Precision Laser Cutting

We have been in business for over 20 years and through that time we have excelled at providing our customers services that they need and want.

We are always looking to grow and improve our product so that we can help improve your products.

Precision laser cutting is just one of the many services that we offer and one of the ways that we can provide you with a superior product. You can count on our process to leave you with a clean cut, precise finished product that is ideal for your application, no matter what industry you work in.

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Our business was started and excels in photo chemical machining, a process that requires precision and accuracy no matter how intricate the product design may be.

Precision Laser cutting is no different as it is commonly used for applications where traditional chemical etching methods cannot get the job done. The reason for this being that precision laser cutting not only is able to make the intricate cuts, it is able to make the intricate cuts without damaging the material during the process.

There are numerous advantages to precision laser cutting from the enhanced cutting ability as mentioned before and the reduced part distortion to programming flexibility and a decreased risk of injury during the process.

Not only is the precision laser cutting process more beneficial to both the consumer and the manufacturer, the precision laser cutting process is better for the environment than other alternatives as it involves no chemistry and other harmful byproducts.

trending_upHere at Great Lakes Engineering we have been leaders in our field and have been constantly looking for new ways to expand our services, and our expertise in manufacturing thin foil metal parts and other similar products is some of the best in the business.

Whether you are looking for laser cut parts from our precision laser cutting process or need a product completed that requires photo chemical etching, the experts at Great Lakes Engineering are here to help!

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With years of experience and knowledge, we work with a number of materials and know the intricacies of each material.

If you are unsure of which process might be best for you and your application we would be happy to not only show you which process is best for you, but also explain why the process is best for you and your needs.



Laser Cut Parts

Laser Cut Parts

Laser cutting is a technology that uses a laser to cut materials, and is typically used for industrial manufacturing applications.

Laser cutting works by directing the output of a high power laser, by computer, at the material to be cut. The material then either melts, burns, vaporizes away, or is blown away by a jet of gas, leaving an edge with a high quality surface finish. Our laser cutters are used to cut flat-sheet material.

Great Lakes Engineering employs computer-controlled Lumonics Screen Cut™ lasers and a Tannlin T8-SPS to cut stencils and thin foil parts to extremely high tolerance. The process is more precise, faster, and cleaner than chemical etching. It also requires little if any post-manufacturing processing and poses fewer direct environmental concerns. Many of the same products can be manufactured using different processes. Great Lakes Engineering has the experience to determine which process is appropriate for the application, tolerances, longevity, durability and cost.

Materials: Stainless Steel, Titanium, Nitinol, Nickel, Datum Alloy, Invar, Kovar

Benefits:

  • Reduced part distortion as a result of a small Heat Affected Zone (HAZ)
  • Improved and efficient part nesting due to narrow kerf width and programming flexibility
  • Enhanced cutting ability due to narrow kerf width
  • Improved tolerances
  • Incredible part production repeatability and accuracy from computer generated repetition of motion
  • Virtually zero machining damage created by burr on the bottom side of material improving product quality and minimizing secondary polishing or finishing requirements due to the laser process’ ability to regulate the feed rate, assist gas ratio, and regulate power
  • Virtually no part damage on delicate parts due to the fact that laser cutting is a non-contact process
  • No tooling required
  • Improved yield
  • Small runs and large run capabilities – without tooling charges
  • Ability to perform rapid design changes due to programming flexibility
  • Increased utilization of materials
  • Greatly reduced setup times
  • Easily adaptable to production needs
  • Decreased risk of injury compared to other manufacturing processes
  • Decreased noise
  • Environmentally safer and cleaner due to lack of chemistry

Capabilities for Thin Foil and Precision Components

Great Lakes Engineering operates Lumonics Screen Cut™ systems, T11 Tannlin and a Tannlin T8 SPS to achieve narrow kerf widths, stable beam control, and consistent part accuracy. These systems allow us to process stainless steel, titanium, Nitinol, nickel, Datum Alloy, Invar, Kovar, and other specialty metals used in electronics, medical devices, aerospace components, and industrial assemblies.

Laser cutting provides a small heat affected zone, reducing distortion and maintaining material integrity. Because the process is non contact, delicate parts remain stable during cutting, and burr formation is minimized. This reduces or eliminates secondary finishing and supports high repeatability across production cycles.

FAQ

What Materials Respond Well to Precision Laser Cutting?

Laser cutting performs well on stainless steel, titanium, Nitinol, nickel, Invar, Kovar, and other thin gauge metals. These materials maintain stability under controlled heat input and produce clean, consistent edges.

How Does Laser Cutting Compare to Chemical Etching?

Laser cutting supports tighter feature control, faster turnaround, and reduced finishing for certain geometries. Chemical etching remains useful for complex patterns or when uniform material removal is required. The best method depends on part design and tolerance requirements.

Can Laser Cutting Support Prototype and Production Volumes?

Yes. Because the process requires no tooling, it adapts easily to rapid design changes and small runs while still supporting high volume production with consistent repeatability.

What Part Sizes and Feature Scales are Achievable?

Laser systems can produce fine features, narrow slots, and intricate outlines on thin foils and small components. Exact limits depend on material thickness, geometry, and required tolerances.