Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is laser cutting?
A: During the laser cutting process, a beam of high density light energy is focused through a tiny hole of the nozzle,or head, of the machine. When this beam makes contact with the surface of the material the cutting begins immediately.
Q: What type of applications could be used for laser parts?
A: Automotive-parts and restoration, off-road and motorcycle, pop display, signage, aerospace, electronic, decorative and architectural. The possibilities are endless!
Q: Why should I consider laser cutting for my custom parts?
A: Lasers have many advantages over other conventional metal cutting and metal fabricating processes. Laser cutting can produce very complex parts while cutting materials from 0.005" to 0.625" thick. Lasers can cut the hardest materials and leave burr-free edges. The laser cutting process is extremely repeatable and produces parts with virtually no distortion. Laser cutting is well suited for rapid prototyping and provides a cost effective solution for short run production, making it a good alternative to metal stamping. The narrow laser cut (kerf) width created by material removal, provides for the efficient layout of parts (and more parts per sheet), with less material scrap waste than most other cutting methods. In most cases, laser cutting offers major benefits over short run stamping, plasma cutting, wire EDM, water jet cutting, and NC milling. Lasers are capable of cutting steel, stainless steel, alloys, aluminum, and brass. They are capable of cutting non-metallic materials like plastics, ceramics, rubber, quartz, wood and even some composite structures. Overall, laser cutting out performs plasma, water jet, NC milling, and conventional saws in nearly every cutting process. However, for some materials, thickness requirements, or tolerances, other metal cutting processes may be more efficient.
Q: What kind of materials can you laser cut?
A: Elite specializes in cutting mild steels up to 0.625" and stainless steels clean up to 0.375". We also cut aluminum and copper based metals for our OEM customers. Our lasers are capable of cutting many other materials including acrylics, brass, galvanized steel, Inconel, plastics, tool steel, and wood. Please look at the chart below for more details.
Q: What is your typical quote response turnaround time?
A: Quotes are usually returned to the requesting company the same day or, at the worst, the following day. We are very concerned about quick and accurate quote response times.
Q: What's the typical processing time for a laser-cutting job?
A: The processing time is really a function of the job's complexity, so it depends. Elite Laser can turn around laser cut parts in as little as a few hours, but some jobs might take a week. We also fill many rush jobs and will produce and ship partial orders to ensure our customer's production is uninterrupted.
Q: Don’t most laser cutting processes leave material on the bottom edge of the part?
A: It depends how you operate the laser. At Elite Laser Cutting Inc, we regulate the laser power, feed rates, assist gases which we use in our laser cutting production to eliminate machining damage created by dross on the bottom side of the material during the laser cutting process.
Q: What kind of drawing files can you accept for my laser-cutting project?
A: We do our fastest work when we receive emailed .DXF files, AutoCAD 14.DXF (or newer '.DXF' files), DWG, AI, CCA, EPS, CIM and many other file types can be accepted by our laser program. We also accept drawings and sample parts! There may be a minimum charge to setup our program from your drawing or sample part, based on the time it takes to do so (these are one time charges per item).
Q: What if you have changes or you want to make modifications to your parts?
A: Once we have the files setup in our system we can change or modify them at will. Again, there may, or may not, be a minimal charge depending on the time it takes to make your desired changes.
Q: Are files containing text acceptable?
A: Provide text-containing files in Adobe Illustrator (AI) or CorelDRAW format.
Q: What is the maximum sheet size Elite can handle?
A: Our lasers can handle sheets up to 60" x 120".
Q: How can I keep the costs down on my laser-cut parts?
A: You can help yourself cut costs by providing clean legible prints, which helps to eliminate needless questions. If you e-mail a clean .DXF file to Elite Laser with no overlapping or incomplete lines, this provides us with the most efficient information for a print for quoting or processing. Since the potential for blowout occurs primarily at sharp (90-degree) corners, using radii (fillets) where possible is a great help in reducing scrapped parts and minimizing your costs.
Q: How quickly can you begin my laser-cutting project?
A: Once your order is received, we quickly begin the process of generating the NC file that our Laser machine will use to cut your parts. Lead times range from one day to a week or more depending on the size and complexity of the project. Elite Laser always allows for emergency situations by allotting time to offer partial shipments.
Q: Besides laser cutting, what other capabilities does Elite offer to assist with our project?
A: We offer a wide variety of metal fabricating services designed to provide you with a one-stop-shop for your fabricating needs including: forming, machining, welding and grinding.
Q: What is the minimum quantity?
A: 1
Q: What is the maximum quantity?
A: 1,000,000
Q: What kind of tolerances do Elite Laser work with?
A: Please refer to the charts below:
