Laserjet Cutting
Do you know that in 2014, Steel Dynamics were the first UK business in the Steel Processing industry to have a fibre laser cutting machine.
Fast forward 10 years, and today we’re the largest Stainless Steel Processor in the UK, now with 4 laserjet cutting machines capable of cutting material up to an impressive 8M x 2.5M.
This expansive cutting area allows for the processing of oversized sheets with unparalleled accuracy and consistency.
Fibre Laser Cutting
Fibre laser cutting is a highly advanced method of cutting materials using a focused, high-powered laser beam generated by an optical fibre. In contrast to traditional CO₂ lasers, which rely on a gas-filled resonator to generate the laser beam, fibre lasers utilize solid-state technology where light is amplified through an optical fibre. This technology results in a more efficient and powerful laser with a much higher intensity, which makes it ideal for cutting metals like stainless steel with exceptional precision.
Fibre laser cutting works by focusing the laser beam onto a small spot on the material, where the high-intensity energy rapidly heats, melts and vapourises the material. A gas, typically nitrogen or oxygen, is used to blow away the molten material, leaving a clean, precise cut.
Laserjet Benefits
One of the standout benefits of laser cutting is its ability to achieve incredible precision, with tolerances as tight as ±0.05mm. The highly focused laser beam enables clean, smooth cuts even for intricate shapes and complex geometries, making it ideal for projects that require exacting standards. It is also known for its exceptional cutting speed, particularly when processing thin to medium thickness stainless steel sheets (up to 6mm).
Laser cutting can achieve extremely high levels of precision, with narrow kerf widths and minimal material wastage. Our high powered fibre laser machines can easily produce intricate shapes and contours on all metals up to 30mm thickness, cutting complex designs with tight tolerances with rapid production of parts and components.
Energy Efficiency
Fibre lasers typically convert more electrical energy into laser energy, resulting in lower power consumption. Moreover, fibre lasers have fewer moving parts, which means reduced maintenance and longer operational lifespans, leading to lower operating costs. The absence of mirrors or gas-filled resonators also makes them more robust and less prone to alignment issues.
Fibre laser cutting is a relatively clean process compared to other metal-cutting methods. Since it produces less waste and doesn’t rely on hazardous chemicals, it has a lower environmental impact. Additionally, the high efficiency of fibre lasers translates into reduced energy consumption, contributing to a smaller carbon footprint for manufacturers such as Steel Dynamics.
As the demand for high-precision manufacturing and efficient production methods continues to rise, fibre laser cutting has emerged as a cutting-edge technology in the world of stainless steel fabrication.
Fibre lasers have revolutionised the way stainless steel is cut, offering unmatched speed, precision and efficiency, particularly when compared to traditional cutting methods like CO₂ lasers, plasma cutting, or mechanical processes.