Laser and Sheet Cutting Services
Instant quotes for laser cutting or waterjet cut parts. No minimums. Get parts in days.
Free standard shipping on U.S. and international orders. International prototype pricing includes tariffs. Now with up to 35% lower prices and 30% faster lead times.
What is Sheet Cutting?
Sheet cutting is a manufacturing process that involves slicing flat stock material along a defined profile to create a specific shape. This is typically done using a high-powered CNC laser or waterjet.
From one-off batches to mass production, custom designs can be cut in various materials, including plastics, elastomers, composites, metals, and more. Sheet cutting is also typical for blank preparation in other manufacturing processes like sheet metal fabrication or metal stamping.
From clear acrylic panels to thick tool steel, Artemis 3D's manufacturing marketplace offers a one-stop-shop solution for any project with instant quotes, tight tolerance capabilities, and a wide selection of materials.
Sheet Cutting Standards and Tolerances
Comprehensive capabilities for custom sheet cut parts
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| Blank Size | Artemis 3D has access to platforms up to 10' x 20' for laser cutting and waterjet cutting. However, many sheet stock sizes commonly cap out at 48" x 96" (4' x 8') or smaller. |
| Standard Lead Time | 3 business days |
| Sheet Thickness | 0.020" up to beyond 1.00" depending on materials. Thinner or thicker stock may be possible through manual review. |
| Tight Tolerances | We can automatically quote sheet cutting tolerances as tight as +/- 0.005". Tolerances tighter than this are available after manual review. |
How Artemis 3D Sheet Cutting Works
Artemis 3D's sheet cutting services utilize the top laser cutting and waterjet suppliers in the US and worldwide. Our fabricators convert CAD and drawing data into machine code, which guides a laser cutter, waterjet, or plasma cutting machine to cut the sheet material precisely.
If any assembly or post-processing is required, our manufacturers will provide turnkey finishing to the part. The efficiency and high precision of these CNC-controlled cutting tools, coupled with Artemis 3D's variety of materials, range of suppliers, and post-processing options, means you can get parts for any application.
The price you see is the price you'll pay. When ordering prototypes, the price shown at checkout includes tariffs for international orders. Shipping is also included for standard-size packages.
How are Laser Cutting and Waterjet Cutting Different?
Laser Cutting
- Uses concentrated heat for cutting
- Narrow kerf, typically under 0.010"
- Faster cutting speeds
- Well-suited for engraving and part marking
- Ideal for thin metals and plastics
Waterjet Cutting
- Uses high-pressure water (no heat)
- Wider kerf (0.040"–0.050")
- Ideal for thicker metals
- Perfect for heat-sensitive materials
- Excellent for foams, gaskets, and certain plastics
Powerful DXF Quoting Tools
The Artemis 3D Instant Quoting Engine is equipped with various features to ensure your sheet cutting quotes are quickly generated, straightforward, and unbeatable.
Automatic DXF File Repair
Common issues found in DXF files are automatically fixed when detected.
2D DXF File Viewer
Built-in vector-based DXF viewer makes it quick and easy to review your uploaded designs.
Simple Material Selections
Only see the sheet thicknesses applicable to your chosen material through easy-to-use drop-down menus.
Nested DXF File Support
Upload a single pre-nested DXF file containing multiple components to consolidate your line items and receive discounted family pricing.
Sheet Cutting Materials
Wide range of materials for any application
Aluminum Alloy
Brass and Bronze Alloy
Copper Alloy
Stainless Steel
Mechanical Plastics
Acrylic
Foam
Wood
Carbon Fiber and Other Composites
Steel
Other Metal Alloys
Rubber and Gasketing
Not seeing the material you are looking for? We will source it! Submit your quote request using "Custom" in the material drop-down and our expert team will be happy to review the project.
De-Tabbing, Deburr, and Finishing
Various finishing options to balance costs and time
Separated with Tabs, Burrs, Scratches and Discoloration Removed
Parts will be separated, the tab will be ground off, and all burrs will be removed. Additionally, parts are cleaned to remove discoloration, surface debris, manufacturer markings, and scratches.
Separated with Tabs Removed
Parts will be separated from each other, and the source sheet and any vestigial tabs will be ground off. The area where tabs are removed may have a slightly different texture or appearance than the rest of the part.
As Cut
Reduce costs by receiving the parts tabbed together on the source sheet, to each other, or a support structure. You are then responsible for separating the parts from the sheet. Laser and waterjet cut parts may have fine burrs after cutting.
Bead Blasted
Parts are finished in a blasting cabinet with a high-pressure stream of fine glass beads, typically using 80-grit media applied between 70-100 psi. This gives the surface of the parts a uniform matte or satin-like cosmetic appearance.
Media Tumbled
Parts are finished in a vibratory or rotary tumbler with tumbling media. This provides an even stippled finish over the face of the entire part. It also tends to round sharp corners and edges.
Additional Finishes
Standard
No additional post-processing is performed, leaving the surface as-is after your choice of de-tabbing and deburring is performed.
Sanding with Grain
Metal parts are sanded by hand, abrasive belt sander, or timesaver, in the direction of the grain to create a uniform finish. Also called linear finishing.
Sanding Random
Metal parts are sanded by hand, orbital sander, or timesaver, in a random pattern or swirl to create a uniform finish. Also called a random swirl finish.
Other Finishes
Turnkey finishing services like anodizing, chem-film, metal plating, powder coating, heat treating, passivation, and even multiple custom finishes.
Sheet Services Available
Custom Online Laser Cutting Service
High-quality laser cut parts in days. Free standard shipping on U.S. and international orders.
Learn MoreOnline Waterjet Cutting Service
Cost-effective waterjet cut parts in days. Free standard shipping on U.S. and international orders.
Learn MorePlasma Cutting Service
Custom plasma cutting for prototyping and production part fabrication. Free standard shipping on all US orders.
Learn MoreSheet Metal Fabrication Services
Instant quotes on custom-formed sheet metal parts. Prototypes and production parts in days.
Learn MoreSheet Cutting FAQs
What Files Can Artemis 3D Use for Laser Cutting or Waterjet Cutting?
Artemis 3D can accept DXF, STEP, STP, SLDPRT, IPT, and SAT files for laser and waterjet sheet cutting services. These files should be flat profiles extruded to the appropriate thickness or gauge of the intended material. Our instant online quoting tool also allows 2D DXF files to be uploaded and their thickness defined directly on the platform.
What Is the Smallest Part Size Artemis 3D Can Cut?
Artemis 3D can cut features down to about 0.25" x 0.25" depending on complexity. Parts below the size of a nickel may require specialized workholding. It is recommended that parts under 2" x 2" may need to be tabbed to a sheet or bridged on as a strip to prevent falling between machine slats. Holes and cutouts should be larger than the material thickness or 0.050", whichever is greater.
Can Artemis 3D Cut Both Outside and Inside Features?
Yes! Sheet cutting, such as laser cutting services, can cut the outline of a part and any top-down through features such as holes, design patterns, grate features, etc. These features should be provided all in one file. Sheet cutting cannot do partial-depth features like blind bosses, counterbores, undercuts, or side holes. This would require CNC machining services.
What Is Kerf?
Kerf refers to the material that is burnt or cut away during laser cutting. Kerf is the gap thickness created by the laser and is usually around 0.008" with a +/- 0.004" tolerance depending on the process and material thickness. Waterjet cutting has a stream thickness of between 0.04" to 0.05". Artemis 3D's typical part tolerance is +/- 0.010" for laser cutting or waterjet cutting; this includes compensation for kerf.
What Is the Material Grain?
Extruded materials such as metals and some plastics will have a grain direction. This is presented by linear features, which are generated as the material is created. Hardwood and wood veneer will also have a grain direction based on the growth. Parts are weaker or may crack more easily along their grain. If grain direction is important to a part's function or cosmetics, please identify that using an attached technical drawing or notes.
Can Artemis 3D Add Threads to Sheet Cut Parts?
Artemis 3D can tap most sheet cut parts using our standard threads. Adding inserts, such as PEM inserts, is also available for metal sheet parts.
Can I Send Nested Designs for Laser Cutting?
Yes! You can nest your design into a 2D DXF file and upload it for quoting.
Will Waterjet Cut Parts Be Wet?
Nope. Your parts will ship dry! If you have any special packing requirements or requests, please let us know in the part notes section when building your quote.
Why Use Artemis 3D's Sheet Cutting Services?
Endless Options
Choose from thousands of possible combinations of sheet materials, finishes, tolerances, markings, and certifications for your order.
Easy to Use
Get your parts delivered right to your door without the hassle of sourcing, project management, logistics, or shipping.
Vetted Network
We are ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, IATF 16949, and AS9100D certified. Only the top shops that apply to become suppliers pass our qualification process.
Industries We Serve
Sheet cutting serves diverse industries worldwide
Ready to Get a Sheet Cutting Quote?
Upload your CAD files and get instant pricing on laser or waterjet cut parts. Free shipping available for domestic sheet cutting orders.