Three dimensional laser cutting puts the cutting head on a multi axis machine so it can reach and cut features on parts that are already formed. That solves a problem flat cutting cannot: a hole that must be positioned relative to a formed feature rather than relative to the flat blank, and a trim line on a shape that no flat pattern predicts accurately.
What it is for
Trimming stampings and hydroformed parts to their final outline. Cutting holes into formed panels where the flat pattern cannot predict their final position. Trimming tube and profile after bending. Cutting features into thermoformed or composite parts. In each case the alternative is a trim die, which is tooling, or a machining operation, which is slower.
Against trim dies
A trim die is fast per part and expensive to make, so it wins at volume. Laser trimming needs only a fixture and a programme, so it wins at low and medium volume and during development, when the trim line is still moving. Many programmes laser trim through launch and move to a die once the design and the volume are settled.
The fixture is the real cost
The part has to be held in a known position, repeatably, without obstructing the head, and formed parts are springy and do not sit flat. That fixture is designed and made for the part, and on a prototype it can exceed the cutting cost. Where a family of parts shares a shape, a modular fixture is worth designing deliberately.
Practical limits
The head needs line of sight and clearance, so deep internal features may be unreachable. Cut quality on a curved surface varies with the angle of incidence. Thickness limits are the same as for flat laser cutting in that material. And the machines are expensive, so hourly rates are higher than for a flat bed machine.
Questions people ask about 3d laser cutting services
What is 3D laser cutting?
Laser cutting with the head on a multi axis machine so it can cut features into parts that have already been formed, bent or stamped.
When does it beat a trim die?
At low and medium volume, and during development while the trim line is still changing. A die wins once the design is settled and the volume is high.
What is the main cost?
The fixture. The part must be held repeatably without obstructing the head, and formed parts are springy, so the fixture is designed and made per part.
Are there geometry limits?
Yes. The head needs line of sight and clearance, so deep internal features can be unreachable, and cut quality varies with the angle of incidence on a curved surface.