Lasers have transformed modern manufacturing, making production faster, more precise, and highly efficient. From cutting and welding to scanning and additive manufacturing, lasers have become an integral part of fabrication shops and high-tech industries alike. Their ability to deliver pinpoint accuracy, reduce waste, and enhance automation has made them indispensable in the world of metalworking.
Laser Cutting: Precision and Efficiency
One of the most common applications of lasers in manufacturing is cutting. Initially developed for sheet metal processing, laser cutting has expanded to include specialized tube and pipe laser cutting, which also can cut profiles such as angle iron, C-channel, and I-beams.
Fabrication shops rely on laser cutting for its unmatched precision, often holding tolerances tighter than +/- 0.005” (0.12mm). Unlike traditional cutting methods that wear down over time, laser cutters maintain their accuracy for thousands of hours. Additionally, laser cutting eliminates the need for mechanical tooling, reducing maintenance costs and increasing production speed. Pipe laser cutting is just one example of where modern equipment improves traditional methods.
Laser Welding: Clean, Strong, and Precise
Lasers are also revolutionizing welding by offering clean, high-strength welds with minimal heat input. Unlike conventional welding, laser welding results in significantly less distortion, making it ideal for applications where precision and aesthetics are critical.
Laser welding is particularly effective for gauge metal, as it produces strong, clean welds. However, it is not typically used for large weld buildups or multi-pass welding. Instead, it excels in situations where minimal heat affected zones and high quality finishes are required, such as in high visual products. The pinpoint nature of the laser is what allows for fusion without building excess heat.
Laser-Assisted Automation: A New Dimension of Manufacturing
Modern fabrication shops are integrating laser technology with robotics to further improve efficiency and accuracy. In advanced manufacturing, robotic systems equipped with lasers scan parts before and during welding to ensure precise positioning and optimal weld profiles.
Similarly, 3D scanning systems use lasers to create detailed models of surfaces without physical contact. This technology allows manufacturers to inspect parts with extreme accuracy, ensuring they meet stringent quality standards before moving to the next stage of production.
Laser Technology in Additive Manufacturing
Lasers play a crucial role in additive manufacturing, specifically in the production of 3D-printed metal components. In laser sintering, a high-powered laser fuses layers of powdered metal to create complex, high precision parts. While this production method remains costly, it has become a viable solution for specialized applications, such as medical implants.
By combining laser sintering with high-speed milling, manufacturers can achieve a level of precision previously unattainable through conventional methods. This hybrid approach is helping push the boundaries of what’s possible in metal fabrication.
Oxide Removal and Surface Preparation
Another growing application of laser technology is oxide removal. By stripping away oxidation and contaminants, lasers create a clean surface for welding, painting, or finishing. This process is faster, more environmentally friendly, and more consistent than traditional chemical or mechanical cleaning methods.
The Future of Laser Manufacturing
As laser technology continues to advance, fabrication shops like Seaborn Manufacturing are leveraging its potential to achieve higher productivity, better quality, and reduced waste. The ability to cut, weld, scan, and clean materials with unparalleled precision makes lasers a key component of modern manufacturing.
At Seaborn, we utilize lasers for cutting sheet, pipe, and tube, welding, oxidation removal, and guiding robotic welders. Our expertise in laser technology ensures that we deliver top quality results, helping our clients stay ahead in an ever evolving world.
Conclusion
Lasers have revolutionized manufacturing, offering faster, cleaner, and more precise solutions for metal fabrication. From cutting and welding to additive manufacturing and oxide removal, their applications continue to grow. As laser technology advances, companies like Seaborn Manufacturing remain at the forefront, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest innovations in fabrication.
See what Seaborn and our cutting edge laser technology can do for you.