Laser Cutting Kovar from VT machining delivers precision Kovar parts produced to your exact drawing. Fiber laser cutting melts and ejects metal along a programmed path, producing a narrow kerf and a clean, near burr-free edge, and we tune every parameter to the behaviour of Kovar, which is matched thermal expansion for glass/ceramic seals.
Process Data for Laser Cutting Kovar
| Max practical thickness (6 kW fibre) | 10 mm |
|---|---|
| Assist gas | Nitrogen |
| Kerf width | 0.1-0.3 mm |
| Profile tolerance | ±0.1 mm (≤6 mm), ±0.2 mm thicker |
Shown for Kovar, the most common Kovar grade we see for Laser Cutting. Typical values for Kovar, Annealed; confirmed on the first part.
Laser Cutting Capability for Kovar
- Fiber source 1–6 kW
- Kerf width 0.1–0.3 mm
- Contour tolerance ±0.05 mm
- Assist gas (N₂/O₂) selected per alloy
Kovar Material Data
| Density | 8.36 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 517 MPa |
| Yield strength (0.2%) | 340 MPa |
| Hardness | 140–160 HV |
| Melting point | 1450 °C |
| Thermal conductivity | 17.3 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion | 5.1 (30–200 °C) ×10⁻⁶/K |
| Electrical conductivity | 3.5% |
| Machinability (C36000 = 100%) | 35% |
| Grades we run | Kovar / ASTM F15, Alloy 42, Alloy 52 |
Published typical values for Kovar (ASTM F15). Other grades in the family differ — the certificate supplied with your order carries the actual heat-lot figures.
Sealing surfaces must stay clean. Parts destined for glass-to-metal seals are degreased and handled without bare hands after final machining.
How Laser Cutting Kovar Works
A focused fibre-laser beam melts and blows material from the Kovar 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 Kovar
| 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.
Design Tips for Laser Cutting Kovar
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 Kovar. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
Laser Cutting Tolerances & Surface Finish
Laser-cut Kovar 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.
Working with Kovar
Kovar offers a useful combination of properties: it is matched thermal expansion for glass/ceramic seals. 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.
Applications of Laser Cutting Kovar
Laser Cutting of Kovar 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.
Typical Kovar Parts for Laser Cutting
Illustrative examples of Laser Cutting Kovar parts and the callouts that usually drive the process plan. They show the kind of work that fits this process; they are not specific customer orders.
Bracket blank
- Material
- Kovar
- Size
- 250 × 120 × 4 mm
- Key callouts
- Contour ±0.10 mm, bend-relief notches
- Batch
- 800 pcs
Bend reliefs cut in at the same time so the press brake does not tear the corner.
Control panel face
- Material
- Kovar
- Size
- 400 × 300 × 1.5 mm
- Key callouts
- Cutout position ±0.10 mm, no dross on visible face
- Batch
- 600 pcs
Cut with nitrogen so the edge takes powder coat without secondary grinding.
EMI shield can
- Material
- Kovar
- 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 Kovar
| 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 Laser Cutting Kovar
- 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 Kovar 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 Kovar
Send the drawing, the Kovar grade and the quantity. You get pricing, lead time and any DFM notes back — usually within one business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What tolerances can you hold for Laser Cutting Kovar?
Achievable tolerances for Kovar 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 surface finish is achievable on Kovar with Laser Cutting?
Laser cutting leaves a clean cut face on Kovar with a small heat-affected zone; most parts need little secondary finishing.
Which industries use Laser Cutting Kovar parts?
Laser Cutting Kovar parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise Kovar components are required.
Does Laser Cutting Kovar require dedicated tooling?
Most Kovar cutting work uses standard cutting tools and CNC programs; dedicated fixtures are made only when geometry or volume requires them.
Why is Kovar a good choice for Laser Cutting?
Kovar is matched thermal expansion for glass/ceramic seals, which makes it well suited to Laser Cutting. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished Kovar cutting part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.
What is Laser Cutting Kovar and how is it done?
Laser Cutting Kovar refers to fiber laser cutting melts and ejects metal along a programmed path, producing a narrow kerf and a clean, near burr-free edge. Applied to Kovar — matched thermal expansion for glass/ceramic seals — VT machining produces each part to your CAD drawing, selecting parameters from your tolerance, finish and quantity requirements.