Laser Cutting & Metal Bending

When precision and reliability are critical, laser cutting and precision metal bending are often the most efficient and effective methods for fabrication. Metal cutting and forming may not seem extremely complex, but modern fabrication has made it both an art and a science.

With the manufacturing industry constantly changing, staying up to date and utilizing the latest advancements in laser cutting and press brake capabilities also ensure that all of your projects are executed with the highest standards of accuracy and quality.

In this article, we explore how this cutting-edge technology is changing the game for manufacturers, its ability to meet the complex needs of today’s industrial landscape, and how it can improve efficiency, quality, and reduce costs.

The Power of Laser Cutting

Laser cutting is a process that uses a high-powered laser beam to achieve precise cuts with tolerances as tight as .003 inches—about the same width as a human hair.

This level of precision is crucial to meet the exact specifications of each project, while ensuring consistency and quality across all your fabrication needs.

With advanced laser cutting systems, even the most demanding projects are simplified, saving you valuable time, resources, and materials with unmatched capacity, power, and precision across a wide range of materials.

Our Laser Cutting Systems

At SWF Industrial, we utilize Amada laser cutting systems, equipping us to handle any project from simple to complex. Our Amada Ensis Fiber Laser and Gemini FO-3015NT laser cutting systems offer unmatched capacity, efficiency, and precision.

With cutting areas up to 80″ x 160″ and up to 9,000 watts of power, we are able to work with a wide range of materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, and carbon steel, up to 1 inch thick.

The Added Value of Automation

In addition to the powerful capabilities of the laser, the true benefit to utilizing a laser cutting system comes from the automation technology and control systems.

This cutting-edge automation and control includes but is not limited to:

Innovative Control Panel:

The integrated touch screen control panel provides an experienced operator the ability to load and manage files, navigate the parts layout, view program progress, and control the laser speed and cycles.

Additionally, it controls the automated laser placement to minimize waste, saving lead time and cost by maximizing the space of the material based on the drawings and best outcome, improving accuracy and quality, while reducing lead time and material cost.

Automated Loading/Unloading:

Our laser cutting systems have also been upgraded with optional Cycle Loaders that are placed over the shuttle table to automate the sheet loading and unloading, helping to further increase efficiency and reduce lead times.

Speed and Accuracy:

Our high-speed laser is equipped with flash cutting capabilities, enabling even faster processing without sacrificing accuracy, making the cutting process up to four times faster.

That leads to increased efficiency, which not only improves consistency and quality but also saves valuable time, materials, and cost.

Why Laser Cutting Matters

At SWF, our laser cutting capabilities not only enhance the quality and aesthetic of each project, but also deliver exceptional value through reduced waste and increased efficiency. The precision of laser cutting translates directly into superior quality and the ability to create designs at speeds and accuracy that other cutting methods simply cannot match.

Overall, laser cutting is the most cost-effective solution when precision and detail are the biggest concern, providing an ideal balance between economy and high-quality results.

Precision in Metal Bending: Press Brakes

After laser cutting, the shaping process is equally critical to achieving the desired final product. Press brakes play a key role in this stage by bending the laser-cut metal into their desired, precise shape.

The accuracy and repeatability of this process is vital, especially for projects requiring tight tolerances and complex designs.

SWF Industrial’s press brakes are equipped with high-precision tooling and 6-axis back gauges, allowing for accurate and repeatable bending operations. Our press brakes include 175-ton Darley machines (10’ and 12’ long) and a 400-ton Accurpress (14’ long), all equipped with crowning to ensure uniform bends across the entire length of the metal.

The accuracy of our press brakes ranges from .005 to .007 inches, and we can accommodate tooling up to a 5” bottom die, providing the versatility needed for a wide range of applications.

The Importance of Crowning

Crowning is a critical feature that prevents metal from deforming under the pressure of bending, ensuring that each bend is accurate and consistent throughout the entire length of the material.

That uniformity is essential for maintaining the structural integrity and aesthetic quality of the finished product. By applying precise and consistent pressure, crowning helps us achieve bends that meet the exact specifications required for each project.

Integration of Laser Cutting and Metal Bending

By seamlessly integrating laser cutting with precision metal bending, SWF Industrial ensures that each stage of fabrication contributes to the overall success and efficiency of your project.

The precise cuts achieved by our laser enhance the quality and accuracy of the subsequent shaping process, allowing us to deliver with exceptional consistency and tight tolerances. This integration is especially valuable for complex projects where both cutting and shaping must be executed with the highest degree of precision.

SWF Industrial’s Capabilities

At SWF Industrial, our state-of-the-art equipment is paired with the expertise and dedication of our team. Guided by our core values of Character, Commitment, and Creativity, we deliver solutions that exceed expectations.

Capabilities and Specifications

With our advanced laser cutting system, SWF Industrial is equipped to handle even the most demanding projects, offering unmatched capacity, power, and precision. You can explore more of our capabilities on our website.

Laser Cutting:

• Cutting Area: 80″ x 160″
• Power: 9000 watts
• Material Thickness Capacity: Up to 1 inch (Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Carbon Steel)
• Accuracy: .003” (about the width of a human hair)
• Automation: Cycle loader for speed, rear output table for hot jobs
• High-Speed Processing: Equipped with Fly cutting capabilities

Press Brakes:

• High Precision Tooling
• 6-Axis Back Gauges
• Accuracy: .005” – .007”
• Crowning: Ensures uniform bends across the entire length of the material
• Capacity:
  • 175-ton Darley (10’ and 12’ long)
  • 400-ton Accurpress (14’ long)
• Tooling: Up to 5” bottom die

Our advanced laser cutting and press brake systems are operated by a team of skilled professionals committed to their customers and craft. This combination of cutting-edge technology and expertise allows us to take on projects that many other fabricators cannot handle.

Value Engineering and Impact on the Bottom Line

We understand that every project comes with its own set of challenges, and our approach to value engineering helps us find the most efficient and cost-effective ways to meet them.

By leveraging our laser cutting and metal bending capabilities, we help our clients save time, resources, and money without compromising on quality. This commitment to efficiency and precision directly impacts our clients’ bottom lines, making SWF Industrial a trusted partner for businesses across a range of industries.

Applications and Projects

SWF Industrial serves a diverse range of industries, from food and beverage to industrial manufacturing, delivering tailored turnkey fabrication solutions that meet the unique needs of every project.

We excel at meeting tight deadlines and managing projects, even those with aggressive time constraints.

Types of Projects

Our services are suited to a broad range of custom fabrication projects, including sheet and plate metal fabrication.

Whether you need intricate industrial machinery or large-scale components, SWF Industrial has the expertise and equipment to deliver superior results.

View our gallery to see more examples of our work.

SWF Industrial is Here to Help

When precision, quality, deadlines, and reliability are non-negotiable, SWF Industrial is the partner you can trust. With our cutting-edge technology and skilled team, we deliver solutions that are both efficient and effective, helping our clients achieve their goals with confidence regardless of the complexity or deadline.

Looking for a partner for your next project? Start a conversation with our team today.