Laser Cutting Stainless Steel for 304 and 316 Grades

Most grades can be laser cut, but 304 and 316 are the most common. We stock both in brushed, mirror, and 2B finishes.

We can cut up to 30mm thick and can laser-cut within that range, with clean, precise edges.

Stainless steel doesn't rust like regular steel does, with a red oxide layer that flakes off. Corrosion usually occurs when contaminants settle on the surface of the stainless steel. So stainless steel can look rusty/tarnished if not properly maintained. It is ‘stain-less’ not ‘stain-free’. Over time and if not maintained correctly, 'rust' will develop on stainless steel.

This is due to the weight, laser cutting use’s gas when cutting and when a sheet is light it can move during the cutting process so 1 mm is the thinnest we are able to successfully cut.

1:1 in mm DWG and or DXF are perfect and allow us to quote quicker, these files can be imported directly into our quoting software. For simple items we can work from pencil sketches, PDF, Jpegs providing all the relevant dimensions are noted on the drawing to enable us to draw the item in CAD software. For more complicated and unique designs, we can sometimes convert PDF and jpegs. jpegs need to be high resolution and only be drawn with a hairline and contain no fill. Some software like sketch up and adobe illustrator do allow you to export as either DXF or DWG.

430 grade stainless steel is attracted to magnets due to the high carbon content. A magnet will not naturally stick to higher grades such as 304L and 316.

Yes, stainless steel can be welded, although the welding process differs from that of carbon steel. A stainless steel filler rod or electrode is required for welding.