Laser Cutting in Phoenix: A Cut Above the Rest

Are you searching for quality laser cutting in Phoenix?

Group Manufacturing Services has been servicing the Valley of the Sun since 1984 providing precision manufacturing, CNC machining, laser cutting, quick-turn prototypes, component assembly, and in-house metal finishing services.

We specialize in short lead times and quick turn around.

Call Aajogo & Get a Quote today!

What is Laser Cutting?

As it is used in the manufacturing sector, laser cutting is a technology that relies on lasers to cut through solid metal and shape intricate parts. Using lasers to cut metal is a widely used and adopted process in the manufacturing industry and holds a number of advantages over other types of metal cutting technologies.

The benefits laser cutting offers over turret punching or a blanking press include:

• High efficiency
• High speed
• High quality
• Low thermal influence, no delamination
• Non-contact cutting resulting in less tool maintenance and no material deformation
• Cuts a wide variety of materials

Most modern laser cutters can achieve precision of 0.1mm and cut at speeds of up to 25m per minute.

Because of it’s precise nature, it is the preferred method used for cutting pieces that require a fine level of detail and precise dimensions.

What is a CNC laser cutting machine?

In most cases, laser cutting machine optics are controlled by a computer, and this is called computer numerical control (or CNC). By controlling the machine with CNC machinists are able to make very close tolerance cuts, in some cases down to 1/16 of an inch.

What are some alternatives to laser cutting?

Alternatives include using a blanking press or turret punch. A blanking press has a cutting tool for each shape while a turret punch has multiple small tools and punches out a part by cutting a number of hole sizes.

What are the advantages of laser cutting?

There are many advantages to using a laser cutter to produce precision components.

1. Laser cutting is safer – A blanking press operates with a large blade that moves up and down causing a serious safety risk for misplaces hands or fingers. Laser cutting is relatively safe and operates on autopilot in a ‘hands-free’ manner.
2. Superior quality edge – Quality is critical when producing precision parts. Punches and presses use sheer force to shear through the material. This action basically stretches the material until it reaches its breaking point, creating a slightly asymmetrical surface difference. This type of cut will need to be cleaned up with an abrasive and secondary (time/energy consuming/costly) process. Laser cutting on the other hand produces a razor sharp, mirror like cut… much like slicing a hot knife through butter.
3. Cutting strength – A blanking die can only cut through material up to a certain strength while a laser has no such limitations. If it can be melted or vaporized then a laser can cut through it.
4. Less material waste – Blanking presses and turret punches require at least a ½ margin on each side of the surface that is being cut. This leads to an increase in wasted material. Because laser cutting has no such restrictions much less material is wasted in the process.
5. Spend less on maintenance – While a turret punch or blanking press will have parts that need to be regularly sharpened and removed and stored, a laser cutting machine will need much less maintenance and will be significantly cheaper to operate.
6. Flexibility – Having custom tooling made for a blanking machine can be a very costly endeavor, depending on certain factors. Prices in the range of 25 to 50 thousand dollars are not uncommon. That of course, is quite a large investment. Turret punch operation is a bit cheaper and more flexible, but you are limited to the tooling you have on-hand. If a parts dimensions are altered the changes must we within your tooling capabilities or you will need to re-tool the turret punch. Laser cutting bypasses all this and can be setup and reprogrammed for a new task in minutes.
7. Energy Efficient – A laser cutter will generally use 1/5 of the power that a blanking press or turret punch would consume. 50kW of electricity total vs. just 10kW of power to operate a 4kW laser system. Quite a significant difference.

Ready to learn more about Aajogo laser cutting in Phoenix? Call the professionals at Aajogo for a free consultation.

Laser Cutting In Phoenix: Group Manufacturing Services, Inc.

At Group Manufacturing Services, Inc. we operate two different laser cutting machines that are manufactured by two different companies.

One is a Prima Platino 1530, and the other is a Amada LC 3015. You can learn more about the different types of machines we employ in our Arizona facility by visiting our Facilities page.

Prima Platino 1530

Technical Details for the Prima Platino 1530:

Amada LC 3015

Technical Details for the Amanda LC 3015