Posted by Bob Boss on 30th September 2002:

We have experienced curling of the plate as we laser cut shapes. What is the cause and what can we do or specifiy to prevent this condition. We have experianced this condition from several suppliers so I can not target a specific plate supplier.

• Posted by Martin Sharp of the Lairdside Laser Engineering Centre, Birkenhead, UK
  
  Generally plate curling is caused by the release of rolling stresses as large amounts of material are cut out. Major steel suppliers are now offering "laser" versions of steel, which have been carefully formulated and rolled to improve cutting performance and reduce curling. Can't think of obvious links, but Corus (British Steel) do this (try speaking to BSD service centres), Armstrong steels? rings a bell, and Atlantic Steel Processing are setting up in Birkenhead, UK. Please contact me if you need more help