Laser cutting in sheet metal

Sheet metal (cold rolled, galvanized, etc.) 

Target image: fine cut surface, small heat-affected zones and dimensionally stable details. 
How we work: 

• High pressure nitrogen (N₂) often used for oxide-free edges and neat finish without subsequent sanding. 
• Microbreweries and well thought-out lead-in/lead-out reduce the risk of small details tipping. 
• Protective films/foils can be left on certain surfaces during cutting to preserve cosmetics - we adjust the parameters accordingly.
• Construction advice: Minimum hole diameters and slots should be adapted to the thickness of the goods; very dense perforations are planned with heat management in mind. 

Black plate (mild structural steel) 

Target image: safe cut-through, robust process, good edge geometry. 
How we work: 

• Oxygen (O₂) provides efficient cutting and is often the first choice in black plate for productivity and stable cut. 
• Edge quality trimmed with focus mode and feed rate to minimize burrs. 
• Surface status (mill scale, oxidation) are taken into account - we adjust the piercing scheme and parameters to avoid splashes and microbrews.
• Construction advice: Avoid very small radii in thicker blacktop; improve flow with generous corner radii. 

Heavy plate (thicker carbon steel) 

Target image: Controlled heat input and predictable cut quality even with large material thicknesses. 
How we work: 

• Multi-stage piercing and optimized gas pressures provide stable penetrations and clean cuts. 
• Heat balance planned in the running order to reduce skew; larger details are cut sectionally. 
• Post-processing if needed (e.g. light deburring) is built into the flow for weldable edges.
• Construction advice: Increase minimum web thickness and hole diameter with increasing material thickness; place critical holes away from heavy cuts to limit HAZ impact. 

Wear plate (e.g. high hardness plate) 

Target image: maintaining hardness in the cut zone and high edge integrity. 
How we work: 

• Low heat impact parameters: careful focus, feed rate and gas selection to minimize microstructural changes. 
• Clean cut edges is prioritized to simplify subsequent welding or bolting in wear-prone applications.
• Construction advice: Avoid unnecessarily small details in very hard grades; plan for soft transitions (radii) in loaded zones. 

Stainless steel 

Target image: cosmetically attractive, oxide-free cuts ready for further processing or visible surfaces. 
How we work: 

• High pressure nitrogen (N₂) is used to avoid oxide film and discoloration. 
• Heat control and the right focus position minimizes heatstroke and edge oxidation even with thin-walled goods.
• Construction advice: For visible components - tell us which side should be the "front" and we will plan the cutting strategy for the best finish. 

Aluminum 

Target image: smooth cut surface and controlled burr in a material with high thermal conductivity. 
How we work: 

• Nitrogen as assist gas is common to give clean, bright cuts. 
• Piercing strategy and the right take-off speeds are crucial to avoid splashes and spikes.
• Construction advice: Keep the minimum gap/hole slightly larger than the material thickness; avoid very tight corners in thicker alloys.