Laser Cutting Copper is a core capability at VT machining. We combine controlled cutting with material-aware setup for Copper — an alloy that is excellent electrical and thermal conductivity — to produce parts that meet your specification first time.
Laser Cutting Capability for Copper
- Fiber source 1–6 kW
- Kerf width 0.1–0.3 mm
- Contour tolerance ±0.05 mm
- Assist gas (N₂/O₂) selected per alloy
Copper Material Data
| Density | 8.94 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 220–350 MPa |
| Yield strength (0.2%) | 70–330 MPa |
| Hardness | 40–100 HV |
| Melting point | 1083 °C |
| Thermal conductivity | 391 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion | 17.0 ×10⁻⁶/K |
| Electrical conductivity | 101% |
| Machinability (C36000 = 100%) | 20% |
| Grades we run | C10100 OFE, C10200 OF, C11000 ETP, C14500 tellurium copper |
Published typical values for C11000 ETP. Other grades in the family differ — the certificate supplied with your order carries the actual heat-lot figures.
It smears rather than cuts. Razor-sharp uncoated tooling and high rake; if the print allows it, C14500 tellurium copper machines four times better at ~90% IACS.
How Laser Cutting Copper Works
A focused fibre-laser beam melts and blows material from the Copper 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 Laser Cutting Copper
| 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.
Secondary Operations & Finishing
We complete Copper 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.
Working with Copper
Copper offers a useful combination of properties: it is excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. 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.
Laser Cutting Tolerances & Surface Finish
Laser-cut Copper 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.
Laser Cutting Quality & Inspection
Consistent quality comes from disciplined process control. Critical dimensions on Copper 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.
Design Tips for Laser Cutting Copper
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 Copper. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
Applications of Laser Cutting Copper
Laser Cutting of Copper 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 Laser Cutting Copper
Ordering Copper 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 Copper
Three representative Laser Cutting Copper 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
- Copper
- 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
- Copper
- 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
- Copper
- 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 Copper
| Finish | Thickness / effect | Why it gets specified |
|---|---|---|
| Tin plate | 3–15 µm | Solderable, prevents oxidation |
| Silver plate | 2–10 µm | Lowest contact resistance for RF and power |
| Nickel underplate | 2–5 µm | Diffusion barrier under tin or gold |
| Gold flash | 0.05–1 µm | Contact surfaces, over nickel |
| 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 Laser Cutting Copper
- 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 Copper 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 Laser Cutting
Other Processes for Copper
Send the drawing, the Copper grade and the quantity. You get pricing, lead time and any DFM notes back — usually within one business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does Laser Cutting Copper require dedicated tooling?
Most Copper cutting work uses standard cutting tools and CNC programs; dedicated fixtures are made only when geometry or volume requires them.
Can VT machining make custom Copper parts to my drawing?
Yes. Copper Copper 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 Copper a good choice for Laser Cutting?
Copper is excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, which makes it well suited to Laser Cutting. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished Copper cutting part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.
Which industries use Laser Cutting Copper parts?
Laser Cutting Copper parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise Copper components are required.
What surface finish is achievable on Copper with Laser Cutting?
Laser cutting leaves a clean cut face on Copper with a small heat-affected zone; most parts need little secondary finishing.
What tolerances can you hold for Laser Cutting Copper?
Achievable tolerances for Copper 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.