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1. The Ins and Outs of OEM Manufacturing

   March 20, 2019 10:22 am Comments Off on The Ins and Outs of OEM Manufacturing

   Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are the backbone of the industrial world when it comes to building customized equipment. These fabricators emphasize high quality and meeting production deadlines. Here are important points to understanding the OEM manufacturing and certification process.

   OEM Certification

   Gaining an OEM Certification helps a small business such as an auto repair or body shop establish credibility so that it can be competitive in the market for building or fixing equipment. This certification is offered by manufacturers, such as automakers, to technicians and shops that agree to follow their specifications. An OEM certification can allow a small auto shop to compete with big brand name auto dealers for repairs. Here are the requirements that an automotive shop must meet to become OEM certified:

   • Only uses factory-approved parts
   • Use of a facility that produces high quality work
   • Well-trained and highly skilled auto mechanics
   • Facility location must be approved

   Following Manufacturing Standards

   A primary advantage to investing in an OEM certification is that it indicates your company is knowledgeable about industry standards, repair, and follows manufacturer guidelines. This certification sets a shop apart from novices and fly-by-night operations. By agreeing to only use the parts approved by a specific automaker, you will avoid the pitfalls of small operations that try to cut corners, leading to poor installation and extra maintenance costs.

   The demand for OEM certification has increased as more electronic technology has been added to cars. Shops need to prove they have the tools and skills for repairing vehicles that use a wide spectrum of modern electronics. Car dealers pursue OEM certifications to maintain higher credibility than small shops, which need the certification to show they are up-to-date with new technology.

   Smaller jobs that lack certification often try to cut corners on repairs, especially when a part is not readily available at an affordable price. A certified shop, however, agrees to order specialty parts from the manufacturer instead of implementing makeshift solutions. There are significant advantages to OEMs that can create custom solutions, especially for proprietary equipment for high-end clients. Having the ability to design customized farming or military equipment can lead to lucrative contacts.

   How to Get OEM Certified

   The first step toward gaining an OEM certification is to notify the manufacturer or manufacturers of products that your company plans to repair. Find out from the firm what their specific requirements are for certification to work on their products. Some manufacturers require certified partners to be financially stable, which is why small auto shops partner with dealerships. It helps to establish your business in a location with high visibility near a freeway.

   Some shops pursue multiple OEM certifications, but these vendors tend to be well funded. The more certifications you acquire, the wider variety of work you’ll be able to perform for customers.

   Conclusion

   Here at Serra Laser, we partner with many OEM manufacturers to help them produce high-quality, built-to-spec parts. We also support shops with our laser machine sales. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you be more effective as an OEM manufacturer.

2. Faster Production Times with Fiber Laser Cutting

   March 13, 2019 10:18 am Comments Off on Faster Production Times with Fiber Laser Cutting

   An emerging technology that metal fabricators should be watching is fiber laser cutting. This high speed cutting process can help you become more productive and flexible. Whether you decide to buy a laser cutter for your own in-house work, or you outsource to a shop like Serra Laser, here are some reasons workshops and manufacturers should consider utilizing fiber lasers for their ongoing projects.

   High Power, Fast Action, and Large Scale

   Our recent buy, a Han’s HF 8,000 Watt Fiber Laser, is a high-speed cutting machine designed to handle a series of cutting projects seamlessly. The high power is enormous compared with the output of traditional CO2 laser cutters.

   One of the key features of this machine is its large table size of 6.5 ft by 13 ft, which is rare in California. The cutter is designed for crafting high quality industrial equipment. It can drill 64 quarter inch holes in eight seconds.

   Drilling multiple holes, laser etching and stitch cutting can do done in a matter of seconds. It’s an excellent tool for a high volume fabricating business that needs to meet quick deadlines. It’s convenient if you work with a manufacturer that wants to rush hundreds or thousands of units to market for a new product release.

   This machine has the potential to take the place of multiple assembly line workers for companies, helping manufactures cut costs. Cutting production costs has a ripple effect throughout the entire supply chain, helping you to improve efficiency and deliver on a deadline.

   Cutting Multiple Designs

   The automated arm of the laser cutter is able to drill a series of holes on metal using ping pong movement, based on a design programmed by the operator. The arrangement of these holes can vary from being inches apart to a grid pattern of many holes close together. The cutter can also cut a customized variety of shapes such as arrows, making it useful if you work with a broad range of clients.

   The machine can complete complex multi-task assignments, making it a powerful resource for increasing productivity while lowering costs. Industrial manufacturers – particularly in the automotive and aerospace industries – along with the military will find the fiber laser useful. It’s also an effective tool for developing auto parts such as engines and metal casings.

   Watch the Han’s HF 8,000 Watt Fiber Laser at Work

   [VIDEO]

   Other Advantages

   Fiber laser cutting opens the door to fabricators who specialize in high volume and high quality metal cutting to improve their operations. Another economic advantage to a fiber laser is that it has no moving parts, reducing maintenance costs. Its high electrical efficiency also saves money, since it requires less energy than a conventional CO2 laser cutter.

   Using fiber laser cutting equipment can help you meet deadlines quicker without sacrificing accuracy. Contact us at Serra Laser to learn more about the cutting technology most appropriate for your needs.

3. The Advantages of 3D Laser Cutting

   March 6, 2019 10:15 am Comments Off on The Advantages of 3D Laser Cutting

   Each decade offers new technology that was considered science fiction last century. This century’s developments in 3D laser cutting have been a great assistance to designers, manufacturers, and fabricators who routinely cut metal. Here are key points to know about how 3D laser cutting has developed.

   Professionals Who Use 3D Laser Cutters

   • metal fabricators
   • original equipment manufacturers
   • machine shops
   • sign makers
   • graphic designers
   • aerospace industry

   Advantages of 3D Laser Equipment

   One of the most important advantages of 3D laser cutting is that it speeds up projects compared with using traditional cutting equipment. 3D laser cutting machines are useful for cutting custom shapes for tubes, pipes, and other industrial materials. 3D cutting helps provide flexibility in the production process for metal or steel fabricators. It’s a useful tool for making round holes or angled edges on metal surfaces. Another primary advantage to a laser cutter is its precision for making accurate cuts.

   [VIDEO]

   Evolution of Laser Cutting

   Albert Einstein, along with other physicists, had written about the photoelectric effect in 1905. Work by physicist Charles Townes at Bell Laboratories in the fifties led to a device called Microwaves Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (MASER) for military and industrial applications. Further developments led to laser technology in the 1950s, as the term LASER was coined to stand for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.

   The earliest laser device that influenced laser cutting traces back to 1960. Cutting was one of the earliest functions used in laser technology. In 1965 the Western Engineering Research Center in Buffalo, New York became the first company to use a laser as a cutting device. Early forms of laser cutting were ruby laser technology for drilling holes and the less expensive carbon dioxide laser technology, which was introduced for cutting metal in 1967. Two years later Boeing became the first major company to use CO2 laser cutting as part of its production process.

   3D Lasers Today and Tomorrow

   The rise of 3D laser cutting process based on a 5 axes rotation system was introduced by Italian company Prima Industries in 1979. Today 3D laser cutters have high-precision beams and can be used to cut various materials up to 20 mm thick. The future of laser cutters will continue to be of concern to workshops and manufacturing plants, particularly those that produce automobiles and solar panels.

   Conclusion

   The advent of 3D laser cutting has led to faster and more precise cutting in manufacturing and metal fabrication processes. Contact us here at Serra Laser to learn more about the various options for fast, functional, and effective cuts.

4. Finishing Steps for Metal Fabrication

   February 27, 2019 10:37 am Comments Off on Finishing Steps for Metal Fabrication

   The beginning-to-end process of metal fabrication is a complicated one that involves a multitude of differing stages. At the very beginning, the most rudimentary of these steps are rolling, cutting and bending. The piece is then assembled. Finally, subsequent steps refine this initially manufactured product with finishing techniques that polish, customize, and make it fit for its end goal. Here is a quick rundown on the most notable steps in metal fabrication finishing:

   Weld Remediation

   A fairly straightforward, if somewhat tedious process, weld remediation usually entails the grinding down of excessive material in the joint areas. It can also include the straightening of weld joints or the redrilling of misplaced holes or other piercings. In some cases, the fabricated pieces will be discarded and end up in the recycling process. In short, remediation is really a “cleaning up” process rather than a truly finishing one.

   Laser and Water Jet Cutting

   By far, the most important type of finishing for fabricated metal parts involves the laser and water jet cutting of these parts before they are assembled. These processes falls into several types. The most notable are:

   • 2-D laser cutting – Our 4-axis rotary machine tools can handle any job in two dimensions. We can accommodate sheets as large as 13 feet x 6.5 feet and still hold to tolerances of as little as ±0.001 inches – if we do say so ourselves, that is not too shabby.
   • 3-D laser cutting – Using a 5-axis laser, we can add another dimension to your metal fabrication finishing needs. It is an excellent alternative to traditional drilling, milling, and cutting operations.
   • Waterjet cutting – Primarily used to cut very thick – up to eight inch – metal pieces, waterjet cutting provides accuracy in both the positioning of the cut as well as any ancillary tapering. In addition, waterjet cutting is suitable for use on almost any type of pure metal or alloy.
   • Laser marking and engraving – Whether you simply want to mark the work for installation or you would rather see your company’s name on the piece, laser marking or engraving is the right finishing process for you.

   Coating and Polishing

   The metal fabrication process – for a variety of reasons – can be deleterious to the surface of the items being fashioned. For this reason, they generally must be polished and sometimes coated before being shipped out to the end user. In particular, fabricated metal pieces will be polished to a high gloss and then covered in a variety of synthetic coatings that range from simple paints through highly engineered polymers that will resist the worst wear and tear that Mother Nature and man can throw at it.

   For further information on the most important steps involved in the metal fabrication finishing process, please contact us at Serra Laser & Waterjet. We can be found online at SerraLaser.com or reached directly at 714.680.6211.

5. Laser Engraving and Marking for Better Identification

   February 13, 2019 6:03 pm Comments Off on Laser Engraving and Marking for Better Identification

   One of the fastest-growing applications of laser technology is in identification. In manufacturing, laser engraving and marking open up a range of possibilities that enables better efficiency, more security, and exciting new capabilities.

   Laser Identification Options

   Laser engraving allows us to place important identification elements on production parts. These might include:

   • Barcodes
   • Serial numbers
   • Time stamps
   • Data matrix codes
   • Logos or other branding marks
   • Instructions and safety warnings
   • Device identifiers

   The Advantages of Laser-Enabled Identification

   There are numerous options for manufacturers to mark inventory. Why are laser marking and laser engraving edging ahead of alternative options such as etching, painting, and labeling? Here are just a few reasons:

   • Eco-Friendly: Lasers don’t utilize any extra materials to leave a mark. Rather, their concentrated energy change the composition of the material itself to leave lasting marks. That means no environmentally harmful chemicals are involved, as they may be in painting or chemical etching.
   • Durable: It’s easy for sticker labels and painted marks to wear off over time. This is especially true of many heavy-usage parts that we make in our shop. Laser marking and engraving can’t be removed or altered because it’s incorporated into the part itself.
   • Maintains Integrity of the Product: Laser marking is especially useful when you don’t want to compromise the composition of your original product. Keep the exact specifications and shape of the part, while still identifying it with indelible marks.

   Laser Marking Versus Laser Engraving

   Laser marking and laser engraving are the two most common approaches to laser-enabled identification. Although they sound very similar, there’s a slight difference between the two options. Laser engraving works somewhat like a brand, vaporizing a small top layer of the material in a designated pattern to create a textured mark that you can feel with your fingers. Laser marking, on the other hand, is a noncontact process that changes the surface color of the object, much in the way that a plastic object may change color when it’s subjected to high heat. Laser marking can’t be washed off, and doesn’t leave a cavity in the surface of the material.

   Etching is another common process that we’re often asked about. Etching is usually used to mark metal. However, it should be noted that etching isn’t related to lasers, but is rather a chemical process that utilizes acidic corrosion to leave a mark.

   Applications of Laser Engraving and Marking

   As mentioned above, the ease and reliability of laser engraving and marking opens up many options for streamlining your processes and ensuring better quality and security. Here are a few ways that our clients have used laser marking in their industry:

   • Quality control
   • Minimize counterfeiting
   • Branding
   • Tracking and tracing

   Call Serra Laser for More Details

   Here at Serra Laser, we use cutting-edge tools to provide the highest quality on your custom-built parts. We offer both laser engraving and laser marking to help our clients better identify and brand their products. Laser engraving is available for glass, rubber, wood, and plastics, as well as most metals, and can be customized for your needs. Contact us today to learn more, or get an instant quote for your project.

6. What’s the Difference Between Fiber Lasers and CO2 Lasers?

   February 6, 2019 4:37 pm Comments Off on What’s the Difference Between Fiber Lasers and CO2 Lasers?

   The two most commonly used lasers in metal fabrication are fiber lasers and CO2 lasers. Here at Serra Laser, we have a wide range of lasers to accommodate any project, large or small, and we always utilize state-of-the-art technology to ensure that your job is done right. That’s why we have both fiber and CO2 lasers in our shop. Here’s a brief guide to understanding the difference between the two.

   CO2 Lasers

   CO2 lasers have been on the market longer, but that doesn’t meant that they’re an outdated piece of technology. In fact, CO2 lasers are constantly developing in order to increase precision, efficiency, and quality of finish. For fabricators utilizing thick sheets of metal, CO2 lasers are still the most effective and efficient approach to cutting. CO2 lasers create cuts significantly faster when cutting sheets over 2mm thick in a straight line. In our facility, we deal with materials as thick as 1 inch, which often call for a CO2 laser’s superior cutting time and power. CO2 lasers also provide a better finish and cleaner edge when working with thicker materials.

   Fiber Lasers

   Fiber lasers channel and amplify light using fiber optic cables. Light is then focused using a lens, which focuses this powerful beam onto the material that needs to be cut.

   Fiber lasers are a newer technology, and as such have some impressive improvements over former options. For example, using the amplification method specified above, fiber lasers are usually more energy efficient, using as little as a third of the energy needed for CO2 lasers. Fiber lasers are also easier to maintain, eliminating the need for mirror cleanings, beam alignments, bellows checks, and other precautions that are necessitated with each use of CO2 lasers. Fiber lasers are also great for use on reflective materials like aluminum, brass, and copper as the beam is more easily absorbed and less likely to reflect.

   Both Laser Options Create Beautiful, Consistent Results

   Whether your project is better executed utilizing a CO2 or fiber laser, here at Serra Laser, we have the capabilities to adapt. We utilize the most cutting-edge technology to ensure that you get the results you need. At our facility, we’re able to work on bulk batches with a quick turnaround time and perfectly consistent end results. Our laser cutting services work with any material, from steel, brass, and titanium, to acrylic and wood.

   Contact us to learn more about our facility and capabilities, or request an instant quote today.