We are pleased to announce that QWERkeys will soon be offering Laser cutting and etching services. For now we will be doing limited runs each month, so please get in touch with your requirements. Due to the bespoke nature of laser cutting and etching, please contact us for a quote.
Below is a list of the materials with their properties and restrictions when it comes to cutting. If you would like more detailed information, please get in touch.
Mild Steel
All types laser cut – CR4, S275, S355, P&O etc
The cut quality is excellent, the level of detail achievable high, and the versatility of the material means it is used across a very wide range of industries.
| Max. part size | 3000x1500mm |
| Min. part size | Very Small – depends on material thickness |
| Max. thickness | 20mm |
| Min. Thickness | <0.5mm |
| Min. Detail | Detail can be less than the material thickness but caution is advised as the thickness increases |
| Cutting Tolerance | <3mm - +/-0.1mm 3-6mm - +/-0.15mm 6-12mm - +/-0.2mm >12mm – +/-0.3mm |
| Effects of Thermal Cutting | The cut edge can become hard – the higher the carbon content the harder the cut edge |
| Common Grades | CR4 / S275 / S355 |
| Sheet Sizes | 2000x1000mm/2500x1250mm/3000x1500mm |
| Applications | Sheet Metalwork / General Fabrication / Structural / Architectural / OEM / Tools / Models / Sculpture / Art – the list really does go on! |
Stainless Steel
All grades can be laser cut – 304, 316, 321, 430
The cut quality is excellent using Nitrogen assist gas and the level of detail achievable higher than mild steel. It’s obviously more expensive than mild steel, but its decorative finishes combined with its corrosion resistance make it widely used across many industries.
|
Max. Part Size |
3000mm x 1500mm |
|
Min. Part Size |
Very Small – depends on material thickness |
|
Max. Thickness |
15mm |
|
Min. Thickness |
<0.5mm |
|
Min. Detail |
Detail can be less than material thickness |
|
Cutting Tolerance |
<3mm - +/-0.1mm |
|
Effects of Thermal Cutting |
The cut edge on thinner sections is smooth and even – the edge quality degrades a little as thickness increases |
|
Common Grades |
304 / 316 / 430. The surface finishes vary by type and thickness but include mill finish, brush polished, bright annealed and mirror polished. |
|
Sheet Sizes |
2000x1000mm/2500x1250mm/3000x1500mm |
|
Common Applications |
Any application requiring a degree of corrosion resistance and / or a decorative surface finish. |
All grades laser cut – 1050, 5083, 5251, 6061, 6082 etc.
The quality of laser cut aluminium is excellent, and we use special techniques to protect the surface of the soft material from scratches.
|
Max. Part Size |
3000x1500mm |
|
Min. Part Size |
Very Small – depends on material thickness |
|
Max. Thickness |
12mm |
|
Min. Thickness |
<0.5mm |
|
Min. Detail |
Detail can be less than the material thickness |
|
Cutting Tolerance |
>3mm – +/-0.1mm |
|
Effects of Thermal Cutting |
The cut edge on thinner sections is smooth and even – the edge quality degrades a little as thickness increases |
|
Common Grades Stocked |
1050 / 5000 / 6082. There are lots of others – tell us the application and we’ll try to recommend a suitable grade. |
|
Common Sheet Sizes |
2000x1000mm/2500x1250mm/3000x1500mm |
|
Common Applications |
Any application requiring a lightweight but strong component. |
We can cut up to 6mm thick, but it takes a lot of skill and power to make sure the edge quality is spot-on. Difficult to laser cut, but we manage
|
Max. Part Size |
3000x1500mm (but usually limited by sheet size of 2000x1000mm) |
|
Min. Part Size |
Very Small – depends on material thickness |
|
Max. Thickness |
Brass – 9mm. Others – Please ask us |
|
Min. Thickness |
<0.5mm |
|
Min. Detail |
Detail should not be less than the material thickness e.g. minimum 3mm diameter hole in 3mm thick material |
|
Cutting Tolerance |
>3mm – +/-0.1mm |
|
Effects of Thermal Cutting |
The cut edge on thinner sections is smooth – the edge quality degrades as thickness increases. Discolouration of the material can occur. |
|
Common Grades |
CZ108 – There are lots of others – tell us what you need and we’ll try to find it. |
|
Sheet Sizes |
2000x1000mm, possibly less |
|
Common Applications |
Decorative products / special engineering components / electrical / others |
We can cut acrylic parts up to 3,000 x 2,000mm, 25mm thick and with a polished edge. We keep stocks of various types and colours and can usually get sheets quickly. There is a vast range of colours available (normally in 3 & 5mm thick).
Don’t forget acrylic is an excellent material for laser engraving
|
Max. Part Size |
3000mm x 2000mm |
|
Min. Part Size |
Very Small – depends on material thickness |
|
Max. Thickness |
Up to 25mm |
|
Min. Thickness |
0.5mm |
|
Min. Detail |
Detail can usually be around 10% of material thickness. |
|
Cutting Tolerance |
>3mm – +/-0.1mm |
|
Effects of Thermal Cutting |
Cut edge quality is excellent – no further finishing is required |
|
Grades Stocked |
Perspex, Plexiglas, Irpen, Policril, Lucite, Repsol, Altuglas |
|
Sheet Sizes |
2000x1500mm, 3000x2000mm |
|
Applications |
Sign, Display, Decorative Panels, Point-of-sale, Promotional Items, Jewellery – the list goes on! |
Laser cut MDF is possibly one of the most versatile products around.
|
Max. Part Size |
3000x2000mm (but usually limited by sheet size of 2440x1220mm) |
|
Min. Part Size |
Very Small – depends on material thickness |
|
Max. Thickness |
Around 18mm |
|
Min. Thickness |
<0.8mm |
|
Min. Detail |
Detail should not usually be less than 30% of the material thickness e.g. minimum 3mm diameter hole in 9mm thick material |
|
Cutting Tolerance |
>6mm – +/-0.1mm |
|
Effects of Thermal Cutting |
Because these are organic materials the cut edge chars and is covered with carbon – the thicker the material the more pronounced the effect. |
|
Grades Stocked |
Most grades and finishes are available – waterproof, fire resistant, veneered etc. are usually available in most thicknesses. |
|
Sheet Sizes |
2440x1220mm; Occasionally 3000x1500mm |
|
Common Applications |
Decorative Panels, Exhibition / Theatre Sets, Stencils, Restoration, Engineered Components and just about everything else! |