Laser Engineering & Fabrication of Tulsa provides laser cutting, welding, drilling and marketing

Mid-America Commerce & Industry, Apr 1995

Laser Engineering & Fabrication (LEF Inc.), Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a multi-material laser-cutting job shop. It provides custom laser cutting, laser welding, laser drilling and laser marking, as well as fabrication, finishing and other services.

Founded in 1988, the company has continually expanded its capabilities and is now the largest custom laser cutter in the area, according to Jim Aitkenhead, sales manager. "We now have seven laser cutting machines and two Yag laser marking systems. Our customers have been pleased with our services and they also keep finding new uses for our machines and processes."

Jim said that when they first began, people assumed that high tech meant high price. "That's not the case. Our engineers have helped a lot of companies find ways to be cost-effective by replacing those traditional cutting methods that were too slow or costly.

"We have a number of capabilities that can mean unlimited design possibilities for production or processing needs. It doesn't take long for us to sit down with a customer and determine if laser cutting will fit with that company's design and budget. Our CAD function will quickly enter your information or drawing into our computer for prototype or production processing. Many companies have found that it pays big dividends to see if we can handle the job.

"For instance, with our custom laser tooling, those unusual shapes no longer mean higher costs. We can process a variety of materials from large sheets to discrete parts in about any quantity. We work with carbon or stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, brass, special nickel alloys (including Inconel, Monel, and Hastelloy), plastics, wood, fabrics and composites."

Laser table sizes range up to 63 inches by 144 inches. Carbon steel can be cut up to 1/2 inch thickness, stainless to 3/8 inch, and aluminum to 1/4 inch.

As we toured the plant, Jim pointed out that lasers are an exact, high-speed, computer-controlled alternative to stamping, cutting or processing by other means. The precise, computer-controlled lasers focus light energy into an extremely thin cutting beam. Since the laser is a non-contact tool, it quickly and repeatedly cuts intricate designs and shapes, minimizing chances for workpiece contamination and error. The laser's cutting ability is not limited by material hardness or surface contours.

Jim said the laser welding/cutting process causes minimal heating of the workpiece when compared to conventional welding or burning techniques. This virtually eliminates distortation and improves the appearance of the part. Laser welding does not add metal to the parent material being welded.

In addition to the 5-axis laser cutting machines, welders and etchers, the company has regular fabrication equipment--press brakes, shears and various types of welding units. They also offer laser tube cutting (3-1/8 inch diameter to 15 feet in length).

Laser Engineering does a great deal of work for the electronics industry, cutting specialized mechanical and electronic products. These range from motor laminations to control panels to general parts, including washers, gaskets and seals. About 40 percent of their business involves parts for automobiles and trucks. (They change their designs often and that makes us very competitive, Jim told us.) And, as might be expected, the signage industry is a natural customer with the creation of company logos, signs, indoor/outdoor graphics, engravings, etchings, etc.

One of the newest growth areas is in novelties, Jim said. "Laser cutting works beautifully in cutting out arts and crafts items, toys and other products. The silhouettes of horses and cows are very popular right now for entrances to ranches and farms.

"Despite the fact that laser cutting has been around quite a while, it's still a new process to many people. What's especially nice is that as our customers see just how versatile we are, they take a second look at all of their cuting, welding or etching requirements. And, they're delighted when they discover even more ways to cut costs, speed production or turn out a higher quality product", Jim concluded.

Laser Engineering & Fabrication has some 50 employees and is located in a 40,000-square-foot plant at 5426 South 94th East Avenue in Tulsa. Ronald J. LaPelle is president and general manager and Mike VanSchoyck, P.E., is the operations engineer.

Telephone 918-665-7799; 1-800-324-7511 or Fax 918-664-8228.

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