CNC Laser | Art and Industrial

Wood Cutting: CNC Router VS. Laser

Oct 29, 2018

Wood Cutting: CNC Router VS. Laser – Key Differences Explained

Seattle Art & Industrial shapes and cuts wood using two different methods, utilizing its 9′ x 5′ four-axis CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Router or its 10′ x 7′ industrial Laser. Both methods offer precise, CAD (Computer Aided Design) controlled shaping solutions so that you can create and/or reproduce your work, whether it be decorative (e.g. sculpture, design embellishment, etc.) or functional (e.g. furniture, wall panels, signage, etc.).

Below is a quick list of key points explaining the capabilities of each process:

CNC Router Cutting

The CNC router:

- employs routing “bits” – each one selected as required for the piece from an array of bit shapes and thickness.
- is capable of working with both, 2D and 3D Geometry
- cuts smooth edges without distorting the color of the work
- leaves a small radius in any “inside” geometry that is intended for sharp corners
- can cut up to 6″ deep in one pass
- can easily cut either soft and hard wood in any thickness

Industrial Laser Cutting

The Industrial Laser:

- works with 2D geometry
- is perfect for MDF, Plywood, Richlite, and many other types of wood mostly up to 1″ thick
- requires less programming and is more efficient, and, thus, may be less expensive overall (compared to CNC Router)
- cuts precise crisp and precise edges
- may darken edges, via laser “burning” which may allow patterns to stand out
- is perfect for sharp edge cutting and internal 90 degree corners

Production Services- Seattle

Jan 2, 2017

Looking for a production run of material, but don’t want to deal with a large manufacturing company? We can help you produce small to large production runs of various CNC and fabrication work – in any shape in wood, foam, MDF, acrylic and metal.

Our team is focused on quality and rapid turn-around of projects.

With our CNC Router, we can cut on 4-axes, allowing us to do production runs of round and three-dimensional shapes.

With our CNC Laser machine, we can quickly cut multiple images and shapes in many different types of materials, scaled in small or large format .

Images- Etching on Metal- Seattle

Dec 5, 2016

We are one of the few companies to be able to offer metal etching in the Seattle area. We etch on metal using our advanced CNC Laser machine. The CNC laser is a high precision machine that is capable of cutting and etching different types of metal with pinpoint accuracy. This is all achieved by using our CNC software. With this software we can import most images and text. Furthermore, after importing the media, we can modify or change different aspects of the image to better fit the clients needs.

For example this past summer a client came in wanting a new dashboard for his helicopter instrument panel. We took the old panel and scanned it with our software, and then used the scan to replicate the panel on a new sheet of metal. We etched the knob and dial labels onto the new panel as well as cut out the holes in one step. The new panel was a great replacement with only a small turnaround.

We also handle projects that clients bring in such as etching names or images on knives, tools, signs, etc.
In summary, we have the ability to etch any image onto different kinds of metal as well as any cutting.

Metal Cutting Seattle Laser

Nov 2, 2016

Here at Art and Industrial we have the capabilities to use our new laser for metal cutting. We can cut many different types including bronze, steel, and aluminum sheets. The sheets can have a thickness up to an eighth of an inch. Secondly, with the large format table we can cut multiple shapes in one batch saving time. For example, we have cut multiple small gears from one sheet of steel.

Seattle Large Format Laser Cutting, Etching and Engraving Seattle

Oct 21, 2016

Our CNC Laser is a great machine for precision cutting. Whatever you need Laser Cutting, Etching or Engraving we can work in tolerances within .001. The laser has the capability to cut or etch through wood, MDF board, Plastics, acrylic and metal. Furthermore, the machine has a large format table for jobs that are extra big, or for jobs that require many little pieces. This can allow us to have a fast turnaround.

Check out the Laser capabilities:

Large Format Wood or Metal Etching Seattle

Oct 21, 2016

CNC Laser is a great precision tool for large format Signs, plaques, and other items. Just this past summer we created a memorial sign that was over 50 feet wide. We can accomplish this by etching entire sheets of metal or plywood and combining them together for one seamless image. We can also adjust the depth of the etching so your sign really takes on a three dimensional look. Also, the precision of our laser is so fine we can create details that would rival a normal photograph. Furthermore, the versatile software makes it so we can use any type of picture or text of your choice.