Laser Cutting | Laser Services | Strouse

Laser Cutting Explained

Laser cutting uses a laser (in our case, a CO2 laser) to process and cut extremely tight tolerances.

Additionally, laser cutting is often the most efficient sampling method for rapid prototyping because it's easier to access than hard tooling. It is also commonly used in the full-scale production of:

Complex EV battery components
Narrow microfluidic device channels
Extremely small parts (such as laser cut gaskets)

and many other products. Strouse uses two types of laser cutting machines: a flat bed laser for prototyping and a web-fed in-line laser for larger production runs.

Get a Prototype Learn More About Laser Cutting

What is Laser Cutting Used For?

Lasers offer high precision, even when slicing through a stack of laminated materials or repeatedly cutting small details such as holes, slots, or fenestrations.

PROS	CONS
High accuracy and precision (cuts complex shapes)	May struggle to cut thick materials that require multiple laser passes
Repeatability	Parts can turn out less aesthetically pleasing due to burn marks (plus, laser ablation can contaminate the adhesive)
Contactless (tool-free) cutting = No tooling cost	High volumes are more challenging, depending on the laser
Great for lower (~50-100) part quantities, or when other methods aren't feasible due to tolerances	CO2 Lasers cannot cut metal/foil

see alternative cutting methods

Table Top Laser

Is Laser Cutting Right for My Project?

Depending on your application, laser cutting won't always be the best choice. However, it may suit your project if:

Your designs involve high-precision, tight-tolerance cutting
Neither aesthetic appeal nor optical clarity is a concern
You aren't using foils or thick foams/rubbers

If this sounds like your project, call our team, and we will help you get started.

FREE RESOURCE

Your Complete Guide to Product Design

Your Complete Guide to Product Design will teach you:

How to create an effective product design with functional design elements
Best practices when selecting materials
When to move from prototyping to full production
How to overcome common custom design challenges

If you follow each step, you will learn how to effectively transform your innovative idea into a functional, manufacturable, and well-designed product.

“Strouse handles the difficult converting projects flawlessly. If there is an application other converters can’t solve, I know to come to Strouse. Their knowledge and expertise make the impossible projects possible.”

3M Converter Markets Rep