CUTTING
Home – CUTTING
PLASMA - LASER - OXYFUEL CUTTING
There are many different ways to cut metal using thermal cutting processes. Laser, oxy-fuel and plasma are the three main processes, each of which can be tailored to the cutting needs of the business.
Oxy-fuel cutting uses a chemical (exothermic) reaction between oxygen and steel to generate enough heat to melt the steel, which is then blown out of the gap by the gas used. It is only used to cut carbon steel and is typically used to cut plates over 2 inches thick. Oxy-fuel is not effective on stainless steel or aluminium.
Plasma cutting uses high temperature conductive gases to cut any electrically conductive material. Plasma is suitable for ferrous and non-ferrous materials, metal in any condition (rusted, painted, ground), and covers thicknesses ranging from gauge to 2 inches.
Laser cutting uses a high power laser beam to heat, then partially melt and evaporate the material. Lasers are suitable for all types of metals, but the surface of the material does need to be in good condition (no rust). Lasers are typically used to cut very thin plates (1/4 inch thick), but they can also be used to cut metals up to 1 inch thick. To cut thick plates with a laser, you need a high-powered laser and a table capable of handling thick plates.
The process you choose depends heavily on business needs and which areas are most critical, such as cut quality, productivity, operating costs, profitability and flexibility.