Bison Process Guide

Sheet Laser Cutting

Our laser blanking process starts with a DXF or other vector file that controls the cut. If the part is formed, we unfold the model and apply bend deductions for the material and the press-brake tooling that will be used. Then we nest for yield and laser-cut profiles, holes, and slots so the blank is ready for the next step.

Sheet laser head tracing a contour on a metal sheet

What We Cut

Our high-powered fiber laser is capable of cutting a variety of materials like stainless, carbon steel, aluminum, copper, and brass. Our table handles sheets up to 60 × 120 in (5 × 10 ft).

Bison 6 kW Laser Cutting Reference

Bison uses a 6 kW fiber laser with shop air and nitrogen.

These equipment-reference maxima are not confirmed Bison production limits. Final thickness depends on grade, gas pressure and setup, geometry and required edge quality, and is reviewed for each project.

Equipment-Reference Maximum Thickness
MaterialReference MaximumAssist Gas
Carbon steel (mild steel)8 mm(0.315 in)Compressed air or nitrogen
Stainless steel30 mm(1.181 in)Not specified in reference
Aluminum15 mm(0.591 in)Compressed air
Copper12 mm(0.472 in)Not specified in reference
Brass10 mm(0.394 in)Not specified in reference

An unspecified gas does not establish suitability for air or nitrogen. No minimum thickness or titanium cutting range is stated.

Quality

We check size, edge quality, and flatness as process controls. On every sheet we cut sample coupons utilizing all cutting parameters for that material. Those cutting-profile checks yield a Cpk of 1.87. Heat numbers and controlled offsets keep the first and last part on the run, and the next run, in control.

Laser Assist Gas

We match assist gas to the material, thickness, edge look, and next step. Shop air is lower gas cost but can leave an oxidized edge that needs cleanup before weld or paint. Nitrogen keeps stainless brighter and can cut secondary work, at higher gas cost.

From Drawing To Finished Part

Bring The Drawing. Define The Finished Part.

Send the current drawing revision, material spec, quantity, finish, and critical dimensions to sales@bisonmfg.com.

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