What Materials Can a CNC Laser Cutter Cut? | ASA Fabrications Laser Cutting Services
At ASA Fabrications Ltd, we pride ourselves on offering a complete profiling service using the very latest in CNC laser cutting technology. With our state-of-the-art Amada Ensis 3015 RI fibre laser cutter and a wealth of in-house expertise, we’re able to deliver fast, accurate, and cost-effective solutions across a wide range of industries.
But one question we often get asked is: what exactly can a laser cutter cut?
The versatility of laser cutting
One of the biggest advantages of laser cutting is its ability to process a diverse range of materials. Whether it’s paper, wood, cork, acrylic, foam, or metal, laser cutting offers unmatched precision and repeatability. At ASA, our specialism lies in metal profiling, and our equipment is capable of handling a broad selection of metals with impressive thickness capacities.
Here’s a closer look at what our fibre laser cutter can handle:
Mild steel – up to 25mm
Mild steel is known for being strong, durable, and easy to weld. It also offers a clean surface finish, making it ideal for both structural and decorative applications. Better still, it’s cost-effective.
Typical uses:
- Structural components
- Frames and brackets
- Machinery parts
- Construction, transport, and agricultural sectors
Stainless steel – up to 15mm
Corrosion-resistant thanks to its chromium content, stainless steel is a durable and sleek material that maintains its appearance and performance over time. Laser cut stainless parts are suitable for high-stress or corrosive environments.
Typical uses:
- Marine and aerospace applications
- Medical equipment
- Kitchen appliances and cookware
- Architectural elements
Aluminium – up to 12mm
Lightweight and strong, aluminium is a favourite across industries that require high performance without the extra weight. It’s also easy to machine and weld.
Typical uses:
- Automotive and aerospace components
- Electrical housings and brackets
- Transport vehicle panels
- Electronics enclosures
Brass – up to 8mm
With its distinctive golden appearance and malleable nature, brass is as aesthetic as it is functional. Fibre laser cutting is ideal for brass due to its high reflectivity, which can be problematic for traditional CO₂ lasers.
Typical uses:
- Decorative panels
- Musical instruments
- General hardware and fixings
Copper – up to 6mm
Highly conductive and corrosion-resistant, copper requires special handling during laser cutting. Our fibre laser is up to the challenge, offering a safe and accurate way to process this notoriously tricky material.
Typical uses:
- Electrical components (e.g. busbars, switchboards)
- Battery busplates
- Decorative construction features
- Artistic wall panels
Why choose CNC laser cutting?
Using CNC (Computer Numerical Control) laser cutting comes with many advantages:
- Precision: Intricate and complex cuts with tight tolerances
- Consistency: Perfectly repeatable results for high-volume production
- Non-contact process: Minimises material distortion or contamination
- Efficiency: Less waste, lower energy consumption, and faster turnaround
Not sure which material is right for your project?
Whether you’re working on a bespoke engineering component or a creative architectural feature, our team at ASA Fabrications is here to help. We’ll advise on the most suitable materials and provide high-quality cutting services to match.
Get in touch today to learn more about our laser cutting capabilities or to discuss your next project.