Metal cutting — frequently asked questions
Short answer
Before ordering metal cutting, clarify grade, thickness, drawing, quantity, edge requirements and timing. The guide explains laser operation, edge colour and processing stages; confirm actual capability and terms after the file is reviewed.
A metal-cutting order needs clarity on thickness, drawing accuracy, edge condition, finishing and handover. This page separates general technical explanations from feasibility for a particular order. Maximum thickness, tolerance, quantity and timing must be confirmed for the actual material and drawing before ordering. Separate pages explain thickness, pricing and file preparation.
Key facts
- Thickness ceiling
- Grade, thickness and drawing — confirm before ordering
- Cutting accuracy
- Tolerance by specification
- Minimum order
- Confirm quantity before ordering
- Quote turnaround
- Timing by agreement
- Production time
- Timing by agreement
- File format
- DXF, DWG or AI with closed contours
- Edge colour
- Dark edge = oxide layer, not a defect
- Additional processes
- Bending, plasma, waterjet, milling — confirm separately
How is metal cut with a laser?
Fiber laser cutting is a CNC-controlled, automated process. A vector file — DXF, DWG or AI — is loaded first and checked for closed contours, then the metal sheet is placed on the bed and clamped. The machine tracks a focused beam along the drawing's lines: the beam melts or vaporises metal at the cut point while an assist gas — oxygen or nitrogen, depending on the material — blows the molten metal out of the kerf. Power, cutting speed and gas pressure all shift with thickness. Specify the required tolerance in the drawing; achievable tolerance and edge finishing are confirmed for the material, thickness and geometry.
Why does the metal edge darken after cutting?
A cut edge may show colour changes or an oxide layer depending on material and process. Whether this is acceptable depends on the agreed finish, joining, coating and corrosion requirements; it should not be dismissed as harmless for every application. Mark visible and functional edges in the drawing, and state whether cleaning or finishing is part of the required scope.
How long does laser cutting take?
Cutting time depends on contour length, hole count, material, thickness and equipment settings. The complete order also includes file preparation, setup, production scheduling and further finishing. State your required handover date and agree production and handover timelines separately before ordering.
Does cut metal need extra finishing?
Select edge cleanup and any further finishing for the intended use of the part. Inspect sharp areas and the surface at handover. Agree on painting, anodizing or polishing separately, including the provider and price.
Is laser cutting safe?
Laser processing requires suitable equipment, a controlled working area and an identified material. Finished parts need inspection for sharp edges, residues, coatings and the intended environment. State food-contact, skin-contact or structural requirements in advance; cutting alone does not establish compliance with those requirements.
How are additional operations agreed?
Cutting, engraving, bending, milling and other finishing are separate operations. List each requirement and confirm the available method, equipment capability and provider before ordering. Greater thickness or added processing does not automatically mean refusal or referral; agree the approach after the drawing is assessed.
Metal cutting quick reference — requirements to agree
| Topic | Short answer | Number/detail |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness ceiling | Depends on material | Grade, thickness and drawing — confirm before ordering |
| Accuracy | Positional tolerance | Tolerance by specification |
| Edge colour | Natural with oxygen assist gas | Dark tint = oxide layer, not a defect |
| Post-processing | Agree the finishing scope in advance | Painting/anodizing — confirm availability and provider |
| Order turnaround | Separate production and handover timelines | Timing by agreement |
| Minimum order | Specify the requested quantity | Confirm quantity before ordering |
| File needed | Vector file, closed contours | DXF, DWG or AI |
| Additional methods | Confirm availability before ordering | Plasma, waterjet, bending, milling, lathe |
How It Works
- 1
File preparation
A vector file (DXF, DWG or AI) is loaded into the cutting control software and contours are checked for accuracy and closure.
- 2
Clamping the material
The metal sheet is placed on the bed and clamped flat so it cannot shift during the cut.
- 3
Setting power and gas
Laser power, cutting speed and assist gas — oxygen or nitrogen — are configured for the specific material and thickness.
- 4
Cutting
Specify the required tolerance in the drawing; achievable tolerance and edge finishing are confirmed for the material, thickness and geometry.
- 5
Part separation
Finished parts are separated from the remaining sheet and given an initial visual check.
- 6
Deburring and handover
Agree edge cleanup, packaging and handover before ordering. If further processing is needed, confirm the provider and transfer arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is metal cut with a laser?
Why does the metal edge darken after cutting?
How long does laser cutting take?
Does cut metal need finishing?
Is laser cutting safe?
Can I order just a single piece?
What if the metal is thicker than 10mm?
How is metal cutting priced?
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