Here are some of our most frequently asked questions.
Can I supply my own material?
Of course. It needs to be of prime stock, no rust etc. If it is a small piece, we need to be able to hold it still so we do need some room around your part. If you require your off-cuts back make sure you tell us at order placement.
Can I get my steel scratch free?
Generally, sheets are well handled and may have light scratches. Light scratches will not be noticed once items have been second processed ie powder coated.
For mild steel products we try our best but it will generally have scratches from the supplier as well as us moving it around the laser beds and through any folding processes. Our stainless and aluminium sheets can be requested with a plastic coating which helps eliminate scratches.
NOTE: Requested scratch free products will incur additional costs purely because they require extra handling and care. It is advisable getting a quote and being specific about what level of finishing you require.
Should I use 304 and 316 stainless steel?
If you are using your product in any form of marine environment then we strongly suggest 316. The material contains additives that make it more corrosion resistant than 304.
When I peel the film off, it leaves a residue. What’s the best way to get rid of this?
Stainless sheets come with a protective film on the sheet. This is to protect the surface from scratches.
Once peeled, there will be some residue caused by heat melting the plastic at the point of cutting. The best way to remove the residue is with white spirits and a clean cloth.
Can you etch my parts?
Yes we can. We laser etching is suited for part identification and logos and NOT for decorative etching.
We have companies who can do decorative etching for you.
Can you help me with my design?
Yes, we have a team of experienced designers and programmers who can bring your product to reality.
Do you deliver?
Yes, we have regular deliveries to metropolitan Auckland and can pack your product for delivery nationwide.
Do you have a minimum quantity?
No, we do lots of one-off work for a wide variety of industries.
What drawings do you require?
We can handle anything from a sketch, to a cardboard cut-out to almost all computer drawing files. If the files are in the correct format, we will not charge any editing, machine conversion or nesting costs.
Our ideal file type is a DXF or DWG or STEP file. If you have another file type we’ll do our best to work with it, but we can’t guarantee it will work with our systems and software.
My parts require other specialist fixings. Can you take care of this?
We certainly can. We often utilise clinch nut and stud insertion, nut and stud welding as well as other fixing methods.
Can you take care of tapping and countersinking?
Yes – we have specialised machines to carry out these processes.
How does pricing work with laser cutting?
Typically, pricing is based upon time to complete the job combined with material value. There is an initial set up charge and following that we charge for laser time and materials. That means that a one-off custom part will be less cost effective than a larger production run.
When cutting thick steel, will there be a burr?
It is common to get a burr when laser cutting aluminium. When the material thickness is 4mm and over, we typically get a very slight furry edge which can worsen as the material thickness increases. We have an in-house deburring machine which can finish off your parts nicely.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
If you would like to read our terms and conditions, please click on the button below to download a pdf.
