AJ&B Works – Laser Cutting Service

Technology, computers and modern inventions have completely changed the way organisations work and revolutionised the way many tasks are performed. Tasks which were historically dependent on large levels of human input are now able to be performed better by equipment such as computers and lasers.

Laser cutting services have led to an increase in the quality of product produced, a decrease in time and costs to produce it and higher levels of flexibility.

Here, at Aldworth James & Bond, using our laser cutting machines, our experienced and qualified team offer a laser cutting service that provides the very best quality product for our customers. We love what we do and have a real passion for design. To find out more about our services and how we can help get in touch by either:

- Calling us on +44 (0)20 8269 0883

- Completing our quick and simple online contact form

- Emailing us at hello@aldworthjamesandbond.co.uk

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Traditionally, organisations would do cutting work themselves, employing a team of people whose job it was to cut and engrave materials into the products/items required. However, since the introduction of technology and computers into the industry, this has changed. Now, many companies are outsourcing their cutting requirements to specialised companies whose sole job is to provide this service. Areas such as CNC cutting and laser cutting services have boomed as a result. These companies have the expertise, experience, resources and equipment required to provide the product/item at a cheaper cost and higher quality than if companies were doing it in-house themselves.

An area which has really boomed, especially in the last decade is that of laser cutting services. Lasers, controlled by computers now can be used to cut many materials to a level of quality that traditionally would’ve been unobtainable to many. The initial investment in this technology is expensive so for smaller companies, having their own is simply not an option. Therefore, outsourcing to a company specialised to do this makes sense as it’s far more cost-effective.

To add to this, the flexibility and versatility offered by lasers means that more materials can be cut, more precisely and in a quicker time. Different levels of thickness can be cut at the same time without having to manually manoeuvre the materials.

Let’s find out some more information on what exactly laser cutting is.

What is Laser Cutting?

Laser cutting is exactly what is says on the tin, a technology which uses a laser to cut through materials. This is used a lot in the design and manufacturing industry, but increasingly other industries are now getting involved when they see how it can be applied to them.

This technology works using a combination of computers and lasers. The computers derive coordinates from design files and then instruct and control the laser to cut along those coordinates. Laser cutting machines are typically able to accept various different file types. The most popular file types are either a .dxf, .dwg, .ai or .eps format. These file types are vector based files and enable the computers to derive the coordinates to give to the laser cutter to do. However, a PDF file is also fine as long as the vectors are able to be exported and it is possible to process a 3D design file also.

The way the laser works is by being pointed at the material and then using a high-power beam to cut right through. A CNC laser cutter can alter the power or intensity of the laser to ensure that the laser is at the optimum level for the job required. This process then leaves a smooth, high-quality finish once complete.

How is Laser Cutting used?

A laser cutter can cut a huge range of materials including:

• Woods (this includes, Plywood, MDF, Softwood and Oak panels)
• Valchromat
• Laminates
• Plastics
• Acrylics
• Foam
• Card
• Soft Leather

Sometimes, a CNC cutting machine may be more appropriate for jobs which require the cutting of certain materials.

As well as cutting the above, a laser cutter can also engrave text and logos into various materials. This is an option which has become more popular in recent years as companies look to both display products or advertise in different ways.

Depending on the type of material used, the approach to laser cutting varies. Therefore, machines are equipped with different bulbs and various settings to ensure they can adapt to whatever the project in hand requirements are. For example, a lower power setting is required when dealing with laser-etching wood compared to a higher power setting required for thicker materials.

One important thing to note about commissioning work on the laser cutter is that the finish will leave a “blackened” edge, depending on the type of material cut. This can be sanded off but when engaging a laser cutting service, remember to mention this as it will need to be included in any costing.

Benefits of laser cutting?

Laser cutting has rightly changed the industry and the whole way in which cutting is considered. Here’re some reasons why.

Laser cutting offers customers a quick turnaround. Typically, the turnaround on jobs is far quicker than traditional methods and lead times are minimal. The reason for this can be attributed to the technology being able to cut extremely detailed and complex shapes without the need for any tooling while maintaining or exceeding the speed or other cutting methods. Further to this, the CNC computers control the laser and as such, multiple jobs can be loaded into the program in one go saving on load times.

Laser cutting is far more flexible than other cutting methods. Lasers are able to cut materials that aren’t possible to be cut by other CNC cutters. The head on a laser is small, so this means that intricate designs that wouldn’t be possible if cutting by hand or machine are able to be achieved. This opens the door to more industries which previously were unable to benefit from automated cutting solutions. In addition to this, laser cutters can cut various materials and thicknesses all in one operation without manual intervention.

Due to the combined impact of lower staff (as computers control the laser) and reduced tooling requirement, laser cutting has become cheaper to do than traditional cutting methods. This saving is then passed onto customers in the form of cheaper cutting projects. There is also a significant reduction in time required to set up jobs, and the machines are flexible to adapt to any alterations or change of production requirements at a click of a button which further saves money by reducing wastage and time.

When using traditional cutting methods, it’s inevitable that the cutter will wear during use. As the cutter wears, the accuracy levels and therefore the quality will decrease. This isn’t an issue when it comes to laser cutters as there is no direct contact with the machinery during cutting and a laser beam can never wear. This, coupled with the fact that there is a reduced human input means that higher levels of precision and accuracy are guaranteed. Automatic recording functionalities mean that high-quality replicas can also be produced in an efficient way at just a click of a button.

Laser cutting means reduced cleaning up after the process has ended. As the laser cuts (burns through) the material, rather than routs it out there is little clean up as opposed to the CNC machine which can create dust which needs cleaning. This means that the time taken after the cut to complete the product is lowered so customers get their products sooner. Equally, as no moving part ever touches the material being cut, there is very little risk of any damage occurring to either the machine or the material.

How Can We Help?

To get the very best from your laser cutting project, you need the right people doing the job. The right people are those who have access to the right equipment, specialised staff and experience of successfully delivering laser cutting service projects. We, at Aldworth James & Bond are exactly that and we deliver a cost effective, high-quality service for our customers.

All our staff are highly experienced and come from backgrounds in either design or manufacturing. This means that they know exactly what they’re doing, what the best processes are and how to make your project a complete success. Our staff have worked on a wide range of projects over the years ranging from complex furniture projects to intricate architectural models which are vital to success in the industry. Therefore, they have the ability to adapt to any type of project and make it work.

Customer service is at the centre of our approach, and all our team are more than willing to go the extra mile for you. This includes providing pre-cutting advice to eliminate any mistakes, reduce time and save money. Our experienced design technicians can help you with any type of design solution- whether you require advice on files, material choices and lead times. We are also able to help in the packaging and labelling of your materials/products to ensure that your project is a breeze from the start right through to the end.

We’re also open to collaborating with customers on their projects. This means that if you are unsure as to what you need from a project, what the best process or method might be or how to maximise efficiency we can be on hand to help. Essentially, as with all our projects, our job is to make sure you have the product exactly as you want it, and that is what we’ll do.

We have laser cutters in our workshop, and they can cut sizes from an A4 sheet right up to a standard full sheet size. Depending on the type of material used, there is typically no limit on the thinness of sheet which can be cut. When it comes to thickness, the maximum is about 24mm. However, it’s always best to get in touch with us, and we can advise on what we can and can’t do when it comes to your specific project. It’s also worth noting that our prices are based on time and thickness of material so the thicker the material, the higher the cost. We can also cut small pieces of material, and these tend to be quite cheap as they are easier and quicker jobs.

We are highly flexible and using our laser, can cut anything which you are able to draw in a design file. This includes complex designs, smooth curves, screw holes and sharp angles. We’re also able to use our laser to engrave logos and/or photos onto and of your materials.

As laser cutting is what we do, we know how to do it in the most efficient and cost effective way. This includes taking health and safety extremely seriously, especially with our digital fabrication machines. The laser beam used in our laser cutting machines is sent within an encased tube, and is reflected onto a series of mirrors that then angle the beam down onto the surface to be cut. While the 150-watt bulb is powerful, it is always operated in a safe and controlled environment. This ensures that there aren’t any costly mistakes or accidents that could occur which would impact upon the delivery of our jobs.

As we’re experts in this area, we have made sure that over the years, we’ve made our processes and systems as slick as they possibly can be. This means we provide fast turnaround of costings, easy payment system (including accepting credit card payments!), and speedy delivery of the finished items.

While we’re conveniently located in Deptford, zone 2 of London within a few minutes' walk of the Overground at New Cross, and the mainline rail station at Deptford, we’re a truly nationwide company. We have our own fleet of delivery vehicles which can deliver across the UK so you have the choice of either coming to collect from us or letting us arrange delivery to you.

Summary

Laser cutting is quicker, more accurate and more cost-effective than traditional methods of cutting materials. Lasers are controlled by computers and require less manual input. Flexibility is greatly increased, and many different industries can benefit from laser cutting services.

To be sure that you are going to have a successful laser cutting project, you may wish to follow thousands of others and outsource to a specialised company. Here at Aldworth James & Bond, we have the skills, equipment and experience necessary to ensure the laser cutting service we offer is of the highest quality.

Next Steps

If you’re interested in a laser cutting service, then please get in touch with us today. One of our experienced technicians can discuss your project requirements with you and let you know how our laser cutting service may benefit you. We can also provide you with a quick costing to let you know exactly where you stand. We love what we do, and the finish we achieve with our laser cutting service is second to none. We take pride in all our work and would love to make your project a reality.

To get in touch either call us on +44 (0)20 8269 0883, email us at hello@aldworthjamesandbond.co.uk or complete our quick and easy online contact form. We look forward to hearing from you!