How Does Laser Cutting Work
Laser cutting has established itself in recent years as one of the leading technologies in the field of metal processing and other materials. Thanks to its exceptional cutting speed, high precision, and consistent quality of finished parts, it represents an efficient solution for both serial production and individual projects. An important advantage of laser cutting is also its high flexibility. Laser technology enables the production of complex shapes, fine details, and repeatable patterns that are difficult or even impossible to achieve with other methods.
Due to its advantages, laser cutting is today an indispensable service in many industries—from metal processing to architecture, design, and automotive manufacturing. The technology enables clean cuts without mechanical stress on the material, which significantly reduces the need for additional processing.
At Kovinc, we offer two types of laser cutting on state-of-the-art equipment:
What Is Laser Cutting and How Does It Work
Laser cutting is a thermal material separation process in which a high-energy laser beam heats the material to its melting or boiling point. At the same time, with the help of an assist gas (most commonly nitrogen or oxygen), the molten or vaporized material is removed from the cut, enabling a very narrow kerf and smooth edges.
Basic steps of laser cutting:
- Preparation of a digital file (CAD). The product is first prepared in a computer program, where dimensions, shapes, and tolerances are precisely defined.
- Machine programming (CAM). The software generates precise instructions for the movement of the laser head from the CAD model.
- Focusing the laser beam. The laser beam is focused by optics into a very small point where the energy is extremely concentrated.
- Material cutting. The laser follows the programmed path while the assist gas removes the molten material and cools the cut edge.
- Quality control. Finished products generally require very little or no additional mechanical processing.
Why Choose Laser Cutting
Laser cutting represents a modern and highly efficient solution compared to traditional metal processing methods.
Main advantages of laser cutting:
- exceptional precision and cut repeatability, even for demanding shapes;
- narrow kerf and a minimal heat-affected zone, which reduces material deformation;
- clean and smooth edges, usually without the need for additional grinding;
- the ability to cut complex geometries and fine details;
- short processing times, suitable for prototypes and serial production;
- optimal material utilization and less waste.
Thanks to these advantages, laser cutting is a cost-effective method for both small orders and large production series, while ensuring high and consistent quality of finished parts.
Sheet Metal Laser Cutting
Sheet metal laser cutting enables precise cutting of various types of sheet metal in different thicknesses. The process is extremely suitable for producing complex cutouts, openings, contours, and details that would be difficult or expensive to manufacture using conventional methods.
At Kovinc, sheet metal laser cutting is performed on the Prima Power Platino Linear 1530 machine, with a working area of 3000 mm x 1500 mm. From a technological standpoint, this machine is among the very best and has minimal environmental impact.
We are proud that our modern technological equipment allows quick adjustment of lenses in the laser head, while the software enables the production of products with the most demanding geometric shapes.
The Prima Power Platino Linear 1530 machine for sheet metal laser cutting enables us to:
- reduce costs,
- eliminate the need for intermediate storage between production phases,
- achieve precise and high-quality manufacturing,
- ensure short delivery times,
- offer an excellent price-to-quality ratio.
Another extremely important feature of the machine we use for sheet metal cutting is that it enables minimal waste. This means that valuable material is efficiently utilized and that there is very little leftover material after laser cutting.
Fiber Laser Tube Cutting
Fiber laser tube cutting enables precise processing of tubes and profiles with automatic positioning and rotation of the workpiece. The laser beam cuts along predefined contours, allowing the production of cutouts, holes, and complex shapes without additional mechanical operations.
Fiber technology in laser cutting represents the pinnacle of technology in this field today. It is an upgrade of classic 3D laser cutting, using an active medium composed of optical fiber within the machine itself. This is an even more efficient cutting process that enables extremely precise control, lower costs, and the highest production speeds.
At Kovinc, fiber laser tube cutting is carried out using two of the most advanced solutions on the market—Lasertube LT8.20 and Lasertube LT5.
Because these tube lasers are distinguished above all by their speed and precision, they are highly suitable for large-scale production. This is particularly beneficial, for example, in the automotive industry. Fiber laser cutting can be used to process iron, steel, and aluminum, as well as copper, brass, and coated metals.
The tube laser Lasertube LT5 enables processing of tubes up to 120 mm in diameter, 13.5 kg/m in weight, and up to 6.5 m in length, while the tube laser Lasertube LT8.20 allows processing up to 220 mm in diameter, 13 kg/m in weight, and up to 6.5 m in length. Because the laser beam always remains within the fiber core, it is more focused and more stable. Fiber laser technology achieves an energy efficiency of up to 80%, meaning that relatively little input energy is converted into heat.
Advantages of fiber laser tube cutting:
- better efficiency,
- shorter production times and thus lower manufacturing costs,
- a modern solution for processing tubes and profiles,
- suitable for large-scale products in specific industrial sectors,
- automated loading and unloading,
- an ecological benefit, as the laser consumes less electrical energy.
Why Is Laser Cutting at the Very Top
Did you know that laser cutting is at the very top of metal processing technologies? This type of technology is successfully replacing somewhat older methods, such as water jet cutting and similar processes. Progress in this field has been significant and today enables the production of demanding products in larger quantities and in less time.
Equally important is the advancement in computer software. Machines are computer-controlled and, with appropriate programs, significantly reduce the operator’s workload. There is less waste material and reduced energy consumption. All of this represents an additional environmental benefit, as the overall environmental impact is considerably lower.
Why Choose Us
Laser cutting and other metal processing services in Slovenia are offered by many smaller and some larger companies. At Kovinc, we can boast extensive experience, as we have been operating in this field since 1979. We continuously expand our team of experts and regularly invest in training and equipment. We are aware that we can be the best only if we use the most advanced and most efficient technologies and machines.
Today, our team consists of more than 70 employees. We provide services not only for domestic clients but also for international ones, and we are currently active in nine European markets. The highest quality of our products and services is ensured by internationally recognized certificates. We are also proud of the certificates that demonstrate our responsibility toward the environment and the efficiency of our business processes.
If you are interested in sheet metal or tube laser cutting, we will be happy to receive your inquiry. In addition to standard cutting services, we also perform more demanding operations to manufacture metal products of any shape, fully in line with your requirements. Of course, we are also happy to advise you throughout the entire process.