Laser cutters are extremely accurate machines. The beam of light is focused and precise, meaning that the cuts it makes are also precise. This makes laser cutters ideal for industries that require small, tight-tolerance parts. In addition, the lack of variability in the process means that parts cut with a laser are consistently accurate – making them an ideal choice for manufacturers who need to ensure quality and consistency in their products.
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Common Laser Tolerances
Laser cutting technology has become increasingly popular in recent years, as it offers a fast and efficient way to produce high-quality parts. And with the advent of new laser cutter models that are more compact and user-friendly, it’s likely that even more businesses will start using this technology to create precision parts and products.
Here are some tolerance examples of the most common types of lasers(Can vary depending on the material):
- Fiber laser: +/- 0.001” (Metals mostly)
- CO2 Laser: As low as +/- 0.002”
- UV Lasers: As low as ±0.0005″
- Diode Lasers: As low as ±0.0005″
Why is getting a tight tolerance important?
For many manufacturers, tight tolerance is important. Laser cutters offer the ability to produce parts with extremely tight tolerances, which can be critical for some applications. In fact, laser cutting is often the only way to achieve the level of precision required for certain products.
However, it’s important to note that not all laser cutter models are created equal. Some laser cutters have a higher degree of accuracy than others, so it’s important to choose the right machine for the job.
When precision is critical, it’s worth investing in a high-quality laser cutter that will produce consistent, accurate results.
One reason for having high tolerances is how much product you can cut out of one blank piece of material, also known as yield. Optimizing yield during design has a positive impact on the yields coming out of manufacturing.
This makes for high-quality, safe products built with smaller more efficient parts that also cut down costs and allow manufacturers to focus their attention in areas where it matters most – not paying for failures!
High tolerance is usually required for parts that cannot FAIL or where other designed parts are dependent on them. Because of the popularity of at-home laser cutters, most of these machines are used in wood, plastic, paper and other material to yield art, signs, or toys that DO NOT require high tolerances.
The high cost of having tight tolerances
Some companies may choose to use tighter tolerancing for parts that don’t require it, but this can be costly. By choosing whether or not you need these stricter specifications in your production process – and if so how much they will affect profits- a company could save themselves from unnecessary expenses which would reduce their profit margin against other competitors!
Here are some ways where these costs start adding up:
- Inspection personnel:
The tighter the tolerances, like those found on micrometer scales for example; then more frequent measurements are required as well as training in order to use these devices effectively.
- Measuring Equipment:
You can have higher inspection equipment costs if your tolerances are tight. For example, a CMM machine might be needed to meet the precision requirements for certain types of work and this investment could cost up $120K!
In addition, specifying measurements that you cannot accurately measure means wasting money on something unnecessary – so make sure all dimensions matter before requesting tight tolerances.
Conclusion
Laser cutters are extremely accurate machines, making them ideal for industries that require small, tight-tolerance parts. However, not all laser cutter models are created equal. Some laser cutters have a higher degree of accuracy than others, so it’s important to choose the right machine for the job. When precision is critical, it’s worth investing in a high-quality laser cutter that will produce consistent, accurate results.
If your business is in need of laser-cut parts, then it’s important to find a reputable and experienced laser cutting service provider. At Mecha CNC Shop, we have years of experience working with a variety of industries, and can tailor our laser cutting services to meet your specific needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get the precision parts you need.
