A Guide to Laser Cutting Metal Plate
In Focus
When manufacturers and fabricators need precise, efficient cutting of metal plate, laser cutting is often the method of choice. Using high-powered fiber lasers, flat metal parts can be cut quickly and accurately, minimizing waste and reducing the need for secondary finishing.
What Is Laser Cutting?
Laser cutting uses a focused beam of light to melt, burn, or vaporize material along a programmed path. Compared with mechanical cutting methods, lasers deliver:
- Tighter tolerances: as precise as +/– .005
- Smooth edges: reducing post-processing work
- Material versatility: capable of cutting steel, aluminum, stainless steel, copper, and brass
- Speed and efficiency: especially valuable for high-volume or complex part production
Fiber Lasers vs. CO₂ Lasers: What’s the Difference?
When people talk about laser cutting, they’re often referring to two main technologies: CO₂ lasers and fiber lasers. Both use concentrated beams of light to cut through metal, but they operate in different ways.
- CO₂ lasers use a gas mixture to generate the laser beam. They are effective on thicker materials but require more maintenance and energy.
- Fiber lasers, on the other hand, transmit light through optical fibers. This results in greater beam absorption, especially on reflective materials like aluminum, brass, and copper.
For manufacturers, the benefits of fiber lasers are clear: faster cutting speeds, lower operating costs, and the ability to cut a wider range of metals.
Why Choose Laser Cutting for Steel, Aluminum, and Stainless Steel?
Different metals respond differently to cutting, which is why laser cutting is such a versatile solution:
- Steel: Laser cutting handles mild steel plate up to 1” thick, producing smooth, precise edges that fit seamlessly into assemblies.
- Aluminum: Known for being reflective, aluminum can pose challenges for older CO₂ systems. Fiber lasers, however, cut aluminum efficiently up to 1.18” thick, making them ideal for parts used in transportation, aerospace, or construction.
- Stainless Steel: Laser cutting delivers clean edges and minimal heat-affected zones, important in industries like food processing, medical equipment, and architecture where both performance and appearance matter.
By combining versatility with accuracy, laser cutting ensures that whether you’re working with steel, aluminum, or stainless steel sheet, you get consistent results every time.
Laser Cutting Tolerances Explained
One of the biggest advantages of laser cutting is the ability to achieve tight tolerances. Excelsior’s machines cut with an accuracy of +/– .005 inches.
Why does that matter?
- In fabrication and assembly, even small deviations can cause fit issues.
- For precision industries like aerospace and electronics, consistency from part to part is essential.
- Compared with other cutting methods—like plasma (less precise) or waterjet (precise but slower)—laser cutting offers an excellent balance of accuracy, speed, and cost efficiency.
For manufacturers who need flat parts that fit right the first time, these tolerances mean less rework, reduced waste, and faster project turnaround.
Excelsior’s Laser Cutting Capacity
As part of the Ryerson Family of Companies, Excelsior brings advanced cutting capabilities to the Bay Area. With two high-powered fiber lasers, the shop can handle a wide range of materials and part sizes:
- Cutting capacity
- Up to 1” mild steel
- Up to 1.18” aluminum
- Up to .59” copper
- Up to .47” brass
- Table sizes
- 60″ x 120″
- 80” x 160”
This range allows manufacturers and fabricators to cut everything from small, intricate components to large flat parts with confidence.
Fast Quotes, Faster Results
Do you need laser-cutting services in the Bay Area for steel, aluminum, or stainless steel sheet?
Excelsior now makes it simple to move from design to production. With the ability to submit a quote request for laser cut parts online, you’ll get quick, accurate answers that help you plan projects and reduce downtime.
Key Takeaway
Laser cutting is an advanced, efficient way to produce flat metal parts with precision and consistency. Excelsior combines the latest fiber laser technology with the speed of online quoting, helping manufacturers and fabricators in the Bay Area get the parts they need—on spec and on time.
Get a Quote for Custom-Cut Metal Plate Now!