# Laser Cutting - Canonical URL: https://www.ahner-industrial.com/laser-cutting - Page type: service - Updated: 2026-08-07 Get precision laser cutting from Ahner Industrial in Sandusky, Ohio. Upload DXF, STEP, or STP files for online pricing on commercial sheet metal parts. ## Transform Your Ideas into Precision-Cut Reality Ahner Industrial laser cuts sheet and plate for prototypes, replacement parts, and production components. Project review considers material, thickness, part size, geometry, tolerances, edge requirements, quantity, and downstream forming or welding before the manufacturing route is confirmed. ## Trumpf Fiber Laser Ahner operates a Trumpf 3040 fiber laser for sheet and plate work across the published material and size ranges below. Those limits are capability references rather than automatic quote approval; material grade, geometry, tolerance, edge condition, stock availability, and downstream operations are reviewed for each part. Published cutting capability references include: • High-precision steel laser cutting: Custom laser cutting of steel sheet metal and plate up to 1 inch thick, with dimensions reaching 78" x 157". • Stainless steel laser cutting: Expert laser cutting of stainless steel sheet metal and plate up to 1.5 inches thick in sizes up to 78" x 157". • Aluminum laser cutting: Precision laser cutting of aluminum sheet metal and plate up to 1 inch thick with large format options of 78" x 157". In addition to these core services, our advanced Trumpf laser is fully capable of cutting a variety of other metals—including copper, brass, and more—empowering you with comprehensive, custom laser cutting solutions tailored to your fabrication needs. Laser cutting can support one-off parts, prototypes, repeat blanks, and production quantities. Achievable tolerance, edge condition, lead time, and process selection depend on the material, thickness, geometry, quantity, and downstream requirements shown on the drawing or CAD model. ## Mitsubishi Laser ### Mitsubishi Laser & Messer Plasma Ahner also operates a Mitsubishi laser cutting system. Selection among fiber laser, CO₂ laser, plasma, and oxy-fuel cutting depends on material, thickness, part size, geometry, edge requirements, tolerance, quantity, and downstream fabrication—not a universal speed or quality claim. Our custom laser cutting capabilities include: • Laser cutting steel sheet metal and plate up to 1 inch thick, with maximum dimensions of 60" x 120". • Laser cutting stainless steel sheet metal and plate up to 3/4 inch thick, with maximum dimensions of 60" x 120". • Laser cutting aluminum sheet metal and plate up to 1/2 inch thick, with dimensions up to 60" x 120", and more. Additionally, our versatile laser cutting services extend beyond metals—we can efficiently cut acrylic, other plastics, and even exotic materials such as Inconel. In addition to our custom laser cutting services, Ahner Industrial also offers precision sheet metal and plate plasma cutting. Our advanced CNC plasma cutting and oxy-fuel cutting machines can handle larger sheet sizes and thicker materials than our laser systems, enabling us to custom cut larger metal parts and heavy-duty plates. With plasma cutting speeds that far exceed those of waterjet cutting and require minimal cleanup, our service is both efficient and cost-effective. Our custom plasma cutting capabilities include: • Plasma cutting of steel sheet metal and plate up to 1 inch thick, with maximum dimensions of 96" x 218". • Oxy-fuel cutting of steel plate up to 4 inches thick, also available in sizes up to 96" x 218". In addition to steel, our plasma and oxy-fuel cutting machines can expertly process a variety of metals—including stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and more—delivering high-quality, precisely cut components for even the most demanding fabrication projects. ## Laser and Plasma Cutting FAQ Q: What laser cutting machines does Ahner Industrial use? A: Ahner operates a Trumpf 3040 fiber laser and a Mitsubishi laser cutting system. The shop selects equipment after reviewing material, thickness, part size, geometry, tolerance, edge requirements, quantity, and downstream operations. Q: How do the Trumpf 3040 and Mitsubishi laser machines differ? A: The Trumpf fiber laser and Mitsubishi laser use different machine configurations and process characteristics. Ahner assigns work based on the actual material, thickness, geometry, edge requirement, tolerance, quantity, and production route rather than treating either machine as universally better. Q: What are the cutting capabilities of your laser machines? A: The Trumpf 3040 fiber laser is capable of cutting steel sheet metal and plate up to 1 inch thick, stainless steel up to 1.5 inches thick, and aluminum up to 1 inch thick, all with maximum dimensions of 78 by 157 inches. It is also capable of processing other metals such as copper and brass. Meanwhile, the Mitsubishi laser cutting machine offers similar precision and quality, delivering faster processing times for steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and additional materials. Q: What plasma cutting solutions does Ahner Industrial offer? A: In addition to our laser cutting services, we provide custom sheet metal and plate plasma cutting. Our advanced CNC plasma cutting and oxy-fuel cutting machines can handle larger sheet sizes and thicker materials than our laser systems, allowing us to custom cut larger metal parts and heavy-duty plates efficiently. The speed of plasma cutting significantly exceeds that of waterjet cutting, and it requires minimal cleanup after processing. Q: What are the capabilities of your plasma cutting services? A: Our plasma cutting service is designed for steel sheet metal and plate up to 1 inch thick with maximum dimensions of 96 by 218 inches. For even thicker materials, our oxy-fuel cutting service can process steel plate up to 4 inches thick, also within dimensions of 96 by 218 inches. Beyond steel, our plasma and oxy-fuel cutting systems are versatile enough to handle metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and more. Q: How do I decide whether to use laser or plasma cutting? A: Laser, plasma, and oxy-fuel cutting suit different combinations of material, thickness, part size, geometry, tolerance, and edge requirements. Send the drawing or CAD model so Ahner can review the practical process for the part and any downstream forming, welding, or machining. Q: How can the available cutting processes benefit my project? A: Matching the cutting process and nesting strategy to the part can improve material use, repeatability, and production flow. Actual lead time, tolerance, edge condition, and cost depend on the complete part and order requirements. ## Frequently asked questions ### What metal fabrication services does Ahner provide? Ahner provides fiber laser and plasma cutting, press-brake forming, MIG, TIG, robotic and laser welding, short-run and heavy fabrication, finishing, assembly, and contract manufacturing for prototype and production parts. ### Can I get an instant online sheet metal or laser cutting quote? Yes. Upload a supported DXF file for finalized flat geometry or a STEP or STP file for flat or supported formed parts. Larger parts, special materials, welding, finishing, and assemblies receive a custom manufacturing review. ### Which sheet metal materials can I quote online? The standardized online material set currently includes A1011 carbon steel, 304 2B stainless steel, and 3003 aluminum in the thicknesses offered by the live quote tool. Other materials can be submitted for custom review. ### What information should I include with a sheet metal quote? Send what exists today: CAD, a drawing, photo, sketch, or sample-part information. Include material, quantity, critical dimensions, fit, finish, timing, and delivery context when known. The team will identify what is still needed for an accurate quote. ### How do I get an online sheet metal bending quote? Upload the real formed STEP or STP model to the online bending workflow. Parts outside supported geometry or tonnage limits continue as a manufacturing review request instead of receiving an unreliable instant price. [Ahner Industrial home](https://www.ahner-industrial.com/)