Fathom produces high quality parts for its customers using the latest in laser cutting technology. Our team is ready to work with you on your high-precision, time-sensitive, highly complex or short production run related project. Fathom can meet your deadlines and requirements.
Using laser cutting technology for your upcoming project can have multiple advantages. Laser cutting offers extreme accuracy, control and precision. Higher quality edges and narrower kerf widths are possible with laser cutting. Decreased material distortion and decreased contamination and waste are also possible. Other benefits include lower maintenance and repair costs and, thanks to automation, greater operator safety.
Several important factors can influence the cost of a laser cutting project. Design, material selected, quantity ordered and turnaround time can all affect cost. For a fast quote, submit your details using the Fathom SmartQuote platform.
The laser cutting process facilitates high accuracy, control and precision. Laser cutting machines can produce intricate and complex parts repeatedly. The cut length, accuracy needed, and the complexity of the cut can add to the cost. The more complex the cut, the higher the cost.
The type of material chosen can influence the cost of a project. A variety of materials can be used with laser cutting including aluminum, carbon steel, stainless steel and copper. Machining sheet metal is also possible using laser cutting. Material thickness and size are also a factor.
The cost of laser cutting is also affected by the volume of parts ordered. Costs can be reduced by stacking the parts during cutting. Order larger quantities of identical parts can help to reduce costs.
Most cost calculations are based on the amount of time it takes to laser. The amount of time it takes to complete a job can include the set-up time for the laser cutting machine and machine running time. Laser cutting is an automated process, which helps to reduce labor and time.
Use Fathom’s SmartQuote online platform to receive a quote in as little as 1 hour, usually within 24 hours. Do you need a laser cutting quote, or do you want to learn about another manufacturing service? Fathom’s laser cutting lead times are as follows:
During the water jet cutting process, a high-pressure pump forces water through a nozzle to cut the material. For more abrasive cuts, an abrasive substance is added to the water. The water and abrasive media can be recycled and reused, increasing energy efficiency and reducing costs. Water jet cutting uses volume and velocity to make precise cuts.
Learn more about water jet cutting.
Micro water jet cutting uses the manufacturing capabilities of water jet cutting to produce parts on a micro-level. Water jet cutting’s high-level of accuracy is what facilitates the production of tiny and complex parts.
Learn more about micro water jet cutting.
Laser cutting uses a high-powered laser beam to cut metal. Laser cutting may involve a gas, liquid, or solid-state laser technique. CO2 lasers use a gas state laser using a mixture of carbon dioxide to make cuts. Solid state lasers use laser diodes transmitted through optical fibers to create cuts.
Learn more about laser cutting.
During the wire EDM process, the metal is submerged into a de-ionized water (dielectric) where a charged thin metal wire uses electric sparks to melt the material. The metal wire never touches the workpiece. The fluid is used to control the sparks, flush excess material, and cool it down.
Learn more about wire EDM.
Fathom’s manufacturing network includes over 530 machines, including mills, lathes, presses, press brakes, turret punches, and additive systems. Fathom’s facilities include machines specifically for laser cutting, including:
Fathom also leverages laser cutting technology in its hybridized services. Do you want to incorporate laser cutting as part of a complex project? Fathom can deliver. A recent case study illustrates how Fathom manufactured 20,000 parts in 27 days using 55+ tools, including laser cutting services.:
A customer came to Fathom with a complex project that spanned the technologies and processes of rapid production—and needed it done fast. Fathom delivered.
55+ Tools to Injection
Mold 15,000 Parts
First Article in 2 Weeks
3,000+ 3D
Printed Parts
2,000+ Metal
Fabricated Parts
3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing—PolyJet, SLS, MJF.
DFM Analysis + CAD Mods.
CNC Machining. Laser Cutting.
Stamping. Die Cutting. Post-Opp Drilling.
24-hour Turnaround Urethane Casting.
Injection + Compression Molding.
Model Finishing. Insert Assembly.
Advanced Project Management.
Fathom has 2 US-based location that offers laser cutting, offering nationwide coverage to the entire United States. Fathom’s advanced prototyping and manufacturing services include laser cutting, CNC machining, chemical etching, metal 3D printing, and more. We have provided over 200,000 quotes to leading US companies and are ready to provide you with a quote today.
Locations include:
Fathom has 2 US-based locations that offer water jet cutting, offering nationwide coverage to the entire United States. Fathom’s advanced prototyping and manufacturing services include water jet cutting, CNC machining, chemical etching, metal 3D printing, and more. We have provided over 200,000 quotes to leading US companies and are ready to provide you with a quote today.
Locations include:
COLORADO
7770 Washington Street
Denver, CO 80229
ISO 9001:2015
ITAR
NEW YORK
1920 Slaterville Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
ITAR
| Material Thickness | Tolerance | Kerf | Part Volume | Set Up Cost | Lead Time ** | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIBER LASER | AL: 0.250″ SS: 0.375″ CRS: 0.500″ COP: 0.250″ Brass: 0.125″ | 0.002″ – 0.005″ | .008″ | 1 to High-Volume | Low | 6-8 days | Metals – Fast |
Aluminum, steel, titanium and more, are all suitable for use in laser cutting manufacturing. Thanks to laser cuttings’ speed and accuracy, it has become a popular production method. Fathom can accommodate many materials types suitable for laser cutting, including:
After laser cutting, some finishing may be required. Fathom offers multiple finishing processes to help you achieve a consistent finish on your products. Common finishes for laser cut parts include:
Painting adds color, varnish, or ink to a part. There are three methods of painting which include powder coating, liquid coating, or e-coating. During powder coating, the powder is electrostatically charged which leaves a scratch-resistant and uniform coat on the metal part. Wet paint is used during liquid coating and is applied to the surface of the part. E-coating is the process of dipping a metal part into a bath of paint. The part and paint are electrified and the paint adheres to the part.
Transfers add a design or label to a workpiece. To add the design to the part, a heated press is used to apply pressure and transfer the design. Transferring may also be used to add a design to a part that will later by engraved.
Our team can perform assembly and kitting in-house. Services include installing hardware, manual or automated process, and more. Fathom will ensure your finished part is to your exact specifications.
Drilling adds a round hole to a part. A drill press, tapping, or milling machine may be used to add a hole. Spotting or peck drills may also be used, depending on the kind of mark that needs to be made.
Fathom understands that attention to detail is critical to manufacturing. We can uniformly remove laser-dross, mechanical burrs or sharps and other surface imperfections with our in-house deburring and finishing operations. Our processes range from hand sanding to automated deburring, tumbling and finishing equipment.
A: Fathom offers laser cutting.
A: Laser cutting is an automated manufacturing technology that uses a high-powered laser beam to cut, mark, and engrave raw material. Laser cutting may use a gas, liquid, or solid-state laser. Laser cutting machines make cuts within an enclosure, using no mechanical components.
A: Fathom’s certifications include ISO 9001:2015, ISO 9001:2015 Design, and ISO 13485:2016.
A: Yes, Fathom is ITAR certified.
A: Yes, Fathom is AS9100:2016.
A: Yes, Fathom’s certifications include NIST 800-171.
A: Laser cutters can cost thousands of dollars plus the cost of training employees to use a laser cutting machine. Allowing an experienced manufacturer such as Fathom to work on your laser cutting job can reduce costs and turnaround time.
A: Laser cutting is used to produced complex and intricate parts. Products for aerospace, automotive, medical and many other industries have been made using laser cutting.
A: Both laser cutting and water jet cutting have their advantages and disadvantages. Whether one technology is a good fit for a project over another depends on the design and desired finish of a part.
Do you need a laser cutting quote as part of an upcoming project? Fathom’s SmartQuote application provides fast quotes for any file.
