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Our Capabilities

Sheet metal manufacturing requires a high level of detail, precision and care. Depending on the requirement, we offer two fully project managed service options: CNC Metal Punching and Metal Laser Cutting.

From our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Loughborough, we are fully equipped with Amada cutters to deliver fast turnaround of laser and punching services in high volumes up to a thickness of 20mm. Our high standards and reputation in the quality that we deliver ensure our customers keep coming back to us. This has enabled JC Metalworks to become one of the UK’s leading specialists.

Choosing the Right Service

Our metal laser cutting service delivers a precise and highly specific sheet metal shape, whilst our CNC punching can often be a more cost-effective option when cutting more commonly shaped products in high volumes.

  • Metal Laser Cutting
    Metal Laser Cutting

    With minimal setup and quick turnaround, our laser cutting service ensures that we meet the exact specifications of a product shape defined by you Our extremely…

    Metal Laser Cutting
  • CNC Metal Punching
    CNC Metal Punching

    A key component in our high-volume precision manufacturing process, our CNC metal punching service cuts metal into a specified flat shape ready for further…

    CNC Metal Punching

Case studies

Cutting & Punching Department FAQs

What metal cutting methods do you utilise at JC Metalworks?

Our cutting and punching department primarily employs high-precision fibre laser cutting and advanced CNC punching to process sheet metal with exceptional speed and accuracy. These cutting-edge methods enable us to work with a diverse range of materials and consistently achieve clean edges, tight tolerances, and complex profiles for your metal components.

What materials can you cut and punch?

Our state-of-the-art equipment is capable of handling a wide spectrum of materials, including mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium, galvanised sheet, and zintec. We can precisely process various thicknesses depending on the specific material type, ensuring robust flexibility across all your metal cutting project requirements.

What are the advantages of CNC punching?

CNC punching is an ideal method for the high-speed, repeatable production of metal parts featuring holes, slots, louvres, and formed features. It proves highly cost-effective for medium to high-volume production runs and allows for versatile sheet manipulation with minimal material waste, optimising your metal fabrication budget.

How thick can the laser cut through?

Our fibre laser cutters can cut mild steel up to 25mm thick, stainless steel up to 20mm, and aluminium up to 16mm, depending on the material grade and project requirements. We balance power and precision to get optimal results.

Do you handle both prototyping and production runs?

Yes, we’re equipped to support everything from prototypes to full production volumes. Whether you need a sample for testing or thousands of parts, our cutting and punching operations are fully scalable.

How accurate is your metal cutting process?

Our laser and CNC punching machines are calibrated for high precision, typically achieving tolerances within ±0.1mm. This ensures tight part consistency and fit, which is critical for assemblies and downstream processes.

Can your metal cutting systems handle complex geometries and intricate designs?

Absolutely. Our advanced CNC and laser cutting systems are specifically designed to process intricate designs, custom shapes, detailed perforations, and complex patterns. We work closely with your CAD files to meticulously translate your designs into high-precision metal components.

How fast is your turnaround for metal cutting and punching projects?

Lead times depend on the complexity and volume of the job, but we pride ourselves on quick response and reliable delivery.

Can I provide my own drawings for cutting?

Yes, you’re welcome to provide your own drawings in standard CAD formats like DXF, DWG, or STEP files. We use advanced Amada nesting software to import your designs and create highly efficient cutting layouts, ensuring minimal material wastage and maximum yield. Our team can also help refine files for optimal results if needed.

What machines do you use for cutting and punching?

Our cutting and punching operations utilise advanced Amada technology. We have two high-performance Amada fibre laser machines that provide fast and precise cutting. Additionally, we have a stacking tower that supports efficient and continuous production, along with two Amada CNC punch machines—one of which features automatic tool changing. This combination enables us to handle a wide range of materials and part complexities with exceptional accuracy and speed.

Top Tips for Precise Laser Cutting & Punching

1

Choose the right equipment

Select the best machine for the job to optimise the process. We carefully plan how to tackle every step so we can stay efficient throughout.

2

Utilise available tools

Understanding the components you need means you can use the correct tool for the process. Knockouts, louvres, countersinks or tapping, each form requires a specific tool.

3

Use experience within the team

Complex parts can be produced using different lasers, punches or even combination of the both. With our experience, we are able to offer this insight to deliver the perfect outcome.

4

Check the quality

Ensure first-off checks are carried out ahead of any cutting, making sure the parts are correct with approved drawings.

5

Take safety seriously

Health and safety are the key factors for all industrial processes. Always have the appropriate PPE available throughout.

The Materials We Cut & Punch

Our cutting and punching services can process various materials. Below is a list of the more commonly used materials in our cutting and punching processes. For specific requirements please get in touch with our team.

  • Materials processed in Laser Cutting
    • Mild Steel – Up to 20mm
    • Stainless Steel- Up to 20mm
    • Aluminium – Up to 16mm
  • Materials processed in Metal Punching
    • Mild Steel – Up to 3mm
    • Stainless Steel – Up to 2mm
    • Aluminium – Up to 3mm

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