Verdugo Tool & Engineering is a recognized ISO 9001:2015-certified company in laser cutting and can routinely hold tolerances of +/- .001 with our laser capabilities. We are able to process a wide variety of materials, including carbon steels, stainless steels, aluminum, titanium, and other exotic alloys.
Since 1957, we have been among the first sheet metal stamping companies to implement laser cutting technology into our manufacturing methods. We have extensive experience and the capability to take on projects requiring metal stamped parts requiring more intricate features achieved through laser cutting, as well as manufacturing parts requiring only laser cutting.
Verdugo's Laser Cutting Capabilities: Materials and Part Thickness
At Verdugo, we specialize in the following material thicknesses.
| Material Type | Maximum Material Thickness | Accuracy at Maximum Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steels | .188” | +/- .004 |
| Stainless Steel | .125” | +/- .004 |
| Aluminum | .030” | +/- .001 |
| Titanium | .030” | +/- .001 |
| Exotic Alloys | .030” | +/- .001 |
For thinner materials (about .030” thick or less), we can hold tolerances to +/- .001. This means that many of our laser-cut parts can be used in extremely demanding industries like aerospace, defense, and electronics.
Our high-volume production capacity allows us to handle intricate designs and excel with orders in the 100 to 5,000 range.
Common Industrial Applications of Laser Cutting
Laser cutting is a highly precise metal manufacturing technique used across multiple major industries. Sheet metal laser cutting is compatible with various thicknesses and produces minimal product waste through burnt kerf. Automated or pre-programmed lasers can produce hundreds or thousands of components with virtually no variability across orders. Verdugo offers fast, accurate, and versatile laser cutting services for high-volume orders of small components.
We work with the following industries to produce a variety of standard and custom products.
Aerospace and Defense
Aerospace and military applications need components that have excellent dimensional accuracy. Even the smallest misalignment or failure point could lead to critical delays and failures, especially as modern equipment systems rely on compact, zero-failure assemblies. By laser cutting military parts, we produce reliable, Mil-Spec-compliant products for key defense contractors.
Some of the components we frequently produce through our military and aerospace laser cutting services include:
- Brackets
- Electrical contacts
- EMI shields
- Filter housings
- Hinges
- Springs
- Switches
Automotive
Modern cars benefit from small, intricate components that can fit tightly together. We laser cut aluminum sheet metals for lightweight, fuel-efficient systems and stainless steel components for sturdy, structural applications. Automobile and high-end racecar manufacturers choose Verdugo for our precision laser cutting capabilities. Parts we commonly work on are:
- Clutch hubs
- Decorative door sills
- Engine covers
Commercial
General commercial markets also benefit from precision cutting technology. We offer laser cutting services for consumer product components, including brackets, hinges, and mounting plates.
Electronics
Modern electronics are incredibly compact, relying on hundreds of components that fit together while maintaining proper electrical connections, shielding, and thermal management. Our high-quality electronics industry laser cutting services produce the following in various configurations and shapes:
- Connectors
- Contacts
- Springs
- Switches
Energy
As green and sustainable energy movements ramp up globally, there’s a growing demand for solar energy panels, battery charging assemblies, and other renewable solutions. We can laser cut precision components for electrical assemblies, enclosures, and more.
Medical
We produce laser-cut metal components for surgical tools, medical implants like pacemakers, and operating room equipment. Because laser cutting equipment can produce consistent, precise cuts without damaging the metal, lasers will continue to be a critical tool in producing high-performance implants, robotics, and wearable technology.
Benefits of Laser Cutting for High Volume Projects
Laser cutting is a quick, clean cutting method that doesn’t use mechanical force, which gives it several advantages for high-volume sheet metal cutting.
Intricate Design Possibilities
Product designers can develop highly intricate and complex designs. Laser cutting tools can easily trace features and unique geometries to produce these high-performance components. Laser cutting tools offer extreme precision with very tight beams that can create cut widths as thin as .008 mm, depending on the material thickness.
Consistency and High Quality
CNC laser cutters are highly accurate machines that can be programmed to make thousands of identical parts with tight tolerances. Not only are the cuts identical from piece to piece, but the laser is also a non-contact cutting method that doesn’t warp or damage the metal. Lasers produce clean cuts without burrs or harsh edges that need additional finishing.
High Speed
Automated laser cutting processes operate extremely quickly, and lights-out facilities can run 24/7 with minimal human intervention, fulfilling orders within short lead times. Laser cutting has another speed advantage: the program can follow instructions translated from the design files without needing any tooling or dies. This fast transition from design to production also ensures short lead times.
Reduced Startup Costs
Creating tooling and dies requires a high initial startup cost. These components are custom, expensive, and can delay production if they need modifications. On the other hand, laser cutting doesn’t require hard tooling, so it is more economical. It can continue to be a wise cost-saving choice if you anticipate design modifications or multiple product variations in the future.
Minimal Material Waste
Laser cutting processes minimize material waste. With computer-controlled nesting systems, laser cutting providers can position parts across sheet metal as tightly as possible, so there’s little excess waste. Lasers also burn away minimal material in the cuts themselves, further reducing material waste. This can help companies save money on materials and enhance sustainability.
Contact Verdugo Today For High-Quality, High Volume Laser-Cut Components
Verdugo Tool & Engineering is an ISO 9001:2015-certified and ITAR registered sheet metal stamping company offering laser cutting as a standalone or add-on service. We have extensive experience serving diverse industries with highly precise laser-cut components, and we conduct our laser cutting operations in-house from our Southern California facility. Our product quality is consistent, we hold tight tolerances, and we work with many materials such as aluminum, carbon steels, stainless steels, titanium, and more.
Contact us today to learn more about our sheet metal laser cutting services, or request a quote to start your order.