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Steel Cutting Blog

 

If you’re passionate about metal cutting or just keen to learn more, you’ve landed in the right place. 

 

For over 38 years, Amber Steel has been at the forefront of metal cutting services, specializing in laser cutting, flame cutting, and plasma cutting. Our expertise has carved a niche in this cutting-edge industry, delivering precision and excellence across industrial projects big and small. 

 

In our blog, we’ll share a mix of useful tips, innovative applications, our thoughts on sustainability in steel cutting, and more. Expect stories from the cutting floor, insights into how our processes can streamline projects across industries, and a few lessons we’ve learned along the way. 

 

While we keep some of our trade secrets under wraps, this blog is designed to offer valuable nuggets of wisdom that you simply won't find anywhere else. Whether you’re a professional in the industry or someone fascinated by the possibilities of metal cutting, you'll find something of value here. 

 

So, stick with us as we delve into the finer points of metal work. We’re glad to share our insights and lead discussions that matter to our industry. 

 

VIEW RECENT BLOGS

 

New to Steel Cutting? Start with the Basics 

 

Explore our Steel Cutting Blog by Topic 

 

Aerospace 

How precision metal cutting propels the aerospace industry, from constructing lighter frames to enhancing aerodynamics. 

 

Automotive 

The role of advanced metal cutting in automotive manufacturing, driving innovations in vehicle design and efficiency. 

 

Flame Cutting 

All about the robust and versatile process of flame cutting, ideal for tackling thicker metals with precision and ease. 

 

Furniture 

Discover the art of crafting metal furniture, where cutting techniques meet design to create both functional and aesthetic pieces. 

 

How It Works 

A behind-the-scenes look at the mechanics of metal cutting technologies and the science that makes them tick. 

 

Laser Cutting 

Laser cutting is where extreme precision meets efficiency, allowing for intricate designs and clean finishes. 

 

Medical Devices 

The critical role of precise steel cutting in developing reliable and intricate medical devices. 

 

Oil and Gas 

How steel cutting supports the oil and gas industry with components that withstand extreme environments and pressures. 

 

Plasma Cutting 

Known for its speed and versatility, plasma cutting slices through conductive metals with hot plasma. 

 

Safety 

Safety first! Tips and insights on maintaining a safe environment while handling powerful metal cutting equipment. 

 

Structural Steel Fabrication 

The backbone of construction, where steel fabrication and cutting technologies create frameworks that shape skylines. 

 

Sustainability 

A look at sustainability in metal cutting, focusing on practices that reduce waste and conserve energy to protect our planet. 

 

Size Matters! The Advances of 72" Laser Cutting

Laser cutting machine in use

The manufacturing landscape has become increasingly competitive over the years, with precision and efficiency being essential to staying ahead of the curve. Whether you work in metal fabrication or woodworking, you know the right tools can make all the difference, especially for big jobs. That’s why 72-inch laser cutting is supreme. 

 

The 72-inch laser cutting machine has revolutionized industry and how its businesses operate. It has a large cutting area with highly advanced features, including a 72-inch laser. This offers several advantages, ranging from productivity to quality and cost-effectiveness. 

 

Today, the experts at Amber Steel are taking you through the key benefits of 72-inch laser cutting. Our business is one of the few that offer a 72-inch laser cutter, so we consider ourselves resident experts on the matter.  

 

Let’s explore.  

 

Larger Cutting Area Allowing for Expanding Possibilities 

Perhaps one of the most obvious advantages of a 72-inch laser cutter is the cutting area. The larger bed size allows you to process larger sheets of material in a single pass, eliminating the need for several cuts while also minimizing material handling.  

 

This doesn’t just save time; it actually also reduces the potential for human error that can happen when repositioning the material for more cuts.  

 

For industries that use larger components, such as automotive, aerospace, or architectural fabrication, you must have the ability to cut large pieces without segmentation. This process is a complete game changer by simplifying workflow, enabling larger, more complex shapes to be completed in a single go.  

 

It’s also worth mentioning that manufacturers who produce multiple, smaller pieces from a large sheet, the 72-inch cutting area allows for a greater number of parts to be produced from a single setup. This enhances overall productivity.  

 

Precision and Accuracy While Maintaining Consistent Quality  

Laser cutting is well known for its efficiency and precision, and this is also true for larger machines. A 72-inch laser cutter is able to maintain very high levels of accuracy across the entire cutting area, ensuring your projects are cut to precise specifications.  

 

This precision is essential for applications where materials have very tight tolerances - like producing components for machinery or electronics, which require a more delicate fabrication.  

 

Consistent quality is also the primary benefit of the 72-inch cutter. The first piece in a batch is always going to be identical to the last, which helps to maintain standards and meet customer expectations.  

 

It’s difficult to achieve this high level of consistency through other cutting methods –  particularly when dealing with large-scale production.  

 

Material Efficiency and Maximizing Resources 

Efficiency is great – but it isn’t all about speed. It’s also about making the absolute most out of the materials you have on hand.  

 

Using a 72-inch laser allows for better nesting of parts, meaning you’re able to fit more pieces into a single sheet of material. You reduce material waste this way while maximizing the use of expensive materials, saving you a lot of cost over time.  

 

Also, the versatility of 72-inch laser cutting extends across a vast range of materials, and the machine can handle all of them easily. The large bed of the machine allows for the processing of materials that could be impossible to cut using smaller machines, increasing the scope of potential projects and applications.  

 

Amber steel worker maintaining laser cutting machine

Flexibility in Design to Unleash Creativity 

There are industries where design complexity and customization are non-negotiable. In this case, a 72-inch laser cutter can provide unparalleled flexibility.  

 

By working with larger sheets of metal, designers can make more intricate and complex layouts without worrying about the constraints of using a smaller machine.  

 

This can be excellent in applications such as creating signage, custom metalwork, or even furniture design, which allow precision and creativity to complement each other.  

 

72-inch laser cutters are also perfect if you need a high level of customization. Whether you’re working on a one-off project or you run a massive production with a lot of specifications, the machine offers precision and flexibility that allow for a high level of adjustment and modifications – you aren’t limited to a single “mold.”  

 

Reducing Costs and Increasing Efficiency 

There’s more to the 72-inch laser than just saving you costs on materials. The larger cutting area reduces the need for repositioning material, which means it requires a lower set-up time.  

 

This allows for longer and uninterrupted operation, reducing the need for downtime and increasing overall productivity.  

For businesses that want to scale up their operations, a 72-inch laser cutter provides them with the capability to handle larger orders without having to compromise on quality or speed.  

 

The machine’s automation features (i.e. material loading and unloading), further expand this efficiency and reduce labour costs, making it a great long-term investment for growing companies.  

 

Advanced Features for Safe Operation 

Perhaps one of the most optimal features of the 72-inch laser cutting models is that they come equipped with advanced safety features that are specially designed to protect operators. These features can include enclosed workspaces, automated shut-off mechanisms, and sensors designed to predict potential hazards.  

 

Prioritizing safety allows manufacturers to maintain a productive work environment without risking the well-being of their workers.  

Automation is yet another aspect that improves the machine’s overall safety and efficiency. Many larger laser cutters are integrated with automation systems that can handle tasks such as material loading, cutting, and unloading. This speeds up production while also reducing the risk of human error, thereby improving the quality and consistency of the business’ output.  

 

Here are some additional safety tips to consider when operating an industrial laser cutter:  

  • During operation, the laser diode pointer should never be directed into anyone’s eyes. The laser beam used during the cutting process is invisible. 

  • There should always be a filter attached while performing a cut to ensure that the air in the room is safe for fabricators and limits the potential of hazardous debris.  

  • While laser cutters can cut a myriad of materials, there are some that are considered hazardous or dangerous to cut – such as MDF, of which the particles can cause cancer. 

  • While automation is a big selling point for this laser cutter, no laser cutting system should be operated unattended for safety purposes. 

  • Always use the air compressor to provide sufficient airflow for the cut.  

  • Make sure all employees know where the fire extinguisher is located and the location of the nearest emergency exit.  

  • Always remove debris from the crumb try after using the machine to reduce the risk of potential fires.  

  • Never open the machine's access panels while the unit is plugged in.  

 

Some industries that can greatly benefit from the efficiency, safety, and overall enhanced nature of the 72-inch laser cutter include:  

  • Automotive Manufacturing 

  • Aerospace and Defense 

  • Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering 

  • Metal Fabrication 

  • Construction and Architecture 

  • Furniture and Interior Design 

  • Signage and Advertising 

  • Heavy Equipment Manufacturing 

  • Oil and Gas Industry 

  • Renewable Energy (e.g., Wind Turbine Manufacturing) 

  • Railway and Transportation 

  • Industrial Machinery 

  • Agriculture Equipment Manufacturing 

  • Military and Defense Contracting 

  • Custom Metal Art and Sculpture 

 

The Power of 72-Inch Laser Cutting with Amber Steel 

 

A 72-inch laser cutting machine is a powerful tool that can offer several advantages to a wide range of industries that need precision cutting of large materials. Its design is aimed at producing a higher level of efficiency, a wider range of material cuts, less need for human intervention, and more. 

 

Few fabrication suppliers offer the 72-inch laser cutter – but Amber Steel does. 

 

From cutting-edge projects to niche tasks, the team at Amber Steel have been at the forefront of industry leaders when it comes to steel cutting with laser, plasma, and flame-cutting technology ever since 1986. Our team services within the 100 km (about 62.14 mi) of Waterloo Region, producing ready-for-production parts for our customers across industries such as mining, automotive, construction, and technology sectors.  

 

We are among the select steel cutting and manufacturing companies equipped with a 72-inch-wide laser. This capability allows us to maximize the use of each metal sheet, accommodating a broader range of product sizes for various industries without size limitations. 

 

Amber Steel consists of a specialized team that spearheads innovation. We have invested a lot of time and resources into getting state-of-the-art laser cutting technology to meet all design specifications and customer needs.  

 

Laser cutting is a highly technical process, ensuring the fastest cutting time, reducing project wait times and allowing customers to have a finished product without the need for additional finessing.  

 

Contact us today for more information. 

 

 

 

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