What is Laser Cutting?

We’ve been offering Laser Cutting services in Liverpool and beyond for over 30 years, but what is laser cutting? And what does it involve?

Laser Cutting Explained

Laser cutting is a technology that uses lasers to cut materials (in our case, aluminium, stainless steel, and mild steel), which is mainly used in the manufacturing industry. Laser machines cut based on computer-aided design files to guide them. The most popular method uses CO2, which is the one we use.

CO2 laser machines fire a laser that melts the metal into the desired design. This works by directing the laser’s output through optics. Laser optics and computer numerical control direct the material and laser beam. This allows for precise levels of detail and leaves an edge with a high-quality finish.

Laser cutters create products and parts in various industries, including vending, shopfitting, motorsport, medical, aerospace, science, switchgear, enclosures, kiosks, rail, and security.

Diagram of a typical Laser Cutter

Laser Cutting History

The Western Electric Engineering Research Center first produced laser cutting machines in 1965, which were used to drill holes in diamond dies. In 1967, Britain pioneered laser-assisted oxygen jet cutting for metal, and in the early 1970s, this technology was used to cut titanium for aerospace applications. During the same period, CO2 lasers were adapted to cut non-metal materials such as textiles, as they were not powerful enough to overcome the thermal conductivity of metals at the time.

Our Laser Cutting Services

We use the most potent precision laser technology available. Our laser process can produce the high standards required throughout manufacturing, and our engineering team can achieve exceptional cutting detail on various materials. These state-of-the-art machines can quickly, cost-effectively, and at a high quality create complex components from flat sheet metal. We work with companies in multiple industries, including automotive, motorsport, transport, material handling, construction, architecture, shopfitting, furniture, and security. Find out more here.