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SHAPING METAL, CRAFTING EXCELLENCE
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Faq’s, Common Questions

The term 'laser' stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. It is a device that generates trillions of photons, or light particles, in a focused beam of concentrated light.

Utilizing a crystal, photons travel up and down this beam, resulting in a source of heat that enables the engraving or cutting of materials. The laser beam is concentrated to a point, heating the material until it reaches its melting point. An 'assist gas' then removes the molten material and cools the surrounding area, leaving a precise and clean finish—all of which occurs rapidly.

There are primarily four types of lasers commonly employed in the manufacturing industry, though this is expanding:

CO2 Lasers
Fibre Lasers
Nd Lasers
Nd-YAG Lasers

Each type is tailored for specific functions and material requirements. Notably, fibre lasers have revolutionized the industry by utilizing fibre optic cables to direct the beam from the source to the material instead of relying on mirrors.

Laser cutting is an exceptionally effective manufacturing method. Its appeal lies in the capability to produce results that are often unattainable through manual processes.

Laser technology can cut materials, including steel, with a smooth finish. Our current machines can handle cuts up to 25mm thick while using minimal power and assist gas. Moreover, our operation runs continuously—24/7—allowing for quick turnaround times for our clients.

Accuracy: Our laser cutter can work with various materials and thicknesses, achieving parts with tolerances as precise as 0.1mm.

Speed: Our machines operate around the clock. With pre-saved settings for different materials, we can process up to 9 tons of material overnight without manual intervention, ensuring rapid delivery for our clients.

Cost: The speed and efficiency of our services keep prices competitive. The unmanned operation reduces the need for additional labor, further lowering costs for our customers.

Smooth Finish: Laser cutting's high-performance heat application guarantees a superior smooth finish, making our services particularly sought after in the aerospace, automotive, and agricultural sectors.

There may be limitations regarding cutting capabilities depending on the size and type of material. The following materials cannot be processed: Stone Rubber Plastic Wood Glass For a comprehensive overview of which materials can and cannot be cut using laser technology, please refer to our detailed guide.

Laser and plasma cutting technologies offer distinct processes.

Plasma cutters are powerful and can provide a high-quality cut edge but often generate considerable noise and emit hazardous fumes during operation. Additionally, plasma cutting can introduce more heat into the material, affecting areas beyond the cut.

Conversely, laser technology provides several key benefits: less distortion and damage from heat, faster cutting—especially on thinner materials—and a higher level of accuracy. Ultimately, the choice between laser and plasma cutting depends on the material and its dimensions.

We commonly cut the following materials:

Mild Steel
Stainless Steel
Zintec and Galvanised Steels
Aluminium
Hardox, Weldox, and Xar400
Brass, Copper, and Titanium

We can work with a variety of materials, but optimal results are achieved within certain thickness ranges. Here are the thickness limitations for specific materials: Mild Steel: 25mm Stainless Steel: 20mm Aluminium: 15mm

We can create parts as narrow as the width of the laser beam (less than 1mm). However, the quality of the hole depends on the material used.

For materials up to 6mm thick, the smallest hole is generally between 1-2mm.

For thicker materials, a good rule of thumb is that the smallest diameter hole produced can be half the thickness of the material.

While it is sometimes feasible to create small holes in thick materials, the quality cannot be guaranteed.

Absolutely! Many businesses can benefit from our laser cutting services. Our clients come from various industries, including:

Agriculture
Architecture
Automotive Manufacturing
Engineering
Entertainment and Events
IT and Communications
Food Manufacturing and Catering
Machine Manufacturing
Military Defense
Oil, Gas, and Offshore
Shipyard Construction and Subsea

Getting a quote is simple! At MEC, we handle projects of all sizes. To request a quote, please contact our team through any channel. If you have drawings ready, please email them to us, ensuring to include:

The material being used (grade, surface finish, thickness)
Quantity required
Whether you need a price for cutting only or for additional services like folding or full fabrication.

Yes. We need to have a minimum order charge to ensure fairness to all of our clients. A small one-off washer consumes a certain amount of human resources, and the cost of processing such a part has been decided to be INR 1K. We work with a wide range of clients – from startups to SMEs and some of the biggest and most established organizations in India and abroad, and we continually monitor feedback and our competitors to ensure this charge is fair to all.

Job speed depends on the project's scale and urgency. At MEC, our machines operate 24/7, and we've often managed same-day or 24-hour turnarounds.

Yes, we utilize Computer-Aided Design (CAD) for our projects, ensuring high-quality service with complete accuracy. However, please note that we cannot accept liability for inaccuracies in final parts if the CAD drawings provided are incorrect.

Certainly! For this, we will need a fully dimensioned drawing.

The primary difference between laser cutting and engraving lies in the laser's focal length. Engraving involves a shorter focal length, allowing the laser to penetrate the surface layer of the material without severing it. In contrast, laser cutting utilizes a longer focal length, enabling it to cut entirely through the material.

The term 'bespoke' refers to a process that involves manufacturing or modifying a product to meet a unique specification. In contrast, 'made to measure' refers to items created to exact dimensions or specifications but can replicate existing designs.

Yes, several manuals are available online. Here’s a selection of some of our favorites:
How to Use A Laser Cutter – A brief guide from instructables.com
Guide to Laser Cutting – An excellent resource from makeworks.co.uk
Set Up Guide for Laser Cutting and Engraving – An introduction to the principles and advantages of laser cutting

If you're interested in reading a book on the subject, the following publications may be useful:
Laser Cutting: Guide for Manufacturing – Charles Caristan (2003)
Laser Material Processing – William M. Steen, Jyotirmoy Mazumder (2010)
CO2 Laser Cutting – John Powell (1998)
3D CAD with Autodesk 123D – Jesse Harrington Au (2015)

Innovation

Reliability

Customer-Centric Approach

Sustainability

Excellence

Collaboration

Integrity

©2021, MEC – Shaping Metal, Crafting Excellence