What is laser cutting?
Related Terms
Laser-Cut Blank
A laser-cut blank is a flat metal piece cut to shape using a fiber or CO2 laser. Laser cutting offers tight tolerances, clean edges, and the ability to cut complex profiles without tooling.
Plasma Cutting
Plasma cutting uses a high-temperature plasma arc to cut through electrically conductive metals. It is faster than laser cutting on thick plate but produces a wider kerf and rougher edge.
Waterjet Cutting
Waterjet cutting uses a high-pressure stream of water mixed with abrasive to cut metal without heat. It produces no heat-affected zone and can cut thick materials with tight tolerances.
Nest Blank
A nest blank is a blank cut from a sheet using an optimized nesting layout, where multiple part shapes are arranged to minimize scrap. Common in laser and plasma cutting shops.
Shearing
Shearing is a cutting process that uses two blades — like giant scissors — to make straight cuts in sheet metal. It's the fastest way to cut rectangular blanks from flat stock.