Why laser cutting of metal sheets is sharp thinking for industrial construction
You know industrial construction is booming. From the end of 2021 to 2023, manufacturing construction spending doubled. At a time when opportunity knocks and contractors are on the hunt for ways to get ahead of the competition, laser cutting of metal sheets can deliver a winning edge.
Let’s look at five ways contractors can benefit from embracing what’s possible with laser-cut metal sheets:
1. Improved precision
Let’s face it: The old way worked. But the new way is better. Laser cutting equipment is highly accurate, meaning improved precision, accuracy and reliability. Lasers cut with low amounts of heat-affected zones, leading to less damage to materials. Quality concerns are alleviated. And when these high-energy lasers cut, it’s really a melting and vaporization, resulting in cleaner edges than with traditional metal cutting. You get exactly what you want again and again, with reduced waste and limited tooling.
2. Increased productivity
Improved precision leads to increased productivity. Laser cutting can produce the desired result in a single stroke, as opposed to traditional methods which often require several attempts to get the right cut and angle – especially with thicker material. Error rates are reduced. Laser cutting machines also offer the ability for lights-out automation. That means around-the-clock production without the need for human intervention—or any interruptions whatsoever. For high-volume production runs, Wald Wire has integrated 9,000-watt and 4,000-watt Amada lasers with a 15-shelf automated tower system.
3. Faster turnarounds
Delay claims are among the most common lawsuits in the construction industry. When a project runs over deadline and is extended because the work isn’t up to par, you’re on a path that could lead to litigation. By embracing cutting-edge technology, you can prevent those headaches. Laser cutting of metal sheets is truly faster than ever, so it can bail you out of a jam.
When surprises arise, laser cutting allows for faster turnarounds. In those situations, Wald Wire gets the 9,000-watt Amada 3015 AJZ into action. Their fiber laser can cut four to seven times faster than traditional CO2 models—up to 1,800 inches per minute. (It’s also ideal for high-speed production runs and fast-turn prototyping.)
4. Superior cost effectiveness
Laser cutting offers the ability to replicate exact cuts again and again. This opens opportunities for batch processing, which cuts down on time and costs. Grouping projects together based on commonalities like metal thickness or the type of cut allows for less downtime. By partnering with Wald Wire, we work with you to learn the intricacies of each job, brainstorm ways to optimize processes and get your project moving. Laser cutting also is a perfect match for prefabricated construction. Its precision and repeatability put the fabrication of components on a fast track.
Laser cutting produces a clean, often burr-free edge. This greatly reduces, and often eliminates, the need for costly double handling and part clean up.
5. Design flexibility
Laser cutting reproduces clean cuts in various types of metal, including aluminum, mild steel and stainless steel. This equipment also handles a wide range of custom designs and shapes with ease and repeatability, something far more challenging for traditional methods. Wald Wire’s world-class fabrication services can take on complicated shapes, intricate designs and nearly any other challenge you draw up. We also have in-house toolmaking capabilities that can expedite projects.
Laster-cut metal sheets help you sleep easy
The laser cutting of metal sheets—as opposed to traditional machine cutting—has proven benefits across industries, thanks to its advanced motion and innovative beam delivery system. As an industrial construction contractor, you can expect improved precision, faster turnaround possibilities, more cost effective projects and design flexibility. With the power of lasers in your repertoire, you can rest easy, knowing you have a competitive edge.
Do you have a question about industrial construction sheet metal challenges and solutions? Let us know.