Specify the metal before you quote
Choosing a metal for laser cutting starts with the requirements of the finished part. Specify the material, grade, thickness and any finish requirements before comparing quotes. The material name alone does not describe the whole job.
At Shug in Mooroolbark, Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, our cutting range is:
- Mild steel: up to 10 mm thick
- Stainless steel: up to 3 mm thick
- Aluminium: up to 2 mm thick
Our metal laser cutting service page explains the capabilities. These limits apply to Shug’s service; they are not a limit for every laser cutting machine.
Information to include with your parts
Material grade and thickness
Tell us the grade if your drawing or project specification requires one. Use the same thickness in your drawing information and quote request. If you are unsure about the specification, resolve it before ordering so the quoted job matches the parts you need.Quantity and drawing details
Quote the number of each different part, with a clear filename for each drawing. Supply vector files at 1:1 scale in millimetres. We accept AI, EPS, DWG and DXF, with DXF preferred. Remove dimensions, borders and duplicate cut lines, and leave repeated parts unnested. Read our file preparation guidelines before uploading. For more detail by material, see the steel project guide, stainless steel guide or aluminium cutting guide.Compare the actual job quote
A general claim that one metal is always cheaper than another is not enough to price your parts. Material specification, thickness, quantity and the drawing all matter. Compare quotes for the same requirements, and include any further fabrication or finish work that needs discussion. Upload your prepared parts for an instant laser cutting quote. For drawing questions or other project requirements, contact Shug.
