Laser cutting is the process of using a light beam to cut through materials, like metal, to create precise designs. In the architecture industry, laser cutting is used for a wide range of projects, mainly modeling and prototyping. The precision technology in laser cutting helps architects create complex and intricate designs for their facades, models, metalwork, and more. Below we’ll explain how laser cutting greatly impacts architectural projects to allow architects to create stunning and sturdy structures.
Why Architects Use Laser Cutting
Laser cutting allows architects to produce designs and patterns they wouldn’t be able to produce manually or with other machine-cutting technology. Architects use this technology for multiple reasons, but it is often used to create models and prototypes for builds and engrave complex designs and words onto a building. Our laser-cutting process is automated, creating uniform and precise parts that make assembly easier and less time-consuming. Laser cutting also works with a lot of materials that architects use, including metal at Edge Metalworks, and wood, polymers, and composite materials. Here at Edge Metalworks, we only cut metals with our lasers, but the versatility of laser cutting allows architects to use the technology for a wide range of projects.
Precision Technology in Architecture
Laser cutting uses computer-aided design (CAD) software to provide precise metal pieces for architects to work with. The precision of laser cutting allows for high efficiency and sustainability in projects by producing less material waste. The accurate and clean cuts our technology provides create finished products quicker than other machines. This leads to architects saving costs in production by causing less damage to the materials, meaning they won’t have to pay for extra material usage. The CAD software makes the cut metal precise to specific dimensions every time, making the job more easily focused.
Architectural Projects that Benefit from Laser Cutting
Models
A model is a scaled visual representation of an architect’s design. Laser cutting is frequently used during this process, as it produces intricate cuts for them to use in their scale models. The process allows them to produce accurate models of their building concepts, getting them to visualize their build before starting construction.
Structures and Metalwork
Architects use metalwork for many different architectural details, mainly in building the main structures. Precision technology in laser cutting is useful when designing unique components for buildings. Structural steel components are often fabricated by laser cutting, as the accuracy of the laser allows for beams, columns, and other structural components to be cut to precise specifications. Other metalwork, like railings, panels, and balusters need to be cut with lasers to ensure they are created properly.
Building Facades
A facade is the exterior wall of a building, usually the wall facing the street. The facades allow for the control of light and ventilation in the building while being visually appealing. Laser cutting is used to create metal pieces for unique facades with complex patterns. It creates perforated panels to be used in the facade, making unique visual identities for projects.
Architectural Panels
Panels are used in both interior and exterior work to support the structure and add design elements. The panels can be used indoors to create partitions and temporary walls. They can be used outdoors to weatherproof the building. Our laser-cutting technology allows the panels to have intricate designs, giving the facade outside or indoor walls an aesthetically pleasing appearance. With laser technology, architects can create multiple panels with the same designs quickly, speeding up production time.
Tubes
Tubes are utilized in multiple areas of architecture, including scaffolding, platforms, handrails, and metal rafters and trusses. The plans for these projects often require small and intricate pieces to be made. For these pieces, regular machine cutting will not provide the intricacies they need, only laser cutting will provide it. Along with sheet metal cutting, Edge Metalworks offers tube-cutting services to create custom extrusion shapes.
Choose Edge Metalworks for Laser-Cut Metal
Edge Metalworks has all your laser-cutting needs covered, whether it be for sheet metal or tubes. We can create durable and customizable components for architectural projects. We offer a different level of attention and commitment to your projects, giving you a customized and personal experience with us while delivering your products on time. Check out our laser cutting and tube cutting services, and the various industries we serve to begin outsourcing your parts fabrication. If you have any questions, contact us to speak with one of our experts.