Laser cut steel suppliers

[Dave SParticipant @daves59043]

I’m making progress on my CNC build, and I now need to find someone to cut some 5 or 6 mm steel plates for various bits of the structure.

Any recommendations?

Dave

[Dave SParticipant @daves59043]

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

I've used Lasermasters a few times

[noel shelleyParticipant @noelshelley55608]

Depending where you are, OPTIMA METAL SERVICES, Kings Lynn. I use them when needed. Noel.

[Ian PParticipant @ianp]

I've used Microkerf for a few years now with complete satisfaction. The best part as far as I am concerned is that the quoting is online 24/7 and its interactive. Its easy to make changes to thickness, material, profile or part quantity and immediately see the difference in cost.

No connection other than a satisfied customer

Only downside is their website is a bit quirky!

Link below

Microkerf

Ian P

[Chris Evans 6Participant @chrisevans6]

Here in the Midlands I use NRS Laser in Tamworth.

[WearyParticipant @weary]

Model Engineers' Laser.

Phil

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

Check your local yellow pages and google locally. They are cropping up all over the place now and it might be better to develop a relationship with a local one. I went to an agricultural show a couple of years ago and found a stall selling decorative steel signs amongst tractor parts. Turned out they were a local CNC & laser/water jet shop who were quite ready to have a go at anything.
One of the factors to take into consideration is what sort of data they want – drawing, DXF file etc and whether you can produce it to the required quality.

[HollowpointParticipant @hollowpoint]

I've had projects that would benefit from some laser cut parts in the past but I've never looked into it fearing what it might cost. For those of you that have had parts made, what kind of prices should one expect? Obviously it depends on the job and material but lets say an a4 sized peice of 1/4 mild steel, are we talking tens of pounds, hundreds or even  thousands? Would they even bother with a one off small job?

Edited By Hollowpoint on 10/02/2023 10:18:21

Edited By Hollowpoint on 10/02/2023 10:19:14

[noel shelleyParticipant @noelshelley55608]

2M long, 40 X120 channel in 3mm cut and bent from sheet £24 each, for example ! Noel.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Sometimes cheaper than buying a sheet of metal yourself.

Size does nor give a good indication of cost. Machine time and the number of holes is what costs so just cutting a rectangular A4 sheet would be a lot less than a complex part that would fit within the same overall size piece of metal. they are unlikely to be cutting from imperial sheet these days

The link I posted has quick pricing of basic shapes on line so have a try, you can send files of more detailed items for a quote. They are happy to do one off jobs and have run adverts in the mag in the past so are used to dealing with MEs

EDIT, just tried it out to show it is not size that matters, 300x200x6 solid is £17 same sheet with a 250 x 150 cut out is almost double at £31

Edited By JasonB on 10/02/2023 10:34:20

[Chris Evans 6Participant @chrisevans6]

I have found that providing a DXF file to the laser cutter really brings the price down as does a personal visit.

[Ian PParticipant @ianp]

Posted by Chris Evans 6 on 10/02/2023 20:15:12:

I have found that providing a DXF file to the laser cutter really brings the price down as does a personal visit.

I agree. Actually its NOT providing a DXF or dwg file that puts the price up.

Ian P

[JellyParticipant @jelly]

PP Profiles (West Yorkshire) have alway been good for me, and free delivery with a 50 mile radius too.

I agree that providing a suitable cad file which is pretty much ready to go is the path to lower costs, although I always send a dimensioned drawing as well, to ensure they can spot any translation errors between the CAD file and the CAM output (a risk if you provide a CAD format their software doesn't open natively).

[Dave SParticipant @daves59043]

Just to update this. I used microkerf after getting a few quotes.
Ordered back end of last week and the parts turned up today.

very happy, they all fit as designed.

Dave

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