Author Archives: sachin

1. Industries that Benefit from Laser Cutting

   January 24, 2020 4:03 pm Leave a Comment

   Laser machines are commonly used by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), suppliers, and job shops, such as Serra Laser. Some companies specialize in certain industries, while others have more flexible business models. Here are some key industries that benefit from laser cutting, a very efficient way of generating high volume products in a short time frame.

   Inventors Who Need Prototypes

   A wide array of industries now rely on laser cutting because of its high level of accuracy, agility and sustainable qualities. At the core of business innovation are engineers, developers and entrepreneurs looking for new ways to solve market problems. When there’s a race to patent a new product to beat the competition, laser machines are reliable for creating prototypes, as well as for wider production.

   Automotive Manufacturing

   One of the key industries that heavily relies on laser cutting is automotive manufacturing. Cars and trucks are comprised of thousands of parts that must be precise, which is why automakers need laser cutters, as no other machine delivers more high speed efficiency. It’s an industry that encompasses multiple stages of development, many of which require laser cuts.

   Today’s auto parts are much smaller and sophisticated than in the past and must be cut into specific shapes and sizes. Not only can laser cutters do this work more efficiently than other machines, they allow for smoother edges and maximize materials. Compared with other processes, it’s the least wasteful, which allows a company to say it contributes to sustainable manufacturing. Another reason automakers favor laser cutters is they are much safer to use than other cutting tools.

   Engraving serial numbers on parts is another function of laser cutting that is essential for automakers, as well as many other industries. Furthermore, precision laser cutting beyond metal is used for cutting various materials including the cloth for airbags.

   Musical Instruments

   While many musical instruments are still hand-crafted, the majority of mass manufacturers in the field rely on laser cutting for quality control purposes. The guitar is still the best selling instrument in America according to the National Association of Music Merchant statistics, selling over 2 million units per year. Guitars must be manufactured in a precise way in order to have high quality sound, as any small defects can compromise frequencies.

   Laser cutters must be used to cut almost every aspect of the guitar from the body to the face, neck and fretboard. The curvy S-shaped body of an acoustic guitar is particularly crucial to achieve pristine sonic elegance. Electric guitars have electronic metal components, which are also cut with laser machines. Several other musical instruments are more efficiently manufactured with these state-of-the-art cutters.

   Medical Equipment

   Modern medical equipment manufacturing has been greatly advanced by laser cutting. Due to high demand for healthcare, it’s critical for the medical industry to continue to finding innovative ways to cut costs while developing life-saving equipment. Medical devices are getting smaller, which calls for finer cuts that only a laser cutter can effectively provide.

   Are you ready to see how laser cutting can help you produce large quantities of parts accurately and effectively, just as it has aided industries around the globe? Contact us at Serra Laser & Waterjet to learn more about the benefits of laser cutting and how we can assist you.

2. The Versatility of CNC Laser Machines

   January 17, 2020 5:11 pm Leave a Comment

   Manufacturers of various industries invest in CNC laser machines due to their extensive versatility. The machines can cut a diverse array of materials such as metal, wood and plastic. They’ve contributed to making the building blocks of modern technology more cost efficient. They also are versatile in terms of size necessity, and can provide solutions for mass production, a short run, or a prototype.

   Innovating Endless New Products

   Startups are often based on one product, then if it brings success, they offer a line of multiple products. The aim of running a diverse enterprise can lead to greater profits, which attracts funding that may expand the firm globally. CNC laser machines factor into every stage of this development, since they can be used for a never-ending stream of new prototypes and mass produced items.

   Products Made by CNC Laser Machines

   • automotive,  aircraft and spacecraft parts
   • construction equipment parts
   • electronic components
   • jewelry
   • medical devices
   • plastic outer layers of gadgets
   • tools
   • traffic signs
   • wooden furniture

   How CNC Laser Machines Inspire Innovation

   CNC machines are ideal for inventors aiming to pioneer new products on a regular basis. They allow for fast turnaround times, especially for prototypes. Simply create a product design in an AutoCAD platform, which easily integrates with CNC laser technology. The machine does the work of cutting, bending of various materials and several other functions based on your instructions.

   New patent applications are continuously filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, creating long wait periods for government approval. During this time, an entrepreneur or company may decide it wants to market a new product prior to acquiring the patent. So they file for a “Patent Pending” status seeking a competitive edge. They may then order a limited volume of the products for test marketing or introduce the product to attempt market disruption.

   Another way these intelligent laser cutters are revolutionizing the marketplace is that they are accelerating product development based on more predictable scalability than last century. They have sped up product development, particularly for the medical industry. Developers can now test new products more often and more efficiently, reducing production costs compared with traditional production methods.

   Private Label Manufacturing

   The proliferation of private label products has been due partly to the streamlining and cost efficiency of the CNC laser machine. It allows for quick turn around time on small or large volume with easy scalability. So it has inspired many new startups that test a series of innovative ideas then narrow the focus on the ones that work. The high level precision attributed to laser properties contributes to high quality output.

   Although these powerful machines are too expensive for most startups to purchase outright, many new firms turn to experts for production services. It results in faster product cycles and decisions on branding diversity.

   Conclusion

   The CNC laser machine has played an enormous role in modern mass production, creating a wide universe of products. Contact us at Serra Laser & Waterjet for more information on how CNC machines can be used to help your production needs.

3. The Wonders of Lasers in Metal Fabrication

   January 7, 2020 3:55 pm Leave a Comment

   At the heart of industrial manufacturing is metal fabrication, which contributes to countless types of machinery and steel structures. The machine that has made metal fabrication a much more efficient industry today than most of last century is the laser cutter. Here are essential reasons why lasers are embraced by manufacturers that use metal as a principle material.

   Common Metal Fabrication Processes

   • cutting, drilling and machining
   • folding metal
   • punching, stamping and die casting
   • welding metal together
   • shearing

   Drilling Holes in Metal

   Hand drills are still useful for various applications, especially for home renovation. But when it comes to mass manufacturing, you need to work with machines that get the job done in lightning speed with high precision. There’s not much room for error in today’s competitive business environment, as unsatisfactory production simply doesn’t “cut it” anymore. Laser cutters are the solution that outperform other cutting machines on almost every level.

   Not only can laser cutters drill holes more accurately and quickly than other cutting devices, they provide a cost-effective solution for mass production. Since they are computer-based, they also allow for automated cuts and drilling. First you design a product in CAD software then you program the machine to make precise cuts in the pattern based on X,Y and sometimes Z coordinates.

   Efficient Use of Sheet Metal

   Another attraction to laser cutting for metal fabrication is that it’s a much more eco-friendly process than traditional cutting methods. Since lasers cut so finely and precisely, they generate minimal waste. But even metal scraps can be used for recycling, especially for aluminum or steel. Less wasted material also means getting the most financial benefit out of metal costs.

   Sheet metal is used widely by fabricators due to its light weight and flexibility that allows it to be cut into any imaginable shape. Thickness or gauge of metal determines what type of laser cutter is most appropriate for a given project. The most widely used types of sheet metal are stainless steel, aluminum and alloys such as brass.

   Punching and Stamping

   Two widely used processes for metal fabrication are punching and stamping. They are both somewhat similar in concept to how a traditional printing press works. A punch applies pressure to a die, which is a mold of the product. Traditionally it was a manual process using a press, but now it’s commonly done much more quickly and accurately by a CNC machine. It’s an excellent way to make tools.

   Custom metal stamping encompasses a broader array of processes for cutting shapes including embossing, bending and coining. Once again, CNC machines are commonly used for this process due to precision and reliable high speed production.

   Conclusion

   Metal fabrication using laser cutters has become a key to modern industrial solutions for structural and equipment manufacturing. Contact us at Serra Laser & Waterjet for more information on the most efficient ways to cut various types of metals.

4. The Benefits of Working With a Job Shop Like Serra Laser

   December 23, 2019 3:56 pm Leave a Comment

   When a company is looking to work with a job shop, such as Serra Laser, there are a few things they should look for. In this blog post, we will analyze the role and services that job shops provide and how they can benefit your company.

   The Role and Services of a Job Shop

   As a job shop, we specialize in cutting services. Services include flat 2D cutting (large table size 6.5ft x 13ft), 6-axis tube cutting with tapping option, waterjet cutting (up to 8in thick), 5-axis 3D cutting (Modification of stamped, form, spun or odd shaped parts), Hi-Def plasma cutting (10ft x 20ft bed size) and vertical milling.

   If a company is looking to outsource their custom cutting needs to a job shop, Serra Laser can handle it. Serra Laser’s custom laser cutting services are guided by their ability to handle a broad range of projects that typically involve cutting at high volume. Since the specifications are dictated by you, we are easily adaptable and can effectively cut a variety of materials that you may need. We have a large manufacturing facility with ten laser machines that houses modern equipment and technology, making it easy for us to provide you with a fast turnaround. This allows you to save money on investing in high-end equipment, since it is already integrated into our business and services.

   If you’re not planning to outsource your laser cutting, but instead are looking for the machinery to perform it yourself, we can also provide you with the necessary equipment. At Serra Laser, we sell high tech machinery, such as fiber laser machines, that can help you get the job done efficiently for your customers.

   How Will This Benefit My Company?

   Many aerospace, fabrication and sheet metal companies turn to job shops like Serra Laser to make work easier for them. Outsourcing to us means that you can cut back on training and safety concerns that occur when operating advanced equipment like CNC milling machines or CNC laser cutters. Some companies use job shop services because they simply don’t have the expertise or equipment in house, making it easier to outsource rather than explore making big investments in machinery. Other companies are looking to scale their operations up by purchasing machinery, which Serra Laser can assist with as well.

   At Serra Laser, we pride ourselves on having quick turnaround time and quality service standards, no matter the client and their needs. Whether you need to utilize our services or purchase a machine from us, we are able to serve you quickly. This in turn helps you better serve your customers.

   At Serra Laser, we partner with many different kinds of companies to help them get the job done. Whether you’re looking for a company to help you produce high-quality, cut-to-spec parts or you’re looking to expand your operation through our laser machine sales, we are here for you. Contact us at Serra Laser to learn more about how we can help you be more effective for your customers and clients.

5. Using Large Sheet CNC Hi-Def Plasma Cutting Machines

   December 17, 2019 4:20 pm Leave a Comment

   Many fabricators work on large sheet plasma cutting machines due to superior cuts and greater speed for thicker materials. The significance of plasma cutting machines is that they use high speed ionized plasma (gas) in which a torch from the plasma cutter heats and melts metal as well as conducts electricity. Here are important points to know about cutting large sheet materials with a plasma cutter.

   Reasons for Using Plasma Cutters

   A CNC plasma cutter is a reliable way to cut both thick and thin materials. It involves a plasma torch mounted to a CNC drive system, which can cut a steel plate up to 2 1/2 inches thick. More robust computer-controlled torches can cut steel up to six inches thick. The machine can cut a wide range of steel, stainless steel and other metals. Most plasma cutting involves either stainless steel, carbon steel or spring steel and is often used to make parts for automobiles, aircraft and structural supports.

   The CNC plasma cutter is a good choice for making precise cuts to metals based on customized specifications. It’s a much faster method than traditional cutting machines and it’s easy to use. The operator simply follows a program or programs the machine to do specific cuts. It’s an energy-efficient solution and an excellent method for multi-tasking.

   One of the key benefits that makes a plasma cutter an efficient tool is that it’s able to cut large sheets of metal easily. Sheets up to 20 feet can be cut into strips quickly. CNC machines use automatic testing features to make sure each run produces precision results.

   

   The Cutting Process

   Prior to cutting a piece of metal, a product design is created in CAD software. A computer numerical control (CNC) plasma cutter can cut 2D shapes based on applying velocity ionized gas, streamed with a high temperate plasma beam. Compressed air is commonly used as a gas, as plasma cutters do not require fuel gas or compressed oxygen. Oxyfuel can be used to help speed up the process, especially for plates thicker than one inch.

   Certain steel types can be cut faster, particularly the type that doesn’t contain alloys. Another reason for choosing plasma cutters is that they are useful for making circular cuts. The plasma torch should provide a tight and focused arc that easily melts and trims away unused metal. The thicker the large sheet plasma cutting material, the longer the arc will need to be with more voltage. At the same time, a smaller torch will provide greater visibility.

   Conclusion

   Large sheet plasma cutting can help speed up metal projects. Contact us at Serra Laser to learn more about the most efficient ways to cut large sheets of metal.

6. All About Titanium Laser Cutting

   December 6, 2019 3:26 pm Leave a Comment

   Titanium is a strong yet lightweight silver metal growing in popularity for use in the aerospace and medical industries. It’s also commonly used in jewelry, scissors and mobile phones. Another reason for its wider use is its corrosion resistance. As a common alloy, titanium is often mixed with iron, aluminum and other metals. Here are important points to know about titanium laser cutting.

   Qualities of Titanium

   Titanium is favored as a material used for parts in aircraft and medical devices, as it has enormous strength, which can render if difficult to cut. Titanium is also as strong as steel and weighs half as much. On the other hand, it’s much stronger than aluminum, but heavier.

   Titanium is also sensitive to higher temperatures, therefore the cuts must be made at lower temperatures to avoid warping or damaging the material. When cutting titanium with traditional methods, it’s difficult to achieve clean consistent cuts. Titanium usually requires special techniques for cutting angles.

   Machines and Techniques for Laser Cutting Titanium

   The key to getting the most reliable cuts is to use a modern cutting machine, such as a water jet or laser cutter. A computer numerical control (CNC) machine simplifies the cutting process through programming and automation. It’s an effective choice for high volume titanium laser cutting of plate, sheet, tube or bar stock to make highly detailed parts.

   With a CNC machine, you can program precise cuts made by a laser beam that heats metal to a level of drilling holes or removing material. Cuts are programed using X, Y and Z axes. The material moves under a stationary cutting head that executes the cut. A fiber laser machine is useful for cutting, engraving, etching or marking titanium.

   One of the primary techniques for cutting thick strong material such as titanium is to use high assist gas pressures while maintaining or increasing high feed rates. Gas pressure and speed variables play a big role in protecting material from melting or burning around edges. Use of an inert gas such as nitrogen helps cut down on oxidation reactions and cools the material.

   Conclusion

   Due to the low density and high strength-to-weight ratio of titanium, cutting this metal alloy is more complex than cutting other metals. It’s often best to outsource to experts if you need a high volume of precision cuts. Contact us at Serra Laser to learn more about titanium laser cutting for your projects.

7. Principles of 3D Laser Cutting

   November 26, 2019 4:45 pm Leave a Comment

   The advent of computer numerical control (CNC) cutting machines has elevated 3D laser cutting as a superior option for manufacturers. One of the key reasons why we love using 3D lasers in conjunction with CNC systems is because it simplifies the process of cutting complex designs. It also provides fast turnaround times for high volume projects. Here are other reasons to consider this precision solution for your laser cutting projects.

   How Many Dimensions?

   Whether you choose 2D or 3D cuts, the result should generally be a clean, professional cut. One of the primary differences between these laser cutting methods is that a 5-axis system provides more depth and definition. By contrast, a traditional 3-axis design usually involves cutting on a single plane, which means it’s dramatically limited. Both 2 and 3 dimensional laser cutting jobs allow for cutting on flat, slanted or curved surfaces.

   A 3D design certainly looks more innovative and futuristic by comparison, while the 2D laser cutting approach is more affordable. The 3-axis system utilizes an X, Y and Z axis, as the 5-axis system adds a A and B axis. These designs are created in a computer graphics program that directs the controller where to make laser cuts. The 3D approach is not as common as 2D, but is used by high-end companies when projects call for maximum precision on stamped, formed and spun parts.

   When choosing to work with two dimensions on flat sheet materials the depth is consistent for all cutting. Adding a third dimension suggests there are different levels of depth to cut. If your project involves repeated cutting of complex curves quickly at variable depths, the best solution is 3D laser cutting.

   Precision and Repeatability

   A huge advantage to 3D laser cutting over traditional cutting methods is that it saves time and money. A company that needs to fill a large order in a short time frame gets more efficiency out of 3D laser cutting than any other method. A typical cutting project that takes about a month to complete can be cut down to a matter of a few days using 3D laser technology.

   OEMs and fabricators commonly use 3D lasers as a solution to meet quick deadlines for partners, suppliers and investors. Ultimately, the more sophisticated the job and the more precision is required, the greater the likelihood you need to use the 3D laser solution. It’s the most reliable choice when precision cuts to .004 are required.

   Conclusion

   For fast turnaround high quality 3D cutting projects, your best choice for machinery is a 3D laser cutter. Contact Serra Laser & Waterjet at (714) 680-6211 in Orange County or Sun Valley, Ca for more information about 3D laser cutting or any other type of work that requires a laser cutter.

8. How Industrial Metal Supply Affects Manufacturing

   November 19, 2019 3:30 pm Leave a Comment

   Every manufacturer that relies on an industrial metal supply must keep an eye on financial news that affects commodity prices, as they can have a major effect on your profit margins. Since we often work with original manufacturers, we’re familiar with the frustrations of industrial metal supply. Here’s an overview of the challenges that many companies experience.

   Metal Mining’s Influence on Supply

   In general, economic theories of supply and demand come into play with all commodities, including metals. The greater the demand, the more it will deplete supply, forcing prices up while lower demand creates a supply surplus and lowers the price. The supply of metal comes mainly from the metal mining industry.

   Cost of labor is a huge factor that affects production costs in mining. Oil supply and demand is at the core of mining activity, as higher oil prices drive up the cost both of operations and transportation. Steel production is directly impacted by oil prices, whereas aluminum production is less so due to more widespread use.

   The United States gets its metal supply from around the world, in addition to domestic supply. The U.S. ranks a distant #4 in global steel production, behind China, Japan and India. While the U.S. produced 78.5 million tons of steel in 2017, it was greatly outpaced by China’s 808.4 million tons. That year nearly a third of all steel used in the U.S. was imported from 85 other countries and territories. Only 2 percent of these imports came from China, while 16 percent came from Canada.

   Government policies play a huge role in both the supply and demand for metals. The U.S. raised tariffs on imports in 2018 with the goal to boost domestic steel production and rely less on imports. Due to retaliation to this policy from Canada and Mexico, U.S. steel exports declined for the year to 7 percent, despite a 5 percent increase in production. The steel industry benefitted from the tariffs in its first year, as steel prices rose, but at the expense of supply chains.

   Metal Processing and Manufacturing With Serra Laser

   Serra Laser offers a wide variety of metal processing, able to handle industrial projects with large scale and custom specifications. Whether you need cutting, milling, drilling, or marking, we have the tools and expertise to give you a great turnaround time. Contact us for all your industrial metal processing needs here on our website, or give us a call at 714.680.6211. At our two locations in Anaheim and Sun Valley, California, we have the advanced tools and experience needed to make your project a success.

9. Purposes and Process of Laser Engraving

   November 7, 2019 4:43 pm Leave a Comment

   One of the best ways to turn manufacturing material into art is with laser engraving, which serves several other purposes as well. Generally, this process is used to create images on surface material. Here are important aspects of the process.

   Common Engraving Projects

   • jewelry
   • wooden, metal and plastic signs
   • musical instruments
   • furniture
   • art framing
   • leather designs
   • ID tags on products
   • medical devices
   • aerospace and automotive equipment

   Main Benefits of Laser Engraving

   Laser engraving can be performed on various material surfaces, including wood, plastics and rubber. A similar concept known as laser marking can be done on stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, brass and copper. Other materials appropriate for engraving include acrylic, stone, cardboard, tile and glass.

   It’s common for manufacturers to apply engraving on industrial machine parts for identification purposes. Barcodes can be also be embedded into various commercial products. Of course, laser engraving is also commonly used for decorative purposes.

   What Lasers Do

   The reason large fabricators prefer laser machines for cutting and engraving is they speed up production cycles and make certain types of manufacturing more convenient and affordable. The concept is based on a high-powered laser beam, which concentrates a beam of light on a surface. As the laser heats up it vaporizes surface material. The result is a cavity that appears in the material. Deeper marks are created from repeating the process.

   These machines are automated, executing programs through a controller, laser marking is based on X, Y and sometimes Z coordinates. There are various types of laser machines to choose from, depending on material thickness and type of project. Essentially, software used in laser markers converts vector files into mathematical data that tells the controller how to move the laser on the marking surface. The operator can modify power output, input settings and machine speed depending on material type and thickness.

   The initial design can be created in various types of graphics applications that produce vector files such as Corel Draw, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop or AutoCAD. The reason vector files are used is that the images remain clear even when size is adjusted.

   Regulatory Compliance

   Manufacturers across various industries must comply with government regulations about putting unique device identifiers (UDIs) on products. The purpose for these UDIs beyond identifying parts is to reduce errors and ensure safety. This information is useful if a part fails and needs to be replaced.

   Conclusion

   The goal of laser engraving is for the final result to be legible or attractive. If you need laser engraving work or other types of projects that use laser cutters in Orange County, Serra Laser & Waterjet is here to serve your needs. Give us a call at 714.680.6211 to tell us about your project and get an instant quote any time of day.

10. The Proper Procedure When Manufacturing With Bar Stock

    October 24, 2019 4:28 pm Leave a Comment

    Bar stock is raw purified metal used in many manufacturing products. It comes in many shapes and sizes and is most effectively cut by a laser machine. Shapes tend to be round, rectangular or square, but can also be hexagonal. The metal is rolled into a bar and typically takes the form of long rods or strips. Here are important facts to know about laser cut bar stock.

    Purpose of Bar Stock

    The main purpose of bar stock is to have material ready in a supply chain for manufacturing for specific applications. Many times the finished product looks nothing like how the bar stock was originally shaped. An important note: while tubing and piping appear to be similar manufacturing materials, they are not considered bar stock due to their hollow centers.

    These long bars must be stored safely to avoid worker injury since they present a variety of safety hazards. Standing up long bars on a wall or stacking them in a pile on the floor, for example, can lead to accidents that could’ve been easily prevented. For this reason it’s safer to cut long bars into shorter pieces.

    Fabrication shops and warehouses often store various standardized lengths and thicknesses of laser cut bar stock for future use. Due to storage limitations many fabrication shops rely on third party suppliers for unconventional bar sizes. They then order these bars from the supplier, which can delay delivery time and project deadlines if the nonstandard bar is not readily available. Nonstandard bars are typically more expensive than standard bars, which causes many machine shops to settle for working with standard sizes.

    The types of metal used for bar stocks include the following:

    • stainless steel
    • alloy steel
    • tool steel
    • galvanized steel
    • aluminum
    • brass
    • copper

    Steel round bars are used for various products such as frameworks, axels, supports and braces. Aluminum round bars are common because they resist corrosion and provide strength, despite being light weight. They are used to made supports, braces and dowels.

    Manufacturing with Bar Stock

    Because bar stock is a raw material, it’s frequently used in conjunction with CNC million machines in order to produce custom parts. Using the proper machine is essential to productivity, in which large production orders can be fulfilled quickly. Here at Serra Laser, we offer both 3-D laser cutting and 2-D laser cutting, along with tube cutting, reverse engineering, and a host of other attendant services. Our well-stocked manufacturing facility can fulfill any order in a timely fashion, with an attention to detail that you can’t get anywhere else.

    Conclusion

    Utilizing bar stock is a standard in many manufacturing businesses. It’s important to know the different types of metals and sizes used for your parts and building materials in order to get the best outcome. Contact us at Serra Laser & Waterjet to learn more about the benefits of laser cut bar stock.