Frequently Asked Questions
What type of parts can you make?
We've produced thousands and thousands of custom parts over the years. Here are some examples:
Signs, Trophies, Machine Components, Brackets, Shims, Instrument Panels, Spacers, Washers, Mailbox Tops, Wrenches, Mounting Brackets, Gussets, Flanges, Gate Designs, Base Plates, License Plate Frames, Lightswitch Covers, Outlet Covers, Jewelry, Belt Buckles, Endcaps, Form Blocks, Tags, Gears, Fittings, Nameplates, Logo Plates, Gaskets, Blades, Stencils, Supports, Motor Mounts, Jigs, Wing Ribs, Keychain Emblems, Frames, and much more; there's just too many things to list!
I want a part made out of a material you have not listed; can you cut it?
There are many materials out there we can cut that we did not list. The types listed are just the typical materials that we cut. If your material is not on the list, please ask us about it. We will determine if we are able to cut it and find the optimal cutting condition, then we will contact you in regards to whether or not we have the capability.
What factors affect the price?
Many factors are taken into account when we quote prices. A few factors are:
Material type, and amount of material used
Quantity of parts (discounts for higher quantities)
Machine cutting time, affected by material type and quantity of parts
How intricate the design is
Sketchings/drawings require additional time to be converted into CAD files
Who do you provide service to?
Anyone! Our customers range from individuals who order single parts, to companies that we do thousands of dollars of work for weekly. Most of our customers are from San Antonio and Austin since we are located between the two cities, but we receive orders from Houston and Dallas regularly. Although we only currently advertise in Texas, we even get orders from out-of-state from people who have heard of us by word of mouth. No matter who you are, if you need laser cutting, we would be glad to help you!
How does laser cutting work?
"Laser cutting works by directing the output of a high power laser at the material to be cut. The material then either melts, burns or vaporizes away leaving an edge with a high quality surface finish."
"Laser cutters usually work much like a milling machine would for working a sheet in that the laser (equivalent to the mill) enters through the side of the sheet and cuts it through the axis of the beam. In order to be able to start cutting from somewhere else than the edge, a pierce is done before every cut. Piercing usually involves a high power pulsating laser beam which slowly (taking around 5-15 seconds for half inch Stainless Steel, for example) makes a hole in the material."
Source: Laser Cutting. (2006, July 6). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 17:14, July 7, 2006.
What does laser cutting look like?
There are more videos available at youtube.com/vintmfg, but here are two to start off with.
This video is of us laser cutting a part out of 1/16" thick stainless steel:
This video is of us laser cutting a part out of 3/8" thick mild steel:
What if my question is not listed here?
We will be glad to answer any questions you have, so please contact us.