Sheet metal processing remains a crucial process in many branches of industry, from car manufacturing to electronics and metal structures. To meet the growing demands for quality, precision and efficiency, manufacturers turn to advanced technologies such as CNC machines. In this article, we will take a look at different types of CNC machines for sheet metal processing in order to understand their applications and advantages.

Laser cutters: The precision of light

Laser cutters use a high-intensity beam of light that is focused on the surface of the sheet, causing it to gradually heat up and eventually be cut. Their advantage is not only precision, but also speed and versatility. Thanks to the ability to cut various materials such as steel, aluminium or plastics, laser cutters are used in many industries, from automotive to electronics, providing efficient and precise cutting of even the most complex shapes.

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Laser cutting intricate patterns in a metal sheet, with visible sparks during the process.

The picture shows a laser cutter during operation.

Plasma cutters: Power in precision

Plasma cutters use plasma discharges that generate a hot stream capable of cutting through sheet metal. Their greatest advantage is the ability to cut materials of greater thickness compared to laser cutters, which makes them the preferred choice for processing thicker sheets. Additionally, their ability to work in contaminated environments and high cutting speed make them indispensable in the production of large-sized components requiring fast processing.

You can find more about plasma cutters here: https://otinus.pl/wycinarki-plazmowe-otinus/

Laser cutting machine precisely cutting patterns into a metal sheet.

In the picture above you can see a plasma cutter during operation.

Guillotine shears: Traditional power in a modern form

Guillotine shears are a classic tool in sheet metal processing that has been adapted to the requirements of modern industry by the use of numerical control. An undeniable advantage of guillotine shears is fast and precise cutting of straight lines in thinner materials, which makes them an ideal tool for the production of components requiring uniform trimming or blanking. Thanks to the simplicity of their design and the possibility of numerical control, guillotine shears provide efficiency and high cutting quality, which makes them indispensable in many production processes.

Discover our range of plasma cutters: https://otinus.pl/hydrauliczne-nozyce-gilotynowe-otinus/

CNC guillotine shear.

In the picture above there are guillotine shears.

Plate rolls: Precise forming

CNC plate rolls enable forming sheet metal by feeding it between rolls. CNC control allows the operator to precisely control the rolling process, which makes it possible to obtain the desired dimensions and shapes. They are often used for producing components with regular shapes such as pipes or profiles. Their essence is not limited only to forming, but also includes the ability to work with various materials and sheet thicknesses, which makes them an indispensable tool in many branches of industry, from construction to machine manufacturing.

Press brakes: Shaping steel

Sheet metal processing is not only about cutting the material. Press brakes make it possible to bend sheet metal in different directions, which allows creating complex shapes and forms. Thanks to numerical control, it is possible to achieve high repeatability and precision of bending, which is extremely important in the production of components with complex geometries. Their strength lies not only in precision, but also in the ability to bend sheet metal of various thicknesses, which makes them a versatile tool in the production of sheet metal components with diverse dimensions and shapes.

See what press brakes we offer: https://otinus.pl/prasy-krawedziowe-otinus/

Sheet metal bending process on a CNC press brake, showing a precisely formed metal component between the punch and die.

This is what working on a press brake looks like.

Laser welders: Combine precision and speed

Laser welders are not only a tool for joining components, but also for precise cutting and cleaning. Thanks to the use of a laser beam, it is possible to achieve very thin and aesthetic yet strong welds, which makes them an ideal tool in the production of sheet metal structures. Their advantage over standard welders also lies in the ability to precisely and comprehensively clean components, which is extremely useful in complete production processes. Thanks to the speed and precision of welding and cutting, laser welders are an invaluable tool in the production of high-quality sheet metal structures.

Click to see our range of laser welders: https://otinus.pl/spawarki-laserowe-otinus/

Handheld fiber laser welding machine.

Otinus 5-in-1 laser welder.

Choose the right machine for your needs

Sheet metal processing is an extremely important process in many fields of industry, and CNC machines are becoming an indispensable tool in its implementation. Regardless of the type of processing or production requirements, there is a suitable CNC machine that will meet expectations in terms of precision, quality and efficiency. That is why it is worth carefully analysing your needs and choosing the right machine in order to achieve the best results. Whether you need a laser cutter for precise cutting of details, or a plate roll for forming regular shapes, there is a solution tailored to your needs that will help you succeed in the production of sheet metal components.