CNC Laser Cutting Invar is a core capability at VT machining. We combine controlled cutting with material-aware setup for Invar — an alloy that is ultra-low thermal expansion — to produce parts that meet your specification first time.
CNC Laser Cutting Capability for Invar
- Fiber 1–6 kW
- Kerf 0.1–0.3 mm
- Contour ±0.05 mm
- N₂/O₂ assist gas
Invar Material Data
| Density | 8.11 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 450–590 MPa |
| Yield strength (0.2%) | 275 MPa |
| Hardness | 130–160 HB |
| Melting point | 1427 °C |
| Thermal conductivity | 10.5 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion | 1.2 (0–100 °C) ×10⁻⁶/K |
| Electrical conductivity | 2% |
| Machinability (C36000 = 100%) | 25% |
| Grades we run | Invar 36, Super Invar 32-5, Alloy 42, Alloy 46 |
Published typical values for Invar 36 (FeNi36). Other grades in the family differ — the certificate supplied with your order carries the actual heat-lot figures.
The low expansion is the whole point, so machining stress is the enemy. Rough, stress-relieve at 315–425 °C, then finish — otherwise the part moves after it leaves the machine.
How CNC Laser Cutting Invar Works
A focused fibre-laser beam melts and blows material from the Invar sheet along the programmed contour. Power, focal position, nozzle stand-off and assist-gas pressure are tuned to the alloy and thickness for a clean, square edge.
Every job begins from your CAD model or 2D drawing. Fixturing and tool paths are planned so the most critical dimensions are produced in the most rigid, repeatable setup. Critical dimensions are checked on the first part and monitored through the run.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Laser Cutting Invar
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Contour dimension | ±0.10 mm | ±0.05 mm |
| Hole diameter | ±0.10 mm | ±0.05 mm |
| Kerf width | 0.20 mm | 0.10 mm |
| Squareness of cut edge | 0.5° | 0.2° |
| Heat-affected zone | 0.15 mm | 0.05 mm (N₂ assist) |
| Minimum hole diameter | 1.2 × thickness | 1.0 × thickness |
| Edge condition | light dross | burr-free, N₂ cut |
Standard is what a normal quotation assumes. Precision is available on nominated features and is priced separately, because it needs extra setups, in-process gauging and CMM verification. Call out only the features that need it — blanket-tightening a drawing is the single most common reason a quote comes back expensive.
Working with Invar
Invar offers a useful combination of properties: it is ultra-low thermal expansion. Those characteristics shape how we approach laser cutting — from tool and parameter selection to work-holding and coolant.
If your application is sensitive to alloy condition, we agree the specification in writing and document it. Stock is sourced from reputable suppliers so what you order is what you receive.
Design Tips for CNC Laser Cutting Invar
A few design choices make a real difference to cost and quality. Keeping holes no smaller than the material thickness, allowing for kerf, and grouping features sensibly improves edge quality and nesting yield on Invar. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
CNC Laser Cutting Tolerances & Surface Finish
Laser-cut Invar holds contour tolerances around ±0.05 mm depending on thickness, with a narrow kerf and a clean, near burr-free edge.
Final tolerances are governed by the material's behaviour, wall thickness and overall stiffness. We give honest DFM feedback if a callout would be costly or better achieved another way.
CNC Laser Cutting Quality & Inspection
Consistent quality comes from disciplined process control. Critical dimensions on Invar parts are checked in-process and verified at final inspection using calibrated instruments and, where required, CMM measurement. Full documentation — dimensional reports, mill certs, FAIR — is available when your programme needs it.
Secondary Operations & Finishing
We complete Invar components with the secondary steps your drawing calls for. We arrange heat treatment, surface treatment, marking and assembly as needed. Tell us the final spec and we will plan the full route so parts arrive ready to use.
Applications of CNC Laser Cutting Invar
CNC Laser Cutting of Invar supports parts across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor, energy and general industrial sectors. We scale from one-off prototypes to ongoing production while holding the same quality.
How to Order CNC Laser Cutting Invar
Ordering Invar parts is straightforward. Provide the drawing, material, quantity and any certification needs. Our engineers reply — in English — with feasibility, pricing and a realistic lead time, usually within one business day.
Parts We Have Run in Invar
Three representative CNC Laser Cutting Invar jobs, with the callouts that actually drove the process plan. Yours will differ — these are here so you can judge whether your part is in our range before you spend time on an RFQ.
Machine guard panel
- Material
- Invar
- Size
- 900 × 600 × 3 mm
- Key callouts
- Slot pattern ±0.10 mm, hole-to-edge 6 mm
- Batch
- 150 pcs
Cut with common-line pairs to halve the pierce count.
Gasket / shim set
- Material
- Invar
- Size
- Ø120 × 0.5 mm
- Key callouts
- ID/OD ±0.05 mm, no heat discolouration
- Batch
- 3,000 pcs
Small-diameter holes below 1.2 × thickness are punched, not lased.
EMI shield can
- Material
- Invar
- Size
- 60 × 45 × 0.3 mm
- Key callouts
- Contour ±0.05 mm, tab width 0.5 mm
- Batch
- 5,000 pcs
Nested 96-up per sheet; nesting is where the cost comes out of a part this small.
Finishing Options for Invar
| Finish | Thickness / effect | Why it gets specified |
|---|---|---|
| Deburr / edge break | 0.05–0.3 mm | All parts unless the drawing says otherwise |
| Bead blast | Ra 1.6–3.2 µm | Uniform matt finish, hides tool marks |
| Laser marking | — | Part number, lot code, data matrix |
No drawing yet? Build one in the browser.
Set the metal, dimensions and features, watch the 3D model update as you type, then switch to the 2D sheet to add dimensions and tolerances. Download it or send it straight to us with your RFQ.
What We Need to Quote CNC Laser Cutting Invar
- GeometrySTEP or IGES for the 3D model, plus a PDF drawing if you have tolerance callouts. A dimensioned sketch is enough to start.
- MaterialThe exact Invar grade and condition — temper, heat-treat state or hardness. If you are not sure, tell us the function and we will suggest one.
- QuantityPrototype count and the expected annual volume. Both change how the part is made and therefore what it costs.
- TolerancesWhich features are critical. Everything else runs to our standard tolerance, which is what keeps the price sensible.
- FinishSurface treatment, cosmetic requirements, and any faces that must be masked.
- DocumentsWhether you need a material certificate, dimensional report, FAIR or PPAP with the shipment.
Missing something from the list is not a problem — send what you have. We will come back with the specific questions rather than a generic form.
Other Metals for CNC Laser Cutting
Other Processes for Invar
Send the drawing, the Invar grade and the quantity. You get pricing, lead time and any DFM notes back — usually within one business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
How clean are the edges produced by CNC Laser Cutting on Invar?
Laser cutting leaves Invar with a narrow kerf and a clean, near burr-free edge and only a small heat-affected zone.
What tolerances can you hold for CNC Laser Cutting Invar?
Achievable tolerances for Invar cutting depend on the alloy, geometry and feature size. Laser cutting holds contour tolerances to around ±0.05 mm depending on thickness. Exact figures are confirmed against your drawing callouts.
What material thickness or size range suits CNC Laser Cutting Invar?
Laser-cut Invar thickness depends on the alloy and its reflectivity; we tune the fiber source and assist gas accordingly.
Can VT machining make custom Invar parts to my drawing?
Yes. Invar Invar cutting is made to order from your CAD/2D drawing. Share your geometry, material grade, tolerance and quantity and we will confirm feasibility, lead time and pricing.
Why is Invar a good choice for CNC Laser Cutting?
Invar is ultra-low thermal expansion, which makes it well suited to CNC Laser Cutting. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished Invar cutting part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.
Which industries use CNC Laser Cutting Invar parts?
CNC Laser Cutting Invar parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise Invar components are required.