Laser Cutting

Laser Cutting

Laser Cutting2025-03-10T21:22:40+00:00
Laser Cutting

Novelty Structures offers laser cutting services of carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminium sheet metal  in its factories based in Turkey.

Laser Cut Bend Parts

What is Laser Cutting?

Laser cutting process enables cutting metallic and non-metallic materials with different thicknesses for metal fabrication works. The cutting operation is based on a laser beam which is guided, formed, and bundled. When the laser beam contacts the work piece, the material heats up to the extent that it melts or vaporises. The whole laser power is concentrated on one point with a diameter of less than a millimetre which provides a clear edge. While traditional metal cutting processes involve applying large-scale tools with enormous power to the metal, the laser beam completes its task without any direct contact to the work piece. This prevents any wearing, deformation and damage to the tool and the work piece.

The advantages of Laser Cutting

  • High Precision and Accuracy

It offers very high precision and accuracy with its novel cutting technology.

  • Low Operating Cost

Compared to the outcome, it offers lower operating cost per the unit amount of cutting.

  • Fast Cutting

It is significantly quicker than all other thermal and mechanical cutting methods. Check our article about laser cutting vs plasma cutting to compare the two most prominent metal cutting technologies.

  • Low Power Consumption

Considering the speed and accuracy of the provided by laser machines, the power consumption is lower than the other means of cutting.

  • Material Versatility

It is suitable for a lot of different materials.

  • Flexibility

Compared to the conventional metal cutting methods such as punching or shearing, it allows design flexibility and do not require tools for different cutting shapes.

Which metals cut by Laser?

  • Carbon Steel ( Mild Steel)
  • Stainless Steel
  • Aluminium
  • Brass
  • Copper
  • Titanium

What are types of Laser Machines?

  • CO2 Laser

Modern CO2 machines usually produce the laser beam in a sealed glass tube which is filled carbon dioxide. A high voltage flows through the tube and reacts with the gas particles, increasing their energy and producing light. This strong light creates heat which will vaporise the material and perform cutting task.

  • Fiber Laser

Fiber-optic lasers are the newest and most modern types of lasers due to their precise cutting generated different wavelengths. Fiber Lasers use an optical fiber cable made of silica glass to guide the beam. The laser beam generated by the fiber-optic lasers are more straight and smaller.

Thanks to the silica glass power source, fiber-optic lasers are considered as solid-state .This is contrary to CO2 lasers that use gas to create their power. An additional difference between the two forms of power is their wavelengths, with fiber-optic lasers producing smaller short wavelengths resulting with a more precise cut.

For further information, please check our article about Fiber vs Co2 Laser Cutting.

Quality Control of Laser Cutting

The quality control starts from pre-process activities and concludes with functional testing and documentation. The below table outlines the necessary actions for quality management in laser cutting.

A- Pre Processing


  • Inspect material type, thickness, and condition
  • Check machine setup and calibration

B- Post Process Monitoring


  • Monitor cutting process in real time
  • Conduct periodic sampling of parts

C- Post Cut Inspection


  • Measure dimensions for accuracy
  • Check edge smoothness and surface finish

D- Documentation


  • Record inspection results and logs
  • Analyse defects and Root Causes
Laser Cut Parts
Laser Cut Parts

Laser Cutting Finishes

Metal finishes are surface treatments applied to metal products to improve their appearance, durability, or functionality. Here are some common types of metal finishes.

Finish Description Metals
Polishing Smoothens the surface to create a glossy or mirror-like finish Stainless steel, Aluminium
Brushing Adds a satin texture with fine lines. It reduces reflectivity. Stainless steel, Aluminium
Sandblasting Uses abrasives to clean and texture the surface, creating a matte finish. Steel, aluminium
Grinding Removes imperfections and achieves desired smoothness or texture. Steel, stainless steel, aluminium
Finish Description Metals
Anodizing Adds a corrosion-resistant oxide layer, often with colour. Aluminium
Electroplating Deposits a thin layer of metal  for protection and enhanced appearance. Steel
Passivation Enhances natural oxide layer for  higher corrosion resistance. Stainless Steel
Electropolishing Smoothens and brightens the surface by electrolytic removal of metal Stainless Steel
Finish Description Metals
Powder Coating Applies heat-cured dry powder for a durable and decorative finish. Steel, Aluminium
Painting Adds colour and protection using wet paint. Steel, Aluminium
Hot Dip Galvanizing Coats metal with zinc for rust resistance. Steel
Ceramic Coating Provides a heat and wear-resistant surface for high temperature applications. Steel, stainless steel, aluminium
Finish Description Metals
Tempering Adjusts hardness and toughness by controlled heating and cooling. Steel, Stainless Steel
Case Hardening Strengthens the surface while keeping the core ductile. Steel
Annealing Softens the metal to improve machinability and ductility. Steel, Aluminium
Hardening Heating followed by rapid cooling, making the metal harder and stronger. Steel

FAQ

What is laser cutting, and how does it work?2024-12-17T12:09:37+00:00

Laser cutting is a manufacturing process that uses a high-powered laser beam to precisely cut, engrave, or shape materials. The laser beam is focused onto the material, melting, burning, or vaporizing it along a predefined path. This results in clean, accurate cuts with minimal material waste.

What materials can be cut using laser cutting?2024-12-17T12:22:18+00:00

Laser cutting works on a wide range of materials, including:

  • Metals: Steel, aluminium, stainless steel, brass, copper.
  • Non-metals: Plastics, wood, glass, acrylic, and composites.
What are the limitations of laser cutting?2024-12-17T12:25:55+00:00

While highly effective, laser cutting does have limitations:

  • Material Thickness: Thicker materials may require higher power or slower speeds, which could increase costs.
  • Reflective Materials: Some materials, like copper and brass, can reflect laser energy, making them harder to cut.
  • Initial Costs: The machinery and setup costs are significant, though long-term savings often offset this.
What tolerances can be achieved with laser cutting?2024-12-17T12:26:23+00:00

Typical tolerances depend on the material and equipment but generally range from ±0.1 mm to ±0.2 mm. High-precision equipment may achieve even tighter tolerances.

What factors affect laser cutting quality?2024-12-17T12:29:41+00:00

Several factors influence the cutting results, including:

  • Material type and thickness
  • Laser power and focus
  • Cutting speed
  • Gas type and pressure used during the cutting process
  • Proper maintenance of the equipment
What are the typical lead times for laser cutting services?2024-12-17T12:30:16+00:00

Lead times vary based on project complexity, material availability, and workload. For simple designs, lead times can be as short as 1–3 days, whereas complex projects may take longer.

Can laser cutting handle high production volumes?2024-12-17T12:30:45+00:00

Yes, laser cutting is suitable for both prototyping and high-volume production. Its repeatability ensures consistent results across large batches.

How does laser cutting impact material properties?2024-12-17T12:31:12+00:00

Laser cutting is generally non-contact, minimizing mechanical stress on materials. However, localized heat can cause slight thermal effects, such as discoloration or minor hardening, depending on the material.

How does the cost of laser cutting compare to other methods?2024-12-17T12:31:39+00:00

The cost depends on material type, thickness, project complexity, and production volume. While the initial setup may be higher, laser cutting often reduces overall costs due to precision and minimal material waste.

Can laser cutting be used for custom prototypes?2024-12-17T12:32:04+00:00

Yes, laser cutting is highly effective for prototyping. It allows engineers to quickly iterate designs, test functionality, and refine geometries with minimal lead time.

CNC Laser Cutting

What is Novelty Structures offering?

We are an experienced fabricator with various fibre lasers in our machinery park.

With vast CNC Machinery Park and experienced engineering team, Novelty Steel fabricates bespoke laser cut sheet metal parts according to the EN 1090-2 European Norms.

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