{"id":10461,"date":"2025-10-21T12:41:40","date_gmt":"2025-10-21T10:41:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teprosa.de\/?p=10461"},"modified":"2025-10-21T12:45:20","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T10:45:20","slug":"laser-cutting-vs-stamping-technology-and-process-expertise-make-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teprosa.de\/en\/laser-cutting-vs-stamping-technology-and-process-expertise-make-the-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Laser Cutting vs. Stamping \u2013 Technology and process expertise make the difference"},"content":{"rendered":"

A precise overview<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Stanzen

In the production of electric machines and stators, electrical steel laminations play a central role: their magnetic properties largely determine core losses, efficiency, and performance. Two common manufacturing methods are <\/span>mechanical stamping (or shearing\/guillotine cutting)<\/strong> and <\/span>laser cutting<\/strong>. You\u2019ll often hear: \u201cLaser cutting is bad for magnetics.\u201d But that\u2019s an oversimplification \u2014 not every laser, and certainly not every parameter set, is the same. At <\/span>TEPROSA<\/strong>, we use <\/span>fiber lasers<\/strong> and optimized cutting parameters \u2014 and that makes all the difference.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

In this article, we look at:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. What happens during stamping?<\/li>\n
  2. What happens during laser cutting \u2014 especially with a fiber laser?<\/li>\n
  3. Where are the key differences?<\/li>\n
  4. Which advantages can laser cutting offer under the right conditions?<\/li>\n
  5. What should you look for in a supplier\/partner \u2014 and what does that mean at TEPROSA?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    \n

    1) Stamping \u2014 what happens during mechanical cutting<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    With stamping or guillotining, electrical steel is separated by mechanical force. Typical effects include:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Plastic deformation at the cut edge (roll-over, shear zone, fracture zone) and potentially burrs<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
    • The induced mechanical stresses and micro-deformations restrict domain-wall motion in the ferromagnetic material, which increases hysteresis (iron) losses<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
    • Burrs, uneven edges, or poorly executed contours can impair stacking quality<\/strong>; tiny air gaps may arise between laminations, which can in turn elevate eddy-current and stray losses.<\/li>\n
    • Strengths of stamping:<\/strong> extremely economical at very high volumes<\/strong> with stable geometry and well-maintained tooling.<\/li>\n
    • Trade-offs:<\/strong> less flexibility for geometry changes; tools must be engineered and maintained; and with very high-grade steels (e.g., thinner laminations<\/strong> or high-silicon materials<\/strong>), the edge-affected zone is typically more sensitive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Bottom line:<\/strong> stamping is a proven industrial process \u2014 but depending on material, tool condition, and geometry, it can measurably influence magnetic properties.<\/p>\n

      \n

      2) Laser cutting \u2014 especially with a fiber laser \u2014 and what really matters<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      What happens during laser cutting?<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      • The laser separates material by melting, evaporation, or ablation. When cutting electrical steel, a heat-affected zone (HAZ)<\/strong> can form, where microstructure, residual stress, and crystallographic texture may change.<\/li>\n
      • Results depend strongly on laser source<\/strong>, cutting speed<\/strong>, assist gas<\/strong>, focus diameter<\/strong>, and material thickness<\/strong>. Some studies report degradation at low induction levels \u2014 but also show that laser cutting can outperform mechanical shearing at higher induction<\/strong>, depending on parameters and evaluation criteria.<\/li>\n
      • Many negative statements about laser cutting are based on CO\u2082 lasers<\/strong>. That doesn\u2019t automatically apply to fiber lasers<\/strong> \u2014 and certainly not to fiber lasers with optimized parameters.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Why the laser source (fiber vs. CO\u2082) matters<\/strong><\/p>\n

          \n
        • CO\u2082 lasers operate at ~10 \u00b5m; fiber lasers at ~1 \u00b5m<\/strong>. The shorter wavelength typically enables smaller focus spots<\/strong>, better absorption<\/strong>, and lower thermal load<\/strong> for the same cutting task.<\/li>\n
        • Fiber lasers can achieve narrow kerfs<\/strong>, high contour accuracy<\/strong>, and a smaller thermal edge zone<\/strong> \u2014 potentially less impact on magnetic properties<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
        • Misapplied parameters (too much heat input, wrong assist gas, poor focus, too slow speed) can still produce a sizable HAZ \u2014 which is why process expertise<\/strong> is decisive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Typical mistakes to avoid in laser cutting<\/strong><\/p>\n

            \n
          • Excessive heat input \u2192 larger HAZ \u2192 altered microstructure \u2192 higher hysteresis losses<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
          • Wrong assist gas or gas guidance \u2192 oxidation\/impurities \u2192 poorer edge quality.<\/li>\n
          • Sub-optimal focus or too low cutting speed \u2192 too much energy per unit length.<\/li>\n
          • Parameters not adapted to thickness<\/strong>, alloy<\/strong>, or lamination texture<\/strong> \u2192 avoidable quality losses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Takeaway:<\/strong> With a fiber laser<\/strong> and optimized parameters<\/strong>, the loss in magnetic quality can be minimal<\/strong> \u2014 and in certain operating ranges laser-cut parts can perform on par with or better than<\/strong> mechanically sheared parts.<\/p>\n

            \n

            3) The differences \u2014 stamping vs. laser cutting at a glance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
            Criterion<\/strong><\/td>\nStamping<\/strong><\/td>\nLaser cutting (properly executed)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
            Tooling & flexibility<\/strong><\/td>\nHigh tooling cost; long changeovers for new geometries<\/td>\nLittle to no tooling; fast changeovers; high design freedom<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
            Edge quality \/ burrs<\/strong><\/td>\nRisk of burrs, roll-over, plastic deformation \u2192 can impair magnetics<\/td>\nVery low burrs with optimized process; excellent contour accuracy; minimal mechanical edge zone<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
            Impact on magnetic properties<\/strong><\/td>\nMechanical residual stress & plastic deformation at the edge \u2192 proven increase in losses<\/td>\nThermal influence & HAZ; with the right fiber-laser setup and parameters<\/strong>, impact can be very small<\/strong> \u2014 sometimes lower<\/strong> than stamping in specific regimes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
            Volume & piece cost<\/strong><\/td>\nExtremely economical at very high volumes with robust tooling<\/td>\nHighly flexible for small to medium lots; competitive at scale when processes are optimized<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
            Design freedom<\/strong><\/td>\nMore limited for complex shapes; changes are slow<\/td>\nVery high design freedom; fine features; quick iteration<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
            Risk when done poorly<\/strong><\/td>\nTool wear \u2192 rising burrs \u2192 rising magnetic losses<\/td>\nWrong parameters \u2192 large HAZ \u2192 potentially worse than stamping<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

            Core message:<\/strong> A blanket statement like \u201claser cutting is always worse for magnetics\u201d is misleading. Laser type<\/strong>, parameters<\/strong>, and process control<\/strong> are decisive.<\/p>\n

            \n

            4) Why laser cutting can offer real advantages \u2014 and why TEPROSA makes them count<\/strong><\/h3>\n

            As a partner focused on electrical-steel manufacturing, we want to highlight the real-world advantages<\/strong> of laser cutting \u2014 provided it\u2019s done right:<\/p>\n

              \n
            • High design & manufacturing flexibility:<\/strong> Ideal for custom laminations<\/strong>, variants, prototypes, and small to medium lot sizes. Fiber lasers enable rapid reprogramming, no tool changes, and high variant diversity.<\/li>\n
            • Save tooling cost, accelerate time-to-market:<\/strong> No lengthy tool development \u2014 perfect for prototypes and ramp-ups<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
            • Excellent edge quality (with the right process):<\/strong> Less burr, smaller affected zones, better stackability<\/strong> \u2014 reducing air gaps and helping to keep eddy-current losses<\/strong> low.<\/li>\n
            • Magnetic quality can be comparable \u2014 or better:<\/strong> Under optimized parameters, the magnetic impact<\/strong> of laser cutting can be lower<\/strong> than mechanical shearing in certain induction\/frequency ranges.<\/li>\n
            • State-of-the-art fiber lasers:<\/strong> Smaller HAZ, precise cutting, and stable focus control directly support magnetic performance<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
            • Great for thin laminations and specialty grades:<\/strong> At typical electrical-steel thicknesses (e.g., 0.20\u20130.35 mm<\/strong>) and high-Si grades, the benefit of a well-tuned laser process becomes very clear (no shearing deformation).<\/li>\n
            • Process development as a service:<\/strong> Because TEPROSA uses fiber lasers only<\/strong> and tunes parameters specifically for electrical steel<\/strong>, we can meet stringent magnetic-quality targets rather than offering a one-size-fits-all laser job.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              Staying realistic<\/strong>
              \nA poorly parameterized laser process can impair magnetics more than a well-executed stamping process. That\u2019s exactly why technology choice and process competence<\/strong> both matter \u2014 laser type, focus, speed, assist gas, validation, and deep material know-how.<\/p>\n

              \n

              5) Choosing the right partner (e.g., TEPROSA): what to look for<\/strong><\/h3>\n

              If you want to ensure your supplier is truly qualified for electrical-steel laser cutting, we recommend checking:<\/p>\n

                \n
              1. Laser type \u2014 fiber vs. CO\u2082:<\/strong> Make sure a modern fiber-laser system<\/strong> is used (shorter wavelength, better absorption, smaller HAZ).<\/li>\n
              2. Parameter customization:<\/strong> Are cutting speed, focus, assist gas, thickness, alloy, and heat input tailored to your grade and geometry? Is process development<\/strong> documented?<\/li>\n
              3. Material expertise:<\/strong> High-Si grades and thin gauges<\/strong> are sensitive to cutting influences. Your supplier should have proven experience<\/strong> with these materials.<\/li>\n
              4. Quality validation \u2014 magnetics & edges:<\/strong> Does the partner check magnetic quality<\/strong> post-cut? Are there data on iron-loss impact<\/strong>, burr height<\/strong>, and stacking quality<\/strong>?<\/li>\n
              5. Customer references \/ series experience:<\/strong> Are there successful motor\/generator use cases?<\/li>\n
              6. Flexible lot sizes & variants:<\/strong> Can new geometries be implemented quickly? Is there a cost model that works for small\/medium lots?<\/li>\n
              7. Cost\u2013benefit clarity:<\/strong> At very high volumes, stamping can remain the most economical; for variant-rich mid volumes<\/strong>, laser cutting often wins.<\/li>\n
              8. Process transparency:<\/strong> How are measurements done, and which standards (e.g., IEC 60404<\/strong> for magnetic testing) are applied?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                As a TEPROSA customer, you benefit from exactly this approach: fiber lasers only<\/strong>, parameters optimized specifically for electrical steel, magnetic-property checks, and the flexibility you need for geometry and batch size.<\/p>\n

                \n

                6) Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                For electrical-steel laminations, the manufacturing process<\/strong> decisively affects magnetic performance. Stamping<\/strong> is proven and powerful \u2014 yet limited when it comes to design freedom<\/strong>, variant production<\/strong>, or premium electrical-steel grades<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

                Laser cutting \u2014 especially with a fiber laser and optimized parameters \u2014 can achieve magnetic quality that is equivalent to, or even better than, standard stamping<\/strong> when the process is dialed in. That\u2019s where TEPROSA focuses: choosing the right laser, setting the right parameters, and validating edge and magnetic quality \u2014 so your laminations meet their targets.<\/p>\n

                If you\u2019re looking for a partner who doesn\u2019t just \u201coffer laser cutting,\u201d but delivers laser cutting with deep electrical-steel competence<\/strong>, TEPROSA is your team. Get in touch<\/strong> \u2014 we\u2019ll show you how we meet your requirements while safeguarding the magnetic quality of your laminations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                A precise overview In this article, we look at: What happens during stamping? What happens during laser cutting \u2014 especially with a fiber laser? Where are the key differences? Which advantages can laser cutting offer under the right conditions? What should you look for in a supplier\/partner \u2014 and what does that mean at TEPROSA? […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":10452,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[40],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10461","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-laser-cutting"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teprosa.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10461","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teprosa.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teprosa.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teprosa.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teprosa.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10461"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.teprosa.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10461\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10462,"href":"https:\/\/www.teprosa.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10461\/revisions\/10462"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teprosa.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10452"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teprosa.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10461"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teprosa.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10461"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teprosa.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10461"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}