Material and thickness
List each material grade, thickness, surface finish and whether it is galvanised, coated, stainless, aluminium, copper or brass.
Carter buyer’s guide · laser cutting
Choose the whole laser-cutting positioning.
A fibre source and a cutting area are only the beginning. The right quote also covers material, gas, extraction, guarding, interlocks, electrical supply, handling, training and conformity documents.
Before you compare watts
Start with the job.
Largest sheet
Confirm the maximum sheet size, loading method, floor access and whether a single or exchange table is required.
Production target
Tell us parts per day, nesting style, cut quality, hole sizes, duty cycle and whether automation is needed later.
The specification checklist
Ask for these items in writing.
| Source and head | Source brand, rated power, wavelength, fibre length, cutting head, focus range and replacement optics. |
|---|---|
| Motion and control | Working area, travel, accuracy, repeatability, rapid traverse, controller, nesting software and remote support. |
| Gas and chiller | Required gases, pressure and flow, compressor specification, chiller model, water quality and maintenance. |
| Enclosure and extraction | Enclosure class, viewing window, doors, interlocks, extraction airflow, filtration, spark protection and filter-change plan. |
| Electrical and positioning | Connected load, phase, protective earth, switchgear, floor loading, lifting, positioning, commissioning and training. |
| Conformity | UKCA/CE declaration, risk assessment, safety circuit documentation, manuals, acceptance test and warranty response. |
Carter’s rule
Do not accept a generic thickness chart.
Supplier charts are useful for planning, but actual performance depends on grade, gas, nozzle, focus, assist pressure, lens condition and the required edge quality. Ask for a test cut using your material and put the agreed result into the quotation.
Reflective metals need a separate conversation.
Copper, brass and some coated or polished materials can change the optical and safety risk. Treat suitability, guarding and process limits as a site-specific approval item.