employ a carbon dioxide gas mixture that is energized by a high-intensity electrical current. The CO2 laser is known for its high efficiency and precision. With a wavelength of approximately 10.6 micrometers, it is particularly suitable for cutting non-metallic materials like wood or plastics.
A fiber laser is classified as a “solid-state” machine, utilizing a “seed laser” to generate a highly focused beam. This beam is then amplified multiple times through glass fibers. The result is a laser beam with a small diameter that is up to 100 times more intense than a CO2 beam. As a result, fiber lasers offer significantly higher energy efficiency compared to CO2 alternatives.
The process of programming parts for laser cutting is similar to programming parts for punching. The programming department receives a nesting list from the planning department, which outlines the laser cutting jobs scheduled for the day.
Based on this list, the programming team works on creating a “nest” of parts on a sheet. The objective is to maximize cost efficiency by fitting as many parts as possible on a single sheet. To accomplish this, the programming department utilizes Radan software, specifically the “multi-part nester” feature.
The programmer receives the part model from the design department and imports it into the Radan software. Using the multi-part nester, the programmer arranges multiple parts onto the sheet, a process known as “nesting”.
Finally, the programming department generates the program in the form of a “block file”. The laser machine operator then inputs this file into the laser cutting machine, which produces the parts according to the program’s specifications.
The majority of the laser cutting we do here at DC Manufacturing is from sheet metal. We can laser cut:
However, metal is not the only material that can be laser cut and we do also process various woods and plastics.
When choosing between punching and laser cutting, several factors come into play to determine the preferred process.
Laser cutting is generally slower compared to punching due to the need for a “lead-in” before cutting a complete shape.
The laser first penetrates the material at a specific point and then follows a pattern to cut out the desired shape.
On the other hand, punching requires only one hit to remove the shape from the material before swiftly moving on to the next hit.
For DC Manufacturing, there is an additional consideration when deciding between laser cutting and punching. Our punch machines are equipped with fully automated load/unload facilities, allowing them to operate continuously and unmanned, even during “lights out” periods.
A sheet master tool loads blank sheets onto the punch bed, the punch manipulates and punches the sheet, and the sheet master removes the finished parts.
However, our lasers currently lack the capability to automatically remove finished parts, requiring operator supervision during the job.
If you have any inquiries regarding laser cutting or other sheet metal processes, please feel free to reach out to us.
We work with businesses in a wide variety of sectors with capabilities to offer short and long runs of metal products.