Frequently asked questions
Welcome to the FAQ page – the central point of contact for answers to frequently asked questions. DeSta::Microcut endeavors to structure the page carefully and keep it up to date. In addition, questions and answers are constantly being added and revised. The aim is to provide you with the information you need quickly and easily. Should any questions remain unanswered, please do not hesitate to contact DeSta::Microcut directly. The contact form allows written inquiries, alternatively you can get in touch with the team by e-mail or telephone. The DeSta::Microcut team looks forward to helping you!
FAQ by subject area
What is laser cutting?
Precision laser cutting is a precise and efficient process that uses a high-energy, thermal laser beam. Materials are cut without contact, at high cutting speeds, with high precision and repeatability, and with virtually burr-free cut edges. In laser beam cutting, various methods such as CO₂ lasers, fiber lasers, and Nd:YAG lasers can be used to cut a wide variety of materials, including metals and thin sheet metal.
What is laser precision cutting?
Laser precision cutting is a specialized form of laser cutting that enables the cutting of complex shapes, delicate contours, and custom patterns. Using state-of-the-art laser technology, the material is cut with minimal heat generation, low surface roughness, and high precision, without compromising the material’s integrity. This method is particularly well-suited for cutting delicate parts with complex structures.
The applications for laser micro-cutting are diverse, ranging from the manufacture of microscopic components for medical devices to the production of delicate jewelry. Laser micro-cutting is also used in the manufacture of electronic components, precision tools, and fine mechanical components.
What is the difference between laser cutting and laser precision cutting?
Laser precision cutting is a specialized form of laser cutting that enables particularly fine and precise cuts. High-precision laser cutting is characterized by greater accuracy and better control over the cutting process. This allows for the cutting of more intricate contours with reduced heat input.
What are the advantages of laser precision cutting?
- Production of filigree geometries possible
- High flexibility Easily changeable geometry thanks to CAD/CAM connection
- Good material utilization Clean, mostly rework-free cutting edges
- No tool wear
- No tool changes required
- Hardness of the workpiece not relevant
What are the disadvantages of laser precision cutting?
Laser presision cutting cannot be used on all materials. These include, for example, materials that vaporize too quickly or are flammable, such as plastics or rubber. Transparent materials also cannot be processed using CNC laser cutting, since the laser light is not absorbed. In such cases, other cutting techniques, such as waterjet cutting, are more suitable.
Another disadvantage is that, with some materials, a so-called heat-affected zone can form, which can lead to deformation or other undesirable effects. In addition, color changes or peeling may occur. The DeSta Microcut team has succeeded in minimizing these negative effects—particularly with coated materials—through years of experience and testing.
Precision (laser) cutting
Precision cutting, also known as laser fine cutting, is a cutting process in which a thermal laser beam cuts through materials such as metal. This process makes it possible to produce complex and precise cuts with minimal thermal impact, resulting in clean, smooth edges.
The use of CNC-controlled laser cutting machines makes it possible to produce a wide variety of shapes and patterns with tight tolerances and high repeatability.
Laser fine cutting online
DeSta::Microcut does not currently offer laser fineblanking services online. Please feel free to contact us via our contact form, by e-mail or telephone – we look forward to hearing from you!
What is the difference between micro waterjet cutting and waterjet cutting?
The fundamental difference between waterjet cutting and micro-waterjet cutting lies in the scale and precision of the application. Micro-waterjet cutting is an advancement of waterjet cutting and is characterized by greater precision. This method is particularly well-suited for brittle materials, extremely fine cuts, and applications where high cut quality is essential. The diameter of the water jet is significantly reduced in the micro variant. This is particularly advantageous when machining sensitive materials or manufacturing delicate components.
Are there only standard processes for waterjet cutting?
To cut a wide range of materials with the highest precision, there are two methods in waterjet cutting—pure waterjet cutting and abrasive waterjet cutting.
In pure waterjet cutting, soft materials are cut with filtered water at speeds of up to three times the speed of sound. Typical materials for this process include paper, cardboard, leather, and textiles.
In abrasive waterjet cutting, a fine abrasive is mixed with pure water to precisely cut even hard materials. Choosing the right abrasive is crucial and depends on the material being processed. Thanks to the high pressure, waterjet cutting can also be used to cut steel and harder materials such as titanium.
The decision on which method to use depends on factors such as material type, thickness, and desired cut quality.
What are the advantages of waterjet cutting?
- Gentle on materials
- Micro waterjet cutting enables all common materials to be cut, including thermally sensitive materials, special materials and exotic alloys in the μm range.
- Low thermal load
- The low cutting force acting on the sheet allows the material to be clamped without tension. The cold cutting process rules out any structural changes.
What are the disadvantages of waterjet cutting?
One of the disadvantages of abrasive waterjet cutting is the faster wear of the cutting nozzles. This requires them to be replaced regularly. Depending on the material, this can result in longer processing times. In addition, when cutting harder materials with abrasive waterjet cutting, the amount of abrasive particles required increases, which necessitates regular replenishment of the abrasive and can lead to higher costs.
Drawing on its many years of expertise, DeSta::Microcut always strives to balance the pros and cons and keep any environmental impact as low as possible.
Waterjet fineblanking & laser fineblanking - which process is better?
Laser precision cutting uses a highly concentrated, thermal laser beam to cut materials. The laser beam generates heat, which heats and cuts the material being processed. For heat-sensitive materials, this can lead to discoloration and changes in material properties.
In contrast, micro-waterjet cutting uses an abrasive or pure water jet, depending on the material. With pressures of several thousand bar, it is possible to cut ceramics, carbon fiber, and other hard materials, among others. This cold cutting process generates minimal heat and therefore does not alter the material.
At DeSta Microcut, we offer micro-waterjet cutting (cold) and precision laser cutting (hot) to best meet our customers’ specific requirements. Both waterjet cutting and precision laser cutting are effective methods for cutting steel and many other materials. The selection of the appropriate process depends on the specific requirements of the material and the desired cut quality.
Waterjet cutting online
DeSta::Microcut does not currently offer the service of waterjet cutting online. You are welcome to send us your request using the contact form, by telephone or by e-mail – we look forward to hearing from you!
CNC milling online
DeSta::Microcut does not currently offer CNC milling online. Do you still need to have CNC parts milled? Then please contact us via our contact form, by e-mail or telephone – we look forward to hearing from you!
Where is CNC milling used?
The versatility of CNC milling spans a wide range of applications for the production of highly complex prototypes and custom components. CNC milling has established itself as a key technology for the high-precision and automated manufacturing of precision parts.
Overview
- Metals & metal alloys
- Iron & iron alloys: Steel, stainless steels/CNS alloys and structural steels
- Copper & copper alloys: ETP copper, OF copper, brass, bronze, HPC, PHC, K75
- Precious metals: gold, silver, platinum
- High-temperature alloys: Iridium, rhodium, tungsten
- Other non-ferrous metals: aluminum, magnesium, lead, nickel, tantalum, tin, zinc, titanium, inconel, chromium
- Solid carbides, bi-metals, structural materials and perforated sheets
- Plastics:
- Thermoplastics: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
- Thermosets: phenolic resin, melamine resin, epoxy resin, urea resin, polyester resin, diallyl phthalate (DAP), silicone resin
- Elastomers: natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), polyurethane (PU), ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM), nitrile rubber (NBR), polychloroprene (neoprene), silicone rubber
- Polymethyl methacrylate – PMMA Plexiglass: Altuglas, Oroglas, Lucite
- Foams such as flexible foams, rigid foams, insulation materials, Forex® (PVC rigid foam boards)
- Sealing materials such as PTFE, coated materials
- Fiber composites:
- Glass fiber reinforced plastics, Carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP), Other composites
- Non-metallic inorganic materials:
- (multilayer) ceramics, High Temperature Co-Fired Ceramics (short: HTCC), Low Temperature Co-Fired Ceramic (short: LTCC), piezo ceramics
- Natural & artificial stone: stone, granite, marble, fine stoneware, quartz, precious stone
- Elements of the carbon and mica group such as silicon, graphite, mica
About DeSta::Microcut
As a service provider for micro waterjet cutting and laser fineblanking, DeSta::Microcut offers the advantages of both cutting processes. The focus is on the reliable production of precision workpieces – without compromise. The experienced team at DeSta::Microcut impresses with its courage in overcoming complex challenges and creativity in finding solutions. In addition, DeSta::Microcut offers a wide range of downstream processes such as milling, bending, laser marking and surface finishing. Short production and delivery times are guaranteed by a wide range of raw materials in stock. DeSta::Microcut is your reliable partner for solving problems with high demands on precision and reliability.
What data is required for a qualified quotation
Technical drawings
- Dimensioned PDF drawing
- DXF file (STEP file for 3D parts)
Connection: internal or raised & position (material information)
- Rolling / grinding direction
- Material
- Raw material dimensions (thickness, length, width each in mm)
- Delivery to us or procurement by us
- Quantity
- Required certificates (e.g. material test certificate)
Measurement report required (e.g. PPAP or EMPB)
- Required quantity
- Information on handling surplus parts
- Manufacturing process?
Which file formats do we prefer?
- 2D area: dxf, dwg
- 3D area: step, IGES, Parasolid, Solidworks
What are the different key data for the various process technologies?
Laser fineblanking
- Laser cutting of foils and sheets (thickness 0.03 mm to 4.00 mm)
- Dimensional accuracy up to 10 µm
- Cutting gap min. 80 µm
- Laser cutting of metals and non-metals (plastics, composites, etc.)
Water jet cutting
- All materials up to 10 mm thick (depending on process, tolerance and material)
- Positioning accuracy: ± 0.005 mm
- Cutting accuracy: ± 0.01 mm (depending on material and thickness)
- Surface quality: up to Ra 0.8 μm
- Clamping size: 1,000 x 660 mm
- Travel 993 x 593 mm
- Cutting gap: min. 0.3 mm
Laser marking
- Labeling field 200x200mm
- Pallet swivel table
- All metallic and non-metallic materials are possible, plastics, wood, etc.
- Programming CAD/CAM system
CNC milling
- CNC machining center with tool changer
- Clamping table 840×420
- Travel of the axes in X=700mm, Y=420mm, Z=380mm
- Manual zero-point clamping system with interchangeable pallets
- Specialized in micro machining and thin materials
CNC bending
- Two CNC bending machines
- Pressing force 360 KN
- Installation height 295mm
- Free upright clearance 932mm
- Projection 150mm
- All axes including stops are CNC-controlled
- High positioning accuracy
- Large selection of standard tools and dies or individually manufactured tools from our own tool shop
- Own construction of tools and auxiliary devices
- Bending, embossing, inserting welded warts
Wire EDM
- Dimensional accuracy of up to 0.002 mm
- Maximum dimension from 250 mm to 350 mm
- Maximum height of 200 mm
Could your question not be answered
?
DeSta::Microcut will be happy to answer any questions you may have at any time. Please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to clarify your request in a personal meeting.
Clicked and actually looking for information about our services?
