---
title: "Laser Cutting Services | Fast, Precise Sheet Metal Cutting | OpenSpindle"
description: "Get quotes for laser-cut sheet metal from independent machine shops. Fiber lasers cut thin-to-medium gauge fast, with a narrow kerf, tight tolerances, and a clean edge. Upload a DXF."
canonical: https://openspindle.com/capabilities/laser-cutting
---

# Laser cutting from independent machine shops

Flat parts cut from sheet metal on fiber lasers, fast and accurate with a narrow kerf and a clean edge. Ideal for thin-to-medium gauge and high part counts, and the first step before bending. Upload a DXF and hear back from shops set up for laser work.

## Laser cutting shops on OpenSpindle

Real shops that cut sheet metal on fiber and CO2 lasers. See their equipment and talk to the person making your part.

[Browse all laser cutting shops](https://openspindle.com/manufacturers?capability=Laser%20cutting)

## Sheet stock our laser shops cut

Laser cutting runs flat sheet and plate. Common metals are below; reflective alloys want a fiber laser. If yours is not here, ask when you request a quote.

- [Carbon steel](https://openspindle.com/materials/carbon-steel.md) -- A36 · 1008-1018
- [Stainless steel](https://openspindle.com/materials/stainless-steel.md) -- 304 · 316
- [Aluminum](https://openspindle.com/materials/aluminum.md) -- 5052 · 6061 · reflective, fiber laser
- [Titanium](https://openspindle.com/materials/titanium.md) -- Grade 2 · inert assist gas
- [Brass](https://openspindle.com/materials/brass.md) -- C260 · reflective, fiber laser
- [Copper](https://openspindle.com/materials/copper.md) -- C110 · reflective, fiber laser

## Tolerances

| Feature | With drawing | No callout |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cut edge position | ±0.003 in | ISO 2768 Medium |
| Hole diameter | ±0.005 in | ISO 2768 Medium |
| Kerf width | ~0.006-0.015 in | Set by thickness and power |
| Edge quality | 32-125 Ra | As-cut, light discoloration |

Fiber lasers hold ±0.003 to ±0.005 in on thin-to-medium gauge with a narrow kerf and a small heat-affected zone. Tolerances open up as thickness climbs; call out the critical edge and shops confirm before cutting.

## Threads, Inserts & Finishing

Holes are cut in place; hardware like PEM inserts, standoffs, and nuts is pressed after cutting. Countersinks and taps are done as a secondary op.

Applied after cutting and any bending. As-cut ships fastest; deburring, graining, and coatings are common on laser-cut metal.

| Finish | Materials | Adds | Stacks with |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| As-cut | All | +0 days | Anything |
| Deburr / edge break | All metals | +1 day | Graining |
| Powder coat | Steel, aluminum | +3-5 days | After bending |
| Anodize | Aluminum, titanium | +3-5 days | Deburr first |

Laser edges carry a thin oxide or discoloration. If the part shows or gets coated, ask for a deburr and a clean edge so the finish takes evenly.

## What Makes a Good RFQ

| Instead of | Send |
| --- | --- |
| "Cut this bracket from sheet" | "5052-H32 aluminum, 0.100 in, flat pattern per DXF, qty 200" |
| "Some holes for mounting" | "4x ⌀0.20 in holes, ±0.005 on the bolt pattern per drawing" |
| "It gets bent after" | "3 bends, flat pattern supplied, or bend per the STEP model" |

Send a flat DXF for the cut and note any bends. If the part is formed, say so up front so the shop nests the flat pattern, not the finished part.

## Industries Served

- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Industrial / OEM
- Electronics & enclosures
- Robotics
- Signage & architectural
- Energy
- Consumer products

Laser cutting shops on OpenSpindle produce brackets, panels, enclosures, and gaskets for demanding industries, including AS9100 and ISO 9001 shops.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the difference between a fiber and a CO2 laser?

Fiber lasers are the modern standard for metal and cut reflective alloys like copper, brass, and aluminum that used to give CO2 lasers trouble. CO2 lasers are still used for non-metals like acrylic, wood, and some plastics. Tell the shop your material and they route it to the right machine.

### How thick can a laser cut?

Fiber lasers are ideal for thin-to-medium gauge, roughly up to 1 in in steel on higher-power machines, though thin sheet is where they are fastest and cleanest. For thick plate, waterjet and plasma are usually the better call.

### When should I use waterjet or plasma instead?

Waterjet cuts thick plate and heat-sensitive materials with no heat-affected zone but slower. Plasma cuts thick steel fast at lower cost with a rougher edge. Laser wins on thin-to-medium gauge where speed, a narrow kerf, and edge quality matter.

### What tolerances can laser cutting hold?

Fiber lasers commonly hold ±0.003 to ±0.005 in on thin-to-medium gauge, with a narrow kerf and a small heat-affected zone. Tolerances loosen as thickness increases. Call out the critical edge or hole pattern on your drawing.

### Can laser-cut parts be bent?

Yes, and it is a common flow. Lasers cut the flat pattern, then a press brake forms the bends. Send a flat DXF plus bend info, or a STEP model the shop can flatten, and note bend radii if they matter.

### Is there a minimum order?

No. Shops cut single prototypes and production runs. Laser is well suited to high part counts because setup is fast once the file is nested, and per-part cost drops with quantity.

### What file formats should I send?

A flat DXF or DWG is ideal for the cut path. STEP or IGES works for formed parts the shop will flatten. Include material, thickness, quantity, hole tolerances, and any bends or finishes.

## Other Capabilities

- [Sheet Metal & Press Brake](https://openspindle.com/capabilities/sheet-metal-fabrication.md)
- [Waterjet Cutting](https://openspindle.com/capabilities/waterjet-cutting.md)
- [Plasma Cutting](https://openspindle.com/capabilities/plasma-cutting.md)
- [CNC Routing](https://openspindle.com/capabilities/cnc-routing.md)
- [Welding](https://openspindle.com/capabilities/welding.md)
- [Powder Coating](https://openspindle.com/manufacturers?capability=Powder%20coating)

## Design Notes That Move Your Price

Not a definition of laser cutting. The design choices that move your price and lead time.

- **Thickness sets everything:** Speed, kerf, and edge quality all track sheet thickness. Thin-to-medium gauge cuts fast and clean; every step thicker slows the cut and opens tolerances. Spec the thinnest gauge that carries the load.
- **Tiny holes cost more:** A hole smaller than the material thickness is slow and can char the edge. Keep hole diameters at or above the sheet thickness where you can, or expect a drilled secondary op.
- **Nest for the sheet:** Parts that pack tightly into a standard sheet waste less material. Odd shapes and oversized parts leave scrap you pay for. Simple outlines and shared edges cut cost on volume.
- **Reflective metals want fiber:** Copper, brass, and aluminum reflect the beam. Fiber lasers handle them, older CO2 machines may not. Naming the alloy up front routes your part to a shop with the right laser.

## Get laser cutting quotes

Upload a DXF once and compare quotes from independent laser cutting shops.