Laser, Waterjet & Plasma Profiling with CNC Machining
Profiling and machining naturally go hand in hand. Rather than machining a component entirely from solid material, laser, waterjet or plasma cutting can be used to produce an accurate near-net-shape blank before the component moves into CNC milling, turning or heavy machining.
This allows unnecessary material to be removed efficiently at the profiling stage, leaving the critical faces, bores, holes, pockets and precision features to be produced on our CNC machines.
As part of WEC Group, WEC Machining has direct access to one of the UK’s most comprehensive in-house profiling operations, including high-powered fibre laser cutting, dynamic waterjet cutting and high-definition bevel plasma cutting. This gives our engineers the flexibility to select the most appropriate cutting process for the material, thickness, geometry and final machining requirements of each component.
From simple profiled blanks requiring finish machining to complex plates, wear parts, structural components and large fabricated assemblies, we can manage multiple manufacturing processes through one integrated supply chain.
Laser Cutting
Our extensive fibre laser cutting capacity provides a fast and highly accurate method of producing profiled blanks, tube, box section and structural profiles for subsequent machining.
WEC Laser operates 21 flat-bed fibre lasers up to 24kW, alongside large-format laser cutting systems capable of processing components up to 14 metres long.
Our tube laser cutting capability can also process round and rectangular tube, box section, angle and channel, producing holes, slots, mitres and complex profiles ready for further machining or fabrication.
For machined components, laser cutting can create the initial geometry and non-critical features before the part is transferred for CNC milling, drilling, boring or finishing.
This provides an efficient in-house manufacturing route for one-off components, structural sections and repeat production.
Waterjet Cutting
For thicker materials, specialist grades and components where thermal distortion must be avoided, WEC’s in-house dynamic waterjet capability provides an ideal starting point before CNC machining.
Our three advanced waterjet machines can cut virtually any material, with capacity up to 7.3m x 2.4m x 200mm and up to 4m x 3m x 300mm.
Unlike thermal profiling methods, abrasive waterjet cutting produces no heat-affected zone. This is particularly valuable when processing high-strength steels, abrasion-resistant materials, armoured plate, stainless steel, aluminium, titanium and other specialist materials where maintaining the original material properties is important.
Specialist 3D and computer-controlled motion systems also allow complex profiles to be produced with high levels of accuracy, creating an excellent blank for subsequent precision machining.
High-Definition Plasma Cutting
Our high-definition plasma cutting capability provides a fast and cost-effective solution for profiling larger and thicker electrically conductive materials before machining or fabrication.
Components up to 10m x 2.5m can be processed, with cutting capability up to 50mm depending on material.
A fully rotational bevel head also provides bevel cutting up to ±50°, allowing V, A and Top-Y preparations as well as straight-edge and radius weld preparations, countersinks and other bespoke profiles.
For large machined fabrications and heavy engineering projects, combining plasma profiling, fabrication and final CNC machining within WEC Group can provide a highly efficient route from raw plate to finished component.
Commitment to Quality & Compliance
Large machined components often form part of critical assemblies, heavy structures or high-value engineering projects. Accuracy, repeatability and quality control are essential at every stage.
WEC Machining operates quality-led processes designed to support demanding sectors and large-scale manufacturing requirements. Our quality credentials include ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018.
Our In-House Profiling Capacity
WEC Group has continually invested in advanced profiling technology, giving WEC Machining customers access to a wide range of cutting processes without the need to manage separate subcontractors.
Profiling Capacity
| Process | Capability | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre Laser Cutting | 21 flat-bed fibre lasers up to 24kW, with large-format laser cutting available up to 14m x 3.3m | Fast, accurate profiling of mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium and other metals |
| Dynamic Waterjet Cutting | 3 machines with capacities up to 7.3m x 2.4m x 200mm or 4m x 3m x 300mm | Thick plate, specialist alloys, high-strength steels and materials requiring no heat-affected zone |
| High-Definition Plasma Cutting | Up to 10m x 2.5m, with cutting up to 50mm and bevel capability up to ±50° | Large and heavy steel profiles, thick plate and components requiring weld preparations |
Profiling Capacity
Process: Fibre Laser Cutting
Capability: 21 flat-bed fibre lasers up to 24kW, with large-format laser cutting available up to 14m x 3.3m
Typical Application: Fast, accurate profiling of mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium and other metals
Process: Dynamic Waterjet Cutting
Capability: 3 machines with capacities up to 7.3m x 2.4m x 200mm or 4m x 3m x 300mm
Typical Application: Thick plate, specialist alloys, high-strength steels and materials requiring no heat-affected zone
Process: High-Definition Plasma Cutting
Capability: Up to 10m x 2.5m, with cutting up to 50mm and bevel capability up to ±50°
Typical Application: Large and heavy steel profiles, thick plate and components requiring weld preparations
Full In-House Manufacturing Support
Companies we support
Our integrated profiling and machining capabilities support customers across some of the UK’s most demanding engineering sectors.
One Supplier. Multiple Manufacturing Processes.
WEC Machining provides a comprehensive in-house heavy machining and precision engineering service, delivering a complete one-stop solution for the manufacture of precision components and large-scale machined parts.
Why Use WEC for Profiling & Machining?
WEC Machining provides customers with something many standalone machining companies cannot – direct access to extensive profiling capacity within the same manufacturing group.
With fibre laser, dynamic waterjet and high-definition plasma cutting available alongside more than 40 CNC machining centres and lathes, extensive heavy machining capacity, fabrication, welding and finishing services, we can support components through multiple stages of manufacture.
Whether you require a single profiled blank with finish machining, repeat production components, thick waterjet-cut specialist materials, plasma-cut heavy plate or a complete fabricated and machined assembly, our team can develop an efficient manufacturing route around your requirements.
Our goal is simple: reduce unnecessary subcontracting and provide customers with a reliable route from raw material to finished component.
FAQs
Yes. As part of WEC Group, WEC Machining has access to extensive in-house laser cutting, waterjet cutting and high-definition plasma cutting capability. This allows us to provide profiled blanks followed by CNC machining as part of the same overall manufacturing package.
Yes. Laser cutting is an efficient way to produce near-net-shape blanks before CNC machining. The laser can remove excess material and create the general component geometry before precision faces, bores, holes, pockets and other critical features are machined.
Yes. Waterjet cutting is particularly useful for thick plate, high-strength steels, specialist alloys and temperature-sensitive materials. Components can be waterjet profiled and subsequently transferred for precision CNC machining.
Profiling a component close to its finished shape can reduce the volume of material that subsequently needs to be removed by CNC machining. It can also provide a more efficient route for irregular shapes, large plates and expensive materials.
WEC Group provides fibre laser cutting, dynamic waterjet cutting and high-definition plasma cutting, allowing us to select the most suitable process according to material, thickness, geometry and final component requirements.
Our dynamic waterjet cutting capability can process virtually any material up to 300mm thick, with machine capacities including up to 7.3m x 2.4m x 200mm and 4m x 3m x 300mm.
Our high-definition plasma cutting system can process components up to approximately 10m x 2.5m, with thickness capacity up to 50mm depending on material. Bevel cutting up to ±50° is also available.
Yes. Full material traceability is available and material test certificates can be supplied where required.
For the most accurate quotation, please provide component drawings or CAD files, material grade and thickness, quantities, machining tolerances, required finishes, inspection or certification requirements and your required delivery date.
Need In-House Profiling & Machining?
Send WEC Machining your drawings, CAD files, material specification, plate thickness, machining tolerances and quantity requirements. Our team can review the complete manufacturing route and determine the most effective combination of laser, waterjet or plasma profiling followed by CNC machining, fabrication, finishing and inspection.