Flatbed laser cutting is a modern method of cutting flat materials with a laser using state-of-the-art technology. A wide variety of materials can be cut using this method, with the most popular being metals such as stainless steel, steel, and aluminium. If you need fast, precise cutting, this method can make the process more efficient, but you may be wondering, how does this stack up against traditional cutting methods? 

Some traditional cutting methods include: 

  • Waterjet cutting – this is where a stream of water cuts the material through erosion
  • Electrical discharge machining (EDM) – electrical sparks are used to make cuts
  • Plasma cutting – this uses concentrated energy beams to make cuts, but they are less precise than a laser
  • Sawing and mechanical cutting – this uses automated or hand-operated machinery to cut the materials with sharp tools
  • Die cutting – a moving blade is used to cut a fixed piece of material

So, how do these stack up against flatbed laser cutting? Here are some common questions asked by clients who want to compare older methods with laser. 

How Precise Is Flatbed Laser Cutting Compared to Traditional Methods?

Precision is one of the biggest improvements you’ll see when switching from mechanical cutting tools to flatbed laser cutting. With manufacturing becoming more complex, smaller components need to be created, with precision one of the key factors in product quality. Depending on the equipment used, laser cutting has the potential to create cuts as small and focused as 25 microns, which is about a quarter of the width of a single human hair. This would be almost impossible with a traditional cutting method.

Laser-cutting machines will generally also have automated calibration systems incorporated into their design. This means that as the machine works, it’ll self-correct if there’s an error, so there are fewer mistakes and fewer manual adjustments are needed.

The advanced software that’s used in these machines also means it’ll find the most efficient way to cut materials, which saves energy and time. The cutting path is set for you, reducing the amount of scrap and getting the job finished as quickly as possible. 

Precision and accuracy are of vital importance when cutting materials for many different industries. The use of precise tools means there are fewer mistakes and less waste is generated throughout the process. It also means more complex products can be completed and lower manufacturing costs.

How Does Flatbed Laser Cutting Affect the Material Properties?

The effect that laser cutting has on material properties depends on many different factors. Firstly, different materials will react in different ways. If you’re cutting steel with a high carbon content, this can create a harder edge. So, certain materials will give you a better cut-edge quality.

The heat of the laser can also cause the material to expand and contract. If not set up properly, this can cause inaccuracies in the cut. High-quality laser-cutting machinery is less likely to cause this damage, as it’s much more accurate. Also, if your cutting is carried out by experts, such as the team at Bend Tech Group, they can carry out the process in a way that causes less stress on the materials, so a lesser chance of bending or warping. 

While flatbed laser cutting has its challenges, it has a lower effect on material properties than many other cutting methods. For example, plasma cutting uses more heat than laser, so there’s a bigger risk of damage or warping. Mechanical cutting can also affect the materials, depending on how and what is being cut, and generally compares negatively to laser. 

Does Flatbed Laser Cutting Allow for Complex Projects?

When compared to traditional methods, laser cutting allows you to create much more complex projects. These machines have capabilities such as:

  • Being able to create intricate and detailed patterns
  • Cutting to precise angles and contours
  • Creating designs that may not be achievable with traditional methods
  • Allowing for a wider variety of materials to be used

If you have a project that cannot be carried out using traditional methods, it’s worth exploring whether laser flatbed cutting could help you achieve your goals. It gives you access to the latest technology so you can improve your products and productivity.

Could Switching to Laser Cutting Improve Speed and Productivity?

Yes, flatbed laser cutting can potentially save time and improve productivity in the cutting process. Firstly, setting up laser cutting is generally faster compared to other methods. It’s computerised, and there’s only a laser beam to set up, rather than having to set up and maintain various tools.

Laser-cutting machines also go to work much more quickly than mechanical tools. Once set up, it’s simply the press of the button to start the process, with the laser going to work straight away. This means laser cutters are often much quicker in terms of both set-up and running the process.

What Gives a Better-Quality Finish: Laser Cutting or Traditional Methods?

Laser cutting will usually produce the best quality finish when compared to most cutting methods. Because a laser is weightless, there’s minimal movement in the materials when cutting, so you don’t get the damage that mechanical friction can cause. You will find that when you switch to flatbed laser cutting, you will see smoother edges without the fraying that comes with some methods. 

Is Laser Cutting Safer than Traditional Methods?

Flatbed laser cutting is potentially much safer than most other cutting methods. Methods that use mechanical tools, flames, or heat have a risk to the user. Most traditional cutting methods also include a lot of manual handling for lifting and positioning, while laser cutting automates most of this process. While it’s important to follow safety procedures when laser cutting, the risks are lower. 

Fewer accidents mean happier, healthier employees, and it also means less chance of disruption and loss of productivity that an incident on the factory floor can cause. 

Can Flatbed Laser Cutting Be Easier to set up and Use?

One of the main advantages of flatbed laser cutting, when compared to other methods, is the ease of setting up and using these machines. Much of the process is automated, with CAD used to input the specific cuts needed in detail. If someone is doing the cutting for you, the details can simply be sent over in a file for them to upload onto the system, so there’s less chance of miscommunication.

Starting the process is also easy, and so much is automated that it cuts out many of the potential delays that can occur during the manufacturing process. So, not only can you make one of your processes much quicker and easier, but you are also less likely to suffer the downtime that can happen with issues such as broken tools. After all, time is money when it comes to business. 

If you’re considering using flatbed laser cutting for a project, speak to the Bend Tech Group. We have state-of-the-art machinery and a skilled team who can take on a variety of challenges, helping bring your cutting processes up to date. Simply fill in our enquiry form below, and we’ll get back to you with a price.