Technical Resources for Sheet Metal Fabrication
Bend calculations, tooling selection, machine sizing and the practical answers buyers ask before ordering a press brake, shear or laser. Written by the people who build the machines.
Sheet Metal Fabrication FAQs
What laser power do I need?
As a rough guide: 1-1.5 kW covers 3-4 mm mild steel, 3 kW around 8-10 mm, and 6 kW around 16 mm. Stainless and aluminium cut thinner and slower at the same power. These are typical figures, not guarantees: cut quality also depends on assist gas, pressure and nozzle condition. The fiber laser cutting machines page lists the configurations we build.
Fiber or CO2?
For sheet metal, fiber. It cuts faster on thin steel, uses far less power, has no mirrors to align, and handles reflective metals such as aluminium and copper. CO2 remains relevant mainly for non-metals.
What thickness and sheet size can you build for?
Tell us the maximum thickness and sheet size you actually run and we will size the bed and the source to it. Buying for the occasional 20 mm job usually costs more than it earns: size for the 95% and subcontract the rest.
Do you supply laser consumables and parts?
Yes. We supply laser equipment parts, including nozzles and lenses, alongside the machines.
