Laser cutting services in Oakland — parts quoted online and delivered same day.^*

All of Ponoko services are available to all corners of the US including the Oakland Bay Area. While most customers worldwide can use Ponoko services, US customers benefit from a 24-hour delivery service option that guarantees a delivery time of less than 24 hours after parts are manufactured for low-volume quantities. Customers from the Oakland Bay Area can also take advantage of the scalability of laser cutting services offered by Ponoko. The design files for prototypes are identical to full-scale production runs, and once a prototype is confirmed, Ponoko can provide quantities in the thousands.

When it comes to cost-effective machining, it is very hard to beat laser cutters thanks to the ability for laser cutters to operate quickly, the ability to work with a wide range of materials, require no tool changes, and combine the cutting and engraving stages into a single production cycle. CNCs (Computer Numeric Control), are machines that resemble laser cutters in several ways; they both use axis controllers to move a toolhead around a workpiece, both are computer controlled, and both offer extreme precision. However, CNCs generally use large cutting blades and routers to remove excess material from a workpiece, and this results in a slower production rate while also increasing the cost of the process with the need for replacement bits. Manual cutting of materials can be done by skilled hands and is ideal for creating individual prototypes. However, such methods are completely inappropriate for mass-production as manual cutting is not as precise, accurate, or scalable. 3D printing is an additive method for creating parts and is very convenient for use during prototyping stages (thanks to the many desktop 3D printers available). However, 3D printers are extremely slow as they build up parts layer by layer, and thin layers are required for creating smooth prints. If layers are too thick then the final part can be extremely rough with each layer being clearly visible. 3D printing is only ideal for prototyping and can never be used for scaled manufacturing.

Laser cutters are extremely accurate cutting systems that not only provide high-speed operation, but can also do so with great repeatability. This makes laser cutters highly ideal for producing large quantities of 2D parts as any two parts will be virtually indistinguishable from each other. But the reason why laser cutters are so precise and accurate comes from their construction and the nature of laser beams. To start, laser cutters use computer-controlled motors meaning that identical commands result in the exact same operation. This means that the commands describing a part will produce the same part every time those commands are issued. Secondly, laser beams do not mechanically interfere with the workpiece meaning that the workpiece does not move around when the laser is in operation. CNCs, however, use routing bits which push against the workpiece, and this can induce mechanical stress onto the part being manufactured. Thirdly, because laser beams do not apply mechanical force to the workpiece, parts can be completely cut-out from the base material being cut and will remain in place. This removes the need for small joins between the base material and the parts that need to be removed after the fact. In the case of Ponoko, the specifications for laser cut parts are a dimensional accuracy of ±0.13mm, a laser kerf of 0 to 0.2mm, part sizes down to 6x6mm, and features down to 1x1mm. Such accuracy is difficult to achieve on CNCs, and virtually impossible with manual cutting techniques.

All 200+ materials displayed on the Ponoko website are available to all customers including those residing in the Oakland Bay Area. Materials used by Ponoko are carefully engineered to the utmost quality and include card, metal, and fabrics. Metals stocked by Ponoko include steel, copper, brass, and aluminum, all of which come in a variety of thicknesses, colors, and grades. Fabric materials include leather and felt and have been specially chosen to work well with laser cutters (i.e., no chromium containing leather).

The Oakland Bay Area has a diverse market stretching from breweries to electronics, all of which can take advantage of Ponoko laser cutting services. Metal foundries and metal workshops can take advantage of Ponoko’s ability to produce high quality cutouts for decorative pieces or intricate mechanical parts. Companies involved with the electrical industry can take advantage of laser-cut copper to make custom bus bars and other conductive channels. Winery businesses can take advantage of custom laser-cut cardstock and paper to create high-quality product insets and covers. Specifically, cardstock can be laser-cut to have patterns around its edges (something not possible with typical cutting methods), and these can be glued to wine bottles to create a product that stands out. Signage companies looking to create glowing displays can utilize Ponoko’s acrylic products. An engraved pattern will shine up when light is passed through the transparent acrylic block, but this light won’t show in areas where there is no engraving. The resulting sign is illuminated, stands out, and has a very professional finish. Engineered products that require plastic can take advantage of the many varieties of plastic stocked by Ponoko including acrylic and acetal. Hardware assemblies are often made using such materials, and the precision of Ponoko-made products will guarantee designs that meet strict tolerances.