Laser Cutting

As the laser concentrates its energy into a narrow focussed beam that results in low levels of excess heat, a small kerf and narrow heat affected zone is produced, making the process particularly suitable for applications requiring high part accuracy or minimal distortion.

There are restrictions on the thickness of steel that can be laser cut with additional demands on the selection of the appropriate steel grade compared to other technologies.

Surface quality and flatness have a large impact on the ability to laser cut steel, and the quality of the cut. Steels suitable for laser cutting need to have a thin, tightly adherent surface scale and be free from contaminants.

The BlueScope Steel grade developed for laser cutting is Lasercut™ 250 XLERPLATE®,  which meets the plate Standard AS/NZS 3678.