From Punch Press to Fiber Laser: Why Norco Precision Made the Switch
At Norco Precision, continuous improvement is more than a goal, it’s part of our DNA. That’s why we recently made a major investment: upgrading from a traditional CNC punch press to a Mitsubishi fiber laser cutting system.
This move isn’t just about keeping up with technology, it’s about delivering faster lead times, more precise parts, and better value for our customers throughout Minneapolis-St. Paul and beyond.
What’s the Difference?
A punch press creates parts by mechanically striking sheet metal using a tool and die. While effective for certain applications, especially high-volume jobs with repeated patterns, it comes with limits:
Requires custom tooling
Leaves burrs and deformation
Slower on complex or low-volume jobs
A fiber laser cutter, by contrast, uses a focused beam of light to slice through metal with incredible precision, no physical contact, and minimal material distortion.
Why We Made the Switch (And Why It Matters to You)
Our move from punch press to fiber laser cutting is already transforming how we serve our customers. Here’s why we’re excited:
No Tooling Required - Laser cutting eliminates the need for physical dies. That means faster prototyping, lower startup costs, and shorter wait times.
More Complex, Custom Designs - Want tighter curves or intricate cutouts? The fiber laser handles complex geometries with ease, perfect for one-offs or short runs.
Clean, High-Quality Edges - Laser cutting leaves parts smooth and burr-free, often eliminating secondary finishing steps.
Faster Turnarounds - With higher cutting speeds and no tool changeover time, we can deliver parts quicker, especially helpful for local customers needing short lead times.
Material Efficiency - The fiber laser’s precision allows for tight nesting of parts, reducing waste and lowering your cost per part.
A Better Experience for Our Customers
This upgrade is part of our broader commitment to offering world-class sheet metal fabrication services in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Whether you're launching a product or scaling up production, our fiber laser helps you move faster, cut cleaner, and deliver better.
We’ve already seen dramatic improvements in:
Lead times
Part accuracy
Quoting speed
Flexibility across job types
And we’re just getting started.
Upgrading from a punch press to a fiber laser has opened up a world of possibilities for our team, and for yours. Whether you're an engineer, buyer, or builder, this technology upgrade means faster results and better parts made right here in Minneapolis.
Have a project in mind? Reach out to Norco Precision.
