Archive: Jun 2023

The Difference Between 5-axis and 3-axis Laser Cutting

When selecting a laser-cutting solution for your part or component, it’s important to consider whether a 3-axis or 5-axis machine is necessary. While 3-axis laser cutting machines are capable of producing traditional parts, 5-axis machines can create more intricate components in a shorter amount of time and with greater precision. At Metal Craft, we take pride in delivering the optimal solution for your specific part or project.

What Is a 3-axis Machine?

A 3-axis machine is set up by an operator using computer instructions. The machine works on 3 axes — X, Y, and Z — using a cutting tool. This means it can cut in left, right, up, down, front, and back motions to manufacture parts. 3-axis machines are ideal for conventional part shapes and simple geometries but may require an operator’s intervention to reposition workpieces for more complex shapes because it is limited to 3 axes.

Benefits of 3-axis Laser Cutting

The primary benefit of 3-axis laser cutting is that it can create simple, rapid prototypes without the expense of a 5-axis machine. It increases the degree of freedom compared to traditional cutting methods and allows for a broad range of shapes and surface finishes.

What Is a 5-axis Machine?

A 5-axis machine works on the X, Y, and Z axes like a 3-axis machine, with the addition of A and B axes. This allows the tool to rotate front or back around the X-axis and left or right around the Y-axis. The 5-axis machine eliminates the need for an operator to reposition the workpiece and comes in two varieties, 5-axis, and 3+2-axis machines. It can achieve more complex geometries, planar compound angles, curves, and organic shapes that typically require molding with a high-quality finish.

Benefits of 5-axis Laser Cutting

5-axis laser cutting provides various advantages over 3-axis laser cutting. It offers the following benefits:

• Improved flexibility to design and manufacture various parts and highly complex 3D components
• High efficiency for high-volume leads, quicker machining speeds, and continuous operation
• Produce larger part sizes and require fewer tooling changes and intervention
• Parts require less setup time and secondary processes or finishing

Choosing 5-axis Over 3-axis CNC Laser Cutting

A 5-axis machine offers all the functionality of a 3-axis machine and can produce more complex 3D components. It is the preferred method of producing industrial parts with high precision for the aerospace, oil and gas, and medical industries. A 5-axis machine is ideal for producing deep and complex parts, reducing the time and operator interference required to manufacture them. Its operation can be completely automated and provides high-accuracy finished components.

Why Work With Metal Craft?

Metal Craft offers engineering services to design and produce solutions for our client’s needs. We offer 5-axis laser cutting, metal spinning, and metal stamping. The eight reasons to choose Metal Craft include:

• CNC automation
• Customer-first approach
• Experience
• Flexibility
• Hassle-free shipping
• Quality
• State-of-the-art equipment
• Design advisory

Contact Our Experts for Premium Laser Cutting Solutions

While 3-axis machines can create conventional shapes and geometries, 5-axis laser cutting is ideal for complex shapes and geometries. Metal Craft has been delivering quality metal services since 1969. With over 50 years of experience, we can provide you complete engineering and laser-cutting solutions. Contact us or request a quote for more details about our capabilities.

Waterjet vs. Laser Cutting: Materials, Uses, Benefits

You’ve probably heard of waterjet cutting and laser cutting, but how do you choose the right option for your fabrication project? This blog will cover the main distinctions between laser cutting vs. waterjet cutting, including their respective benefits and applications.

Laser or Water Jet Cutting – Which One Is Best for Your Application?

When deciding between waterjet vs. laser cutting, it’s important to know what each process involves and the applications that benefit from them.

All You Need to Know About Laser Cutting

Laser cutting is a precise fabrication technique that’s more energy-efficient than waterjet cutting. It has the ability to make cuts in multiple metal sheets at once, with a 0.002” tolerance. Although laser cutting equipment still requires manual programming, repairs, and inspections, the process itself is fully automated. Laser cutting requires a curved lens, nozzle, and compressed gas to produce a spherical, focused laser beam controlled by the program.

Five-axis laser cutting in particular allows for one-pass, highly repeatable 3D cutting of even the most complex geometries and features.

Main Benefits of Laser Cutting

There are multiple advantages of using laser cutting, including:

• Repeatable and precise 3D cutting
• Ability to cut workpieces into irregular or complex shapes with smooth edges
• Compatibility with metal and non-metal materials
• Produce cuts at high speed and efficiency, no need to retool
• Can cut narrow widths
• Minimal waste

Types of Materials Cut

Fabricators can use laser cutting to cut most types of metal and non-metal materials, like plastics, glass, wood, paper, and cardboard. This process also works with thin materials that might not work as well with other less precise cutting methods.

Main Applications

Laser cutting works with many applications, such as:

• Metalworking
• Medical devices
• Automotive parts
• Aerospace components
• Injection Moulding
• Packaging products
• Metalworking

A Primer on Water Jet Cutting

Another cutting method you might use is waterjet cutting. A waterjet cutter uses a solid stream of pressurized water to cut different types of materials. The water used in this method could include additional abrasive materials such as aluminum oxide or garnet.

Main Benefits of Waterjet Cutting

Waterjet cutting offers numerous benefits that make it a popular option in many applications, such as:

• Longer material life
• Safe operation
• Reduced risk of thermal damage and warping
• No overheating
• Accuracy
• Low waste production

Types of Materials Cut

Originally, fabricators used water jet cutting to cut paper and other delicate, thin materials. However, with recent innovations in water jet cutting technology, it’s possible to cut a wide range of materials of varying thicknesses, including metals, marble, stone, and ceramic.

Main Applications

Today, waterjet cutting is a popular choice in the aerospace, automotive, and construction industries. Specific components include:

• Metal gaskets
• Vehicle bodies
• Flanges
• Skid plates
• Turbine blades
• Engines
• Cabin panels

Which Cutting Method to Choose?

Both of these processes offer specific advantages that may make them ideal for certain applications. Waterjet cutting is less potentially damaging to the workpiece, while laser cutting offers optimal precision, repeatability, and efficiency, especially for 3D cutting operations.

Generally, laser cutting is often the better process to use in most cases. It offers a higher level of precision with a minimum cutting slit size of 0.006”, compared to the 0.02” minimum slit size of waterjet cutting. Compared to laser cutting’s tolerance of 0.002”, waterjet cutting’s tolerance is 0.008”. Furthermore, laser cutting involves minimal risk, cleanup, and waste production, which is why it suits many applications.

Premium Laser Cutting Services from Metal Craft

At Metal Craft Spinning & Stamping, laser cutting services are available for your application. Our new five-axis laser cutter can cut a variety of substrates with high precision and efficiency. When you work with us, you’ll benefit from our vast capabilities, which include:

• State-of-the-art equipment
• CNC automation
• Design assistance
• Customer-first approach
• Hassle-free shipping
• Quality assurance
• Flexibility
• Nearly 60 years of experience

Contact Our Experts Today!

Contact Metal Craft to discuss your unique needs or request a quote today.