Laser Studio

Laser Cut Screens , Material Selection.
Corten/Weathering Steel.
This is an architectural grade of steel used for making laser cut screens and garden sculptures because of the natural patina it develops with age.
Corten has a high resistance to atmospheric corrosion and the copper content helps in the development of a unique patina.
Bear in mind this material may drip rusty water while it stabilises, especially near the coast.
If it is in an area where it can be brushed against it may leave rust marks on clothing.
Corten is corrosion resistant and will last a lot longer than mild steel. You would expect decades.
We keep the following thicknesses in stock: 1.6mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 5mm and 6mm. Sheet width is roughly 1220mm and can be ordered to length up 6m. Now available 3m x 1.5m x 2.5mm
Powder coated Aluminium.
When powder coating aluminium it is important to make sure that all of the cut edges have been dressed/rounded.
Hard edges will cause a phenomenon known as "draw back".
When the job is baked, surface tension draws the coating away from the hard edges.
This leaves a thin area, allowing ingress of moisture and atmospheric corrosion.
If edges are not dressed you can expect premature failure of the powder coat finish.
In maybe 2 to 3 years you'll see the powder coat starting to flake away from the edges. The same applies for spray painting.
We take extreme pride in our work and as such all our powder coated screens have had the edges dressed.
Be aware, powder coated screens should be unwrapped immediately on delivery. Failure to do so will cause sweating inside the plastic and shorten the life of the powder coating. Available in 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm or even thicker. 4mm and 5mm being the most common.
Raw Aluminium.
Aluminium is naturally corrosion resistance and light weight. If left in the raw it will dull with age and the dull surface becomes a protective layer to help prevent further corrosion.
We only use marine grade aluminium.
You will need to avoid contact with dissimilar metals, this can cause electrolysis, especially in a marine atmosphere.
Mild Steel.
Mild steel is the cheapest option for a laser cut metal screen. If you are planning to have your screens powder coated aluminium is a better choice.
Powder coated mild steel for exterior use can be problematic and is not recommended.
We don't recommend mild steel for a rust patina unless it is to be used inside with a sealer .
MDF.
MDF is a good options for light weight interior screens. Some patterns with finer detail are not suitable to be cut in MDF.
MDF will give a chunkier appearance which can be appealing.
Available in 9mm, 12mm, 16mm, 18mm, 22mm and 25mm in sheet sizes up to 1780mm x 3600mm.
Marine Plywood.
We only use marine grade hardwood ply.
Some patterns with finer detail are not suitable to be cut in plywood.
Available in 9mm, 12mm, 15mm, 18mm, 22mm and 25mm in sheet sizes up to 1220mm x 2440mm.
Reconstituted Hardwood.
This material is made from sawmill tailing and is bonded with wax.
The screen featured on the home page has a woodgrain texture on one side and a canvas like texture on the B side.
The reconstituted hardwood is also available with a smooth primed surface on one face and once again the canvas like texture on the B side.
This material is exterior grade and can be painted or oiled, it can also be left to go grey.
Material thickness 9.5mm and maximum sheet size 1220mm x 3660mm
Stainless Steel.
You have 2 grades of stainless steel to choose from, 316 marine grade or 304.
If your laser cut screens are to be used outside, we suggest you specify 316.
If 304 stainless is used externally it could eventually show signs of surface rust, especially near the coast.
Internally 304 stainless steel is OK and is substantially cheaper .