Cutting

Laser Cutting

The word “laser” is actually an acronym for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.” This cutting process relies on a focused beam of high-energy light to cut large quantities of two-dimensional components from sheets of materials like steel. To function, laser-cutting equipment follows G-code, or programming consisting of computer-generated instructions the machinery can interpret to perform the intended operations.

The process is automated, but operators will first load the program and, as needed, prep the material. Once the sheet material is in place on the cutting bed, the G-code controls the movement of the laser-cutting head and a precise laser beam begins heating a specific area of the material’s surface. The material either vaporizes or melts from the heat. With multiple lenses and mirrors directing the laser, the process cuts parts from the sheet, making them available for additional processing.

The main benefits of laser cutting at Fisher Barton include:

• Superior accuracy and precision
• Automated processes and minimized human labor
• High-speed operations for enhanced throughput
• Material and process versatility for cutting or engraving myriad materials
• Minimal post-processing and finishing requirements
• Cleanliness, with no need for chemical substances or cutting fluids
• No necessary expenditures on work holders or tooling

Waterjet Cutting

Another technique we offer is waterjet cutting, which combines a highly pressurized water stream and abrasive material to generate cuts in a workpiece with great efficiency. The process relies on a pump to create the water pressure, forcing the water to flow into tubing rated for high pressures, through the machine’s cutting head, and out of a nozzle. The water exits as a thin yet strong water steam capable of cutting through an array of material options. A vision system on the waterjet equipment enables us to make narrow cuts with a high degree of precision.

These systems operate at pressures of up to 100,000 pounds per square inch (psi), or approximately 6900 bars. Comparatively, fire hoses expel water at pressures ranging between 8 and 20 bars, making waterjet cutting significantly more powerful.

The following are the key benefits of waterjet cutting, whether the application is fairly standard or highly specialized:

• Producing smooth cuts
• High accuracy in generating complex shapes and unique designs
• Capacity to cut through hard and thick materials
• Material and process versatility, particularly with the addition of abrasives
• Lack of a heat-affected zone as a non-thermal cutting process
• Cost-effectiveness and sustainability
• Not necessary to make tool changes

Sawing

Fisher Barton begins with bar stock, cutting a long segment into smaller portions until they achieve the desired size for the application. While this process often involves imprecisely cutting away large portions of a workpiece, contemporary computer numerical control (CNC) sawing machines have the capabilities to perform finishing processes.

This efficient cutting technique offers our clients numerous advantages, including:

• High precision in their orders
• Fast cutting action for optimized efficiency
• Minimal energy requirements for good sustainability
• Low chip production for minimized material waste

Fisher Barton’s saw work envelope:

Ferrous Material

up to 20′ Long

Round Bar/Tube

0.400″ – 3.000″ Outside Diameter

Square Bar/Tube

0.400″ – 2.500″ Outside Dimension