3D laser cutting — trimming and holes in formed and bent parts
Some holes cannot be cut flat: the slot in the return flange of a cassette, the nozzle openings in a rolled shell, the trim line of a pressed cover. The 3D laser cuts them after forming, on the finished shape, so the part is accurate where it matters and the flat-pattern guesswork is gone.
Machine and envelope
5-axis 3 kW fibre laser on a gantry with a rotary axis: working envelope 3 000 × 1 500 × 700 mm, ±135° head tilt, rotary chuck for shells and cones to Ø 1 200 mm; carbon steel to 8 mm, stainless to 6 mm, aluminium to 5 mm; positional accuracy ±0.1 mm over the envelope with probing of the actual part.
What it is used for
| Part | Operation | Why after forming |
|---|---|---|
| Façade cassettes and cladding trays | fixing slots in return flanges, corner cut-outs | flanges are bent first; slots must align with brackets |
| Rolled shells, cones and ducts | nozzle, manhole and branch holes | true circular holes on a curved surface |
| Pressed covers, guards and housings | trimming of the drawn edge, mounting holes | draw shape varies; trim to the real part |
| Bent enclosures and cabinets | windows and holes across bend lines | avoids distortion of pre-cut holes |
| Tank heads and dished ends | nozzle openings, cut-outs | on the finished head |
| Hollow-section frames (welded) | holes and openings in assembled frames | after welding distortion |
Fixtures and accuracy
Parts are located on modular fixtures or dedicated nests (we build them for series from 100 pieces) and probed before cutting so that the programme follows the actual geometry; tolerance ±0.2 mm relative to the probed datum. Programmes are generated from the 3D model (STEP) with the cut features defined on the formed part.
Pricing and lead time
Charged per part by cutting length and fixturing (a one-off fixture cost on series parts); typical 3–20 USD per part. Lead time 5–10 working days after model approval, including fixture build for new parts. Combined with our press-brake, rolling and laser services as one order.
Frequently asked questions
When do I need 3D instead of flat laser cutting?
When the hole or trim must be accurate on the formed shape — slots in bent flanges, holes in rolled shells, trims on pressed parts — or when a hole would distort if cut before bending.
What is the maximum part size?
3 000 × 1 500 × 700 mm on the table; shells and cones to Ø 1 200 mm on the rotary axis.
Do you need a 3D model?
Yes — STEP of the formed part with the features to be cut; we programme and fixture from it.