Potomac Photonics offers high-precision laser cutting services for polymers, metals, ceramics, and glass, supporting applications that demand exceptional accuracy and repeatability. By leveraging advanced laser ablation processes and carefully matching laser parameters to material properties, we are able to produce extremely fine cuts and intricate features with micron-scale precision, which are are difficult or impossible to achieve using conventional mechanical cutting methods.
Our laser cutting services are well suited for both rapid prototyping and production environments, enabling customers to move efficiently from early design validation to repeatable manufacturing. Tight tolerances, clean edge quality, and consistent feature definition are maintained across parts, making laser cutting an ideal solution for complex geometries, delicate materials, and components where dimensional control is critical.
Potomac Laser Cutting Capabilities
At Potomac, our laser cutting systems are configured to match laser technology with material characteristics and part requirements. This tailored approach ensures optimal cut quality, minimal thermal impact, and efficient processing across diverse substrates.
Our capabilities include:
- A broad range of laser wavelengths, including 193 nm, 248 nm, 266 nm, 355 nm, 532 nm, 1064 nm, 10600 nm, and fiber lasers, selected based on material and feature requirements.
- Processing optimized for polymers, metals, ceramics, and glass.
- Minimum kerf widths and hole diameters from approximately 2 to 100 microns, with sub-micron tolerances and high aspect ratios available.
These capabilities allow Potomac to handle intricate parts, complex geometries, and materials that require more controlled thermal input than typical shop-floor lasers can provide.
Choosing the Right Laser Technology for Your Cutting Applications
Selecting the appropriate laser system is crucial for achieving optimal results across diverse materials and applications. Factors such as wavelength, pulse duration, and beam quality significantly influence cutting performance, material compatibility, and cost-efficiency. Standard machine‑shop lasers (CO₂, fiber) handle most routine sheet cutting. When feature sizes are below ~50 µm, multilayer stacks, or heat‑sensitive substrates are involved, outsourcing to a specialist like Potomac ensures quality and yield.
| Laser Type | Wavelength | Best For | Complexity | Availability | Cost |
| CO₂ | 10600 nm | Polymers (PMMA, PET, PE, PP), foams, rubber, acrylic, wood, paper, leather, textiles | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Fiber / Nd:YAG | 1064 nm | Ferrous/non‑ferrous metals, stainless steel, Al/Ti alloys, ceramics | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Green DPSS | 532 nm | Copper, brass, gold, metal foils, clad stacks | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| UV DPSS / Excimer | 355 nm | Plastics, polyimide, PET, PTFE, photoresist, micro-vias, thin glass | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Femtosecond (Pulsed) | <1 ps | Quartz, fused silica, sapphire, multilayer glass, carbon-fibre, ceramics | ★★★★★ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
Typical Applications
Laser cutting at Potomac is applied in a wide range of microfabrication projects, including but not limited to:
- Precision components for medical devices and microfluidics
- Fine features in electronics and semiconductor hardware
- Intricate shapes in aerospace and defense systems
- Custom parts in advanced research and industrial applications
Our Rapid Response team can work with you to evaluate drawings and provide guidance on how laser cutting can meet your specific design and manufacturing goals.
Why Choose Potomac For Laser Cutting
Potomac Photonics has a long history of delivering precision laser fabrication services backed by deep technical expertise. Our approach integrates advanced laser systems, materials insight, and process optimization to deliver parts that meet stringent quality requirements.
Whether you are developing prototypes or scaling to volume production, our laser cutting services are designed to deliver:
- Reliable, repeatable precision
- Micron-level feature control
- Material-specific cutting strategies
- Rapid turnaround and process support
Need Additional Microfabrication?
Potomac offers generous incentives to our customers that combine laser cutting with our exhaustive list of other microfabrication processes.
Laser Cutting Gallery
Also From the Goodfellow Group
Laser cutting quality and edge definition are directly influenced by substrate material properties. Goodfellow supplies precision polymer films, metal foils, ceramic sheet, and glass in tightly controlled thicknesses and grades — including Kapton polyimide — ready for precision laser cutting.
Source polymer, metal, and glass substrates for laser cutting.
Laser cut edge quality, heat-affected zone characteristics, and material composition of cut components can be assessed through Goodfellow’s ISO 17025-accredited materials testing lab using SEM imaging and EDX elemental analysis — supporting process validation and incoming material qualification.
Verify cut edge quality and material integrity with accredited analysis.
