Flash Cutting Services

Mercer Gasket & Shim offers highly precise, high speed flash cutting services.  Flash cutting aka knife cutting is a highly reliable, tried, and true method of fabrication.  Flash cutting is very flexible and can be used to produce prototypes or in very high-volume applications.  Mercer Gasket & Shim skilled technicians can assist in material selection and part design when required.   Our digitally controlled equipment makes precise cuts through a wide variety of elastomer, foam, composite, and polymer materials measuring up to 0.50” in thickness.  We are equipped with a large 120” x 60” worktable enabling the production of large parts rapidly, economically, and with outstanding quality.

In-house flash cutting specifications:

To learn more about how we can serve you, contact Mercer or request a quote.

Keep reading if you want to learn more about flash cutting and when you should consider using Mercer Gasket & Shim’s flash cutting services.

A flash cutter is a specialized machining tool designed for precision cutting and shaping of materials, utilizing a high-intensity light beam, typically a laser or plasma arc, to make accurate and intricate cuts. This technology ensures minimal material wastage and enables intricate designs with high precision. The cutting process is swift and efficient, making it suitable for various applications across different industries.

Flash cutting typically refers to a machining process that involves using a high-energy light source, such as a laser, to cut materials. This process is commonly employed in various industries for precision cutting of metals, plastics, and other materials. The term “flash” in flash cutting refers to the rapid and intense burst of energy used in the cutting operation.

Consider using flash cutting over other cutting methods if the following considerations are a factor:

1. Precision and Accuracy: Flash cutting is known for its high precision and accuracy. It allows for intricate and detailed cuts, making it suitable for applications where tight tolerances are crucial.
2. Material Versatility: Flash cutting works for a wide range of thin gage plastic, dense rubber, compressed fiber, foam, and sponge materials.
3. High-Speed Cutting: The rapid energy burst characteristic of flash cutting enables high-speed cutting processes. This can be advantageous in scenarios where efficiency and speed are essential.
4. Reduced Heat-Affected Zone: Compared to some traditional cutting methods, flash cutting often results in a smaller heat-affected zone. This can be beneficial when working with materials that are sensitive to heat and need to maintain certain properties.
5. Mass Production: Flash cutting increases efficiency, reduced labor costs, and consistent cutting quality making ideal for mass production scenarios.
6. Clean Cutting Edges: Flash cutting typically produces clean and smooth cutting edges, minimizing the need for additional finishing processes. This is important in applications where the quality of the cut surface is critical.
7. Non-Contact Cutting: Flash cutting is a non-contact process, meaning that the cutting tool (e.g., laser) does not physically touch the material. This characteristic can be advantageous when working with delicate or sensitive materials.

Top 5 applications for flash cutting include:

1. Automotive Industry: Flash cutting is commonly used in the automotive industry for precision cutting of various materials, including plastics, rubber, and composite materials. It is employed in the manufacturing of automotive components, interior elements, and custom parts.
2. Aerospace Industry: In the aerospace sector, where lightweight materials and precision are crucial, flash cutting is often preferred. It is employed for cutting composite materials used in aircraft components, interior panels, and other aerospace applications.
3. Medical Device Industry: Flash cutting is widely used in the production of medical devices. It allows for the precise cutting of materials like plastics and polymers, which are commonly used in medical equipment, implants, and other healthcare-related products.
4. Textile and Apparel Industry: In the textile and apparel industry, flash cutting is used for cutting fabric with high precision. This is particularly important for creating intricate patterns, customized designs, and ensuring accuracy in the production of garments and textiles.
5. Packaging Industry: Flash cutting finds applications in the packaging industry for cutting materials such as cardboard, paperboard, and flexible packaging materials. It enables efficient and precise cutting of packaging components, contributing to the production of high-quality packaging solutions.