Manufacturing services · Chapter D · Method 20

Laser cutting

A focused fibre or CO2 laser beam melts or vaporises a narrow kerf, guided by CNC. Accurate, fast and burr-light on sheet and plate.

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Fibre-laser cutting head over sheet steel. Representative process photo · YIHAI LASER · Pexels

CO2 laser cutter in the TCI workshop. TCI workshop

How it works

Laser cutting, step by step.

A labelled schematic of the process (not to scale), and the four steps every job goes through.

Labelled diagram showing how laser cutting works — Schematic · not to scale. Drawn by TCI Group.

STEP 01

Nest

Nest parts on the sheet to reduce waste.

STEP 02

Pierce

The beam pierces the sheet at a lead-in.

STEP 03

Cut

Assist gas clears the kerf as the head moves.

STEP 04

De-tab

Remove parts, de-tab and deburr if specified.

Reference figures

What to expect.

Typical industry values to help you plan. We agree the figures for your part on the drawing.

Tolerance±0.25 mmEdge to edge, top face

KerfNarrowFine detail possible

Small HolesØ ≤ 2.5 mmMay be slightly larger

FlatnessStock dependentNot guaranteed

Materials	Steel, stainless, aluminium, brass and copper (fibre); acrylic, wood and some plastics (CO2).
Finishes	Clean edge with fine vertical striations; light heat tint near cuts.
Design guidance	Hole diameter at least equal to sheet thickness. Allow for slight taper on thick plate. Avoid tiny unsupported tabs.
Best suited to	Flat profiles, blanks for bending, signage, gaskets and templates.
Watch-outs	Reflective metals and thick plate are slower; some plastics give off harmful fumes.

Other methods in Sheet & tube

Previous: Sheet metal fabrication Next: Waterjet cutting

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Reference figures are typical published industry values for planning, not a guarantee; final tolerances, materials and finishes are agreed in writing for each project.