Turning Scrap into Purpose: Business Cards & Beyond

We waste very little scrap metal these days. The investment in a fiber laser has given us the ability to use just about every piece of a large sheet of metal. In the small areas we do not use, we make business cards. The balance goes to a local scrapyard for recycling. 

Fiber laser cutting out our business cards

There are other significant advantages to investing in a fiber laser, which I will point out in the conclusion. The other typical methods used for cutting sheet metal are water jet, turret punch, and plasma cutting machines. I would like to point out the disadvantages of each method below.

Plasma Cutting Disadvantages

Waste: Larger kerf compared to laser cutting results in more material waste.

Close Cuts: Less precise than laser cutting; closely spaced cuts may result in material melting or distortion.

Smoothness of Cuts: Edges can be rough and may require additional finishing or grinding, especially for intricate shapes.

Waterjet Cutting

Waste: Minimal material waste due to a narrow kerf and no heat distortion.

Close Cuts: Excellent for close cuts due to high precision and no heat-affected zones.

Smoothness of Cuts: Softer metals, like copper, brass, and bronze, require sanding as the cuts are not very smooth.

Very Slow Process: Time is money, and waterjet cutting is very slow.

CNC Turret Punch Press

Waste: Produces more waste because of punching out larger sections of material.

Close Cuts: Limited by the size of the punch tool, which makes extremely close cuts difficult.

Smoothness of Cuts: Edges will have small burrs and require deburring and sanding.

The Rachiele Solution

Unmatched Precision and Unbeatable Value: Our state-of-the-art fiber laser technology produces a kerf just 50 microns wide—half the thickness of a human hair—allowing for unparalleled cutting precision. The cuts are as smooth as glass, eliminating the need for extensive labor-intensive finishing. What’s more, our laser's incredible accuracy enables us to co-cut parts, where two pieces can share a single cut. This innovation not only reduces material waste but also streamlines the manufacturing process, allowing us to deliver exceptional quality more efficiently.

The impact of this breakthrough has been game-changing. By removing the need for manual smoothing labor, we achieved a remarkable milestone in 2022: reducing our sink prices to 2016 levels while maintaining the superior craftsmanship that defines our brand. Today, our prices remain significantly lower than in previous years, offering unmatched value for our customers.

With a better product at a lower price, it’s truly a win-win for both us and our customers. Precision, efficiency, and affordability come together to create a product that exceeds expectations while respecting your budget. It’s innovation you can see, feel, and appreciate every day.

Waste not, want not!