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The best metal laser cutter near you

Metal Laser Cutting

Lasers are used to cut a wide variety of materials, and metals are among the most common. But which type of metal can you work on with a laser cutter? With hundreds of different metals out there across Australia’s industrial landscape, each serving different purposes for their sector, you need to know how you can get the best cut for your project.

Here at Advanced Cutting Technology, we are proud to help our clients achieve exactly this. We employ efficient metal laser cutting services designed to achieve exceptional results across a broad range of different material types. Whether you’re looking for laser cut stainless steel, laser-cut aluminium or carbon steel laser cutting, you’ll find what you need right here. You can rely on the results you receive – edges are finished with precise quality without the need for further deburring or grinding.

We excel in providing excellent results, whether it’s laser cut stainless steel or precision cutting on other materials. To achieve this, we offer three different forms of cutting: gas, crystal, and fibre. These methods offer significant advantages, ensuring efficiency gains and delivering the benefits of precision cutting that our clients rely on for their projects.

Gas cutting uses carbon dioxide or nitrogen mixtures, stimulating these mixtures via electricity. Earlier versions of gas-based methods were not able to offer laser cutting on metal materials. However, over time, the technology has progressed, and it’s now possible to do so. But gas lasers are unsuitable for all metals, such as reflective materials. Gas methods also carry the risk of damage to metals or oxidisation if the gas is impure – this is why we plan each project carefully, so you know you’re in safe hands.

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Crystal cutting primarily uses neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (nd:YAG) and neodymium-doped yttrium ortho-vanadate (nd:YVO) crystals. These enable high-powered laser cutting and work particularly well for thick metals.

Compared to gas and crystal, fibre laser cutting is relatively new. The biggest advantage here is that fibre lasers offer a longer service life than the other two methods. Though when it comes to cutting thick metals, gas lasers cut quicker than fibre lasers, whereas it’s the other way around for thin metals.

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Metal laser cutter methods

In addition to the different forms there are also a variety of methods that involve sheet metal laser cutting, including 2D steel laser cutting, 3D laser cutting and rotary laser cutting to name a few. In 2D laser cutting, a series of mirrors and lenses direct a high energy light beam into the cutting surface of the material. When struck, the beam would melt and evaporate the metal underneath the surface. Any residue is blown away from the cut with a gas stream. This type of laser cutting is also known as flat sheet or profile cutting. In metal cutting services, these are used for sheet metal laser cutting operations. 

3D laser cutting offers more options in terms of the cutting material. As the name implies, this is a multi-axis cutting process and can be used to cut many different shapes of metal materials ranging from tubes, angles, beams, and the likes.

Alternately, rotary laser cutting offers a variation from other forms of drilling, sawing, and punching. This helps cut tubes and profiles into sections in one clamping operation, and produces recesses and contours with greater accuracy.

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Custom metal laser cutting in Dandenong and Melbourne

Regardless of the method, a metal laser cutter includes mild steel up to 20mm, carbon steel up to 20mm as well as alloy and tool steel. Steels that are known as conventionally difficult to machine can be laser cut regardless of their hardness.

ACT offers a comprehensive solution for laser cutting aluminium and other metals in Dandenong and other suburbs in Melbourne.

At Advanced Cutting Technology, any one of the company’s three 2D laser cutting machines is capable of cutting designs with ease. From laser cut stainless steel to the best aluminium alloy for laser cutting, these can be transformed into any two dimensional  or three dimensional form possible. The company’s specialist 3D laser cutting technology also offers a superior service equipped with a six-axis system. Capabilities of 3D laser cutting at Advanced Cutting Technology further includes Countersinking, Bevel Edge Cutting and Scalloping. 

Advanced Cutting Technology is also equipped with a dedicated rotary laser cutting machine. This allows for slots, junctions or shapes cut from a tube to be accurate and convenient. Rotary laser cutting is ideal for settings such as construction, housing and furniture applications. These industries often require holes, slots, key ways or angles for assemblies and flush fitting joints.

Streamline your laser cut stainless steel production processes

We’re dedicated to maintaining our position as one of Melbourne’s leading metal cutting service providers, which is why we do everything we can to ensure your customer satisfaction. From finding cost-effective, local solutions to accommodating small scale products up to large commercial needs, we’re constantly surpassing all client expectations. You can count on us to deliver superior outcomes and fast, effective production on a budget.

What makes us different?

When you need laser cut stainless steel or other metal laser cutting in Melbourne, there’s none better recommended than Advanced Cutting Technology. Both small and large businesses trust us with their laser cut stainless steel or other laser cut metal projects because we provide the following:

Skills and experience

With over 100 years of experience in laser cutting, our team of experts will be sure to deliver a premium quality laser cutting service. There isn’t a type of material we haven’t been able to laser cut to precision. This is all thanks to our staff, who have  a strong desire to learn and develop their skills through education and training.

Diverse solutions

Our custom metal cutting services are not limited to laser cut stainless steel services or cutting other metals. Our skilled services also extend to other materials such as acrylic, wood, stainless steel, composites, rubber and other materials. We are also up for any challenge and take pride in offering a fast turnaround.

State-of-the-art equipment

Our company has three specialist laser cutting machines that offer a superior service equipped with a six-axis system and a dedicated rotary laser cutting machine.

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Do you have an upcoming sheet metal laser cutting project you want to complete? Get in touch with us today for a personalised quote.

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FAQs

What laser is best for cutting sheet metal?

Identifying the ideal laser for cutting sheet metal involves evaluating critical features such as power output, speed, and precision. Additionally, consider the dimensions of the metal you're working with, as thicker materials may require a more robust laser cutter to ensure effective cutting.

How much does it cost to operate a laser metal-cutting machine?

CO2 and Fibre lasers are commonly used for metal surfaces and vary in operating costs. This can then be broken down into the following:

Electricity: If a CO2 laser runs for 8 hours a day would cost around $400 per hour. Fibre lasers are 75% more efficient at $400 per hour

Maintenance: It’s estimated that 5-10% of the machine's cost will be spent annually on maintenance.

Labour: Skilled operators typically earn between$25 to$40 per hour

How thick of metal can a laser cutter do when it comes to laser cutting metal?

The ability of a laser cutter to cut metals of different thicknesses effectively depends on factors like laser power, metal type, and machine capabilities. Laser cutters are generally designed for thin to medium-thickness metals. 

CO2 laser cutters, for instance, are adept at cutting stainless steel up to approximately 12 mm  thick. In contrast, fibre laser cutters can manage thicker materials, ranging up to 25 mm (1 inch) or more. It's important to check the manufacturer's guidelines and specifications for precise details on a specific laser cutter's maximum metal thickness capacity.

How powerful does a laser need to be to cut metal?

A laser needs significant power to cut through metal successfully and is often supplied by a fibre laser or a high-powered CO2 laser. For optimal results, the laser should have a power output of at least  5KWor more, depending on the specific type and thickness of the cut metal.

What factors need consideration when using sheet metal laser cutting?

Like any other process, sheet metal laser cutting has its considerations. Here are some factors you should think about before starting:

  • Choose a machine equipped with either a CO2 or fibre laser.
  • Verify that the selected machine has enough power to handle the maximum thickness of the sheet metal you intend to cut.
  • Maintain cleanliness in both your workspace and on the machine.
  • Keep Fire extinguishers accessible.
  • Ensure your machine settings are appropriate for your cutting material.
  • Execute the design accurately to achieve a clean cut in a single pass.
  • Perform a series of test cuts in a waste section of the material to fine-tune the cut for optimal quality.
  • Wear all necessary safety gear, including machine shields or covers, IR-proof goggles, and effective extraction.
  • Apply adequate air, inert gas, or oxygen assist to guarantee a quality cut and prevent the optics from being obscured by cut residues.

What Is the Best Laser Cutting Machine for Sheet Metal?

Determining the ideal laser-cutting machine involves careful consideration of budget, productivity requirements, and material thicknesses.

What is laser cutting?

CO₂ laser technology directs a high-powered laser to cut and engrave flat surfaces such as wood, plastics and paper. The technology can be controlled via a multitude of vector based computer programs.

Can you help me with my design?

We provide both design and file preparation services. Drop us a line to see how we can assist.

How long does it take?

Standard laser cutting turn around is less than a week. Any digitising, design work, artwork changes, sourcing of off site materials or particularly large jobs will add to the turnaround time. Turn around times will be confirmed during the quoting process Delays may be experienced at times, we will inform you of delays in a timely manner

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If you have an upcoming project that could benefit from a quality laser cutting service, talk to the experts at Advanced Cutting Technology. Simply fill in our contact form below, and our team will get back to you shortly.

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13 Yazaki Way, Carrum Downs, Victoria, 3201