In traditional plasma and flame methods, cutting small holes has always been a challenge. These tended not to be round enough, or the size of the hole is much smaller on the bottom surface of a thick plate. Usually described as a multiple of the thickness, traditional methods would struggle to achieve 1x thickness in hole diameter, and this would still often be impossible. Modern fibre laser technology has made it possible to cut holes with a diameter of down to 0.1x thickness. Imagine a 3mm hole laser cut in 30mm thick steel, stainless or aluminium.
The ability to do this means that parts will no longer have to undergo further drilling operations. If a drilled hole is strictly required, the laser can cut holes with a very limited heat-affected zone and minimal surface hardening, so drilling or tapping a laser-cut hole is very feasible.
The precision to create small holes extends to narrow slots. To aid the assembly and fitting of parts, it is often helpful to laser etch assembly marks so worker don’t have to measure and mark by hand. This concept is then often extended to very narrow slots so parts can be slotted together.
- Small holes cut in thick steel, stainless and aluminium. Even 3mm holes in 30mm thick
- Hole to thickness ratio in the region of 0.1x. Previously, plasma and flame cutting ratio was close to 1.5x
- Small heat affected zone on laser cuts minimises hardening and effect on steel properties. e.g. doesn’t affect the hardness of Hardox
- Laser holes can be drilled and tapped
- Countersunk small holes are possible depending on the depth of the countersink
- Narrow assembly slots can be laser cut, along with other etched assembly markings
- Bolt holes that can be cut with the rest of the part, and even small bolt holes
- Countersunk small bolt holes
- Pilot holes can be cut for drilling or tapping
- Parts with narrow assembly slots and laser etched assembly marks
