Fathom produces high quality parts for its customers by using advanced metal cutting technology. Our team is ready to work with you on your time-sensitive, high-precision, highly complex or short production run related project. Fathom will meet your requirements and deadlines.
During the fiber laser cutting manufacturing process, laser diodes transmitted through optical fibers make the desired cuts. The cuts are made inside an enclosure using no mechanical components Fiber laser cutting makes less noise and decreases risk to the machine operator.
During the water jet cutting process, a high-pressure pump forces water through a nozzle to cut the material. For more abrasive cuts, an abrasive substance is added to the water. The water and abrasive media can be recycled and reused, increasing energy efficiency and reducing costs. Water jet cutting uses volume and velocity to make precise cuts.
Micro water jet cutting uses the manufacturing capabilities of water jet cutting to produce parts on a micro-level. Water jet cutting’s high-level of accuracy is what facilitates the production of tiny and complex parts.
During the wire EDM process, the metal is submerged into a de-ionized water (dielectric) where a charged thin metal wire uses electric sparks to melt the material. The metal wire never touches the workpiece. The fluid is used to control the sparks, flush excess material, and cool it down.
Laser cutting uses a high-powered laser beam to cut metal. Laser cutting may involve a gas, liquid, or solid-state laser technique. CO2 lasers use a gas state laser using a mixture of carbon dioxide to make cuts. Solid state lasers use laser diodes transmitted through optical fibers to create cuts.
Standard lead times are below, but 24hr expedite options are available.
| Parts | Delivery time |
| 1-50 flat part pieces | 2 days |
| 50-1,000 flat part pieces | 5-7 days |
| 1-500 formed parts | 6-8 days |
| 1-5 drawn part pieces | 10-15 days |
| 4 slide tooled parts | 4-6 weeks |
Metal cutting is suitable for both high and low volume jobs. Fathom’s metal cutting technology has tolerances of up to 0.0005”, depending on the manufacturing method used. The complexity of the design, geometry and raw materials also influence tolerance.
| Material Thickness | Tolerance | Kerf | Part Volume | Set Up Cost | Lead Time ** | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OMAX WATERJET | Up to 6″ | 0.005″- 0.015″ | .020″/.040″ | 1 to 5,000 | Low | 6-8 days | Metal, glass, plastic, stone, rubber, Kevlar, carbon fiber, ceramics, etc. Taper up to 59° |
| MICROCUT™ | .0005″ – 0.5″ | 0.0005″ - 0.005″ | 0.009″, 0.011″, 0.0196″ | 1 to 5,000 | Low | 6-8 days | Metal, glass, plastic, stone, rubber, Kevlar, laminates, carbon fiber, ceramics, etc. |
| FIBER LASER | AL: 0.250″ SS: 0.375″ CRS: 0.500″ COP: 0.250″ Brass: 0.125″ | 0.002″ – 0.005″ | .008″ | 1 to High-Volume | Low | 6-8 days | Metals - Fast |
| WIRE EDM | 0.001″ – 6″ | 0.0005″ | 0.005″ | 1-200 Is Best | Low | 6-8 days | Conductive Metals, Carbon |
| * CHEM ETCH | 0.005″ – 0.060″ | Is +/- 10% of material thickness, .002″ min. | Equal to metal thickness | 1 - Infinity | $350 Min. | 6-8 days | Metal Only. No Burrs. Beveled Edges. Half Etch and Holes. |
*Inner radius should be 75% of material thickness. Outer Radius should be material thickness plus Inside bend radius.
**Dependent on geometry, volume and material: 24hr Expedite options available
Fathom is ready to assist you on your metal cutting project. Laser cutting, waterjet cutting, Microcut™, photochemical machining and wire EDM are just a few of the services offered by Fathom. Finishing and post-processing services are also available including welding, deburring, bead blasting, and more. Metal cutting is just one of 28 manufacturing services offered by Fathom.
Fathom’s manufacturing facilities include over 530 machines, including mills, lathes, presses, press brakes, turret punches and additive systems. Fathom has equipment dedicated to metal cutting and manufacturing, including lasers, waterjet machines, finishing tools, autodeburring, 4 slide machines, multi-slide machines, press brakes, 300-ton presses, 22-ton presses, wire EDM machines, seely slide forming tools and 35-ton blanking presses.
Fathom’s services include not just metal cutting, but also hybridized services that leverage metal cutting. Does your complex project call for metal cutting? Fathom can handle it. A recent case study is listed below where Fathom delivered 20,000 parts in 27 days using 55+ tools, including metal prototype fabrication services:
A customer came to Fathom with a complex project that spanned the technologies and processes of rapid production—and needed it done fast. Fathom delivered.
55+ Tools to Injection
Mold 15,000 Parts
First Article in 2 Weeks
3,000+ 3D
Printed Parts
2,000+ Metal
Fabricated Parts
3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing—PolyJet, SLS, MJF.
DFM Analysis + CAD Mods.
CNC Machining. Laser Cutting.
Stamping. Die Cutting. Post-Opp Drilling.
24-hour Turnaround Urethane Casting.
Injection + Compression Molding.
Model Finishing. Insert Assembly.
Advanced Project Management.
Fathom offers metal cutting in 3 of its US-based locations, offering nationwide coverage to the entire United States. Fathom’s advanced prototyping and manufacturing services include injection molding, CNC machining, chemical etching, metal 3D printing, and more. We have provided over 200,000 quotes to leading US companies and are ready to quote you today.
Locations include:
COLORADO
7770 Washington Street
Denver, CO 80229
ISO 9001:2015
ITAR
NEW YORK
1920 Slaterville Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
ITAR
401 W. Shore Boulevard
Newark, NY 14513
ISO 9001:2015
AS910:2016
ITAR
A: Fathom’s certifications include ISO 9001:2015, ISO 9001:2015 Design, and ISO 13485:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Yes, Fathom is ITAR certified. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Yes, Fathom is AS9100:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Yes, Fathom’s certifications include NIST 800-171. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Metal can be cut using different techniques such as laser cutting, waterjet cutting and more.
A: Some of the different types of metal cutting include fiber laser jet cutting, wire EDM, micro waterjet cutting and laser cutting.
A: Common metal cutting tools include the punch press, stamping machine, drill bit, mill and grinding wheel.
A: You may cut metal using basic hand tools, but the process is less efficient than using a machine.
Do you need to calculate costs on an upcoming project? Ready for a metal cutting quote? Use Fathom’s SmartQuote application for a fast quote.
