Plasma Cutting Services

Plasma cutting is ideal for cutting thick parts where lasers cannot perform or are not economically feasible. CNC plasma cutting machines enable high accuracy and repeatability throughout the production cycle.

Ordering your plasma cut parts from Fractory will ensure your growing needs never outpace your production capabilities. Our Project Engineers are ready to assist in planning and execution, making certain your projects are completed cost-efficiently and up to high standards.

Capabilities

Maximum material thickness
Maximum material thickness
Carbon steel ≤100 mm
Stainless steel ≤100 mm
Cutting area
Cutting area Up to 10000 x 3000 mm

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Why Order Plasma Cut Parts From Fractory?

  • Scale your production without switching suppliers, we can handle single orders upwards of 2 million pounds.
  • Discuss your plasma cutting project with Fractory’s engineers for cost-efficient solutions.
  • Fractory handles everything from quoting to delivery, including quality control.
  • A single point of contact simplifies project management, freeing up time for value-added activities.
  • We orchestrate your entire production path, seamlessly connecting initial cutting with finishing and final assembly.
  • Instant quotes and lead times for prototyping and low-volume orders.

Online Plasma Cutting

Plasma cutting online allows you to get instant quotes for prototyping and low-volume orders under ÂŁ2000. There are no limitations to the minimum order size. Just upload your 3D part files or DXF drawings onto the platform to receive an instant quote and lead time. After confirming, Fractory takes care of the manufacturing side of things.

Online pricing algorithms make it possible to design parts keeping cost in mind already in the prototyping phase, facilitating scaling up the production later on. On the platform, you’re able to see how the prices change when playing around with different quantities and materials.

The process from quoting to delivery goes like this:

  • Go to Fractory’s platform.
  • Upload your CAD files onto the platform. 3D models in STP, SLDPRT and IPT format are preferred to also get a price for bent parts, 2D in DXF is suitable for flat cutting only.
  • Select your material and address for an instant price and lead time.
  • We will take care of the delivery, regardless of where you are in the UK.

If you have any questions, you can check our in-depth quoting tutorial for more information or turn to our engineers via email.

Advantages of Plasma Cutting

  • Lower cost – One of the big benefits is the lower cost of a plasma cutting service compared to other cutting methods. The lower price for the service derives from different aspects – operational costs and speed.
  • High speed – Plasma cutting service’s one of the main benefits is its quickness. This is especially evident with thicker metal plates, while laser cutting is competitive when it comes to sheet cutting. The increased speed enables the production of larger quantities in a given time frame, lessening the cost per part.
  • Low operational requirements – Another important factor in keeping service prices down. Plasma cutters use compressed air and electricity to operate. This means that there is no expensive equipment needed to accompany a plasma cutter.
  • Low heat input – Plasma cutters focus the outgoing plasma jet using a nozzle. This concentrates the energy into a small dot, meaning that the energy requirements are not that great to perform a cut.
  • Small heat-affected zone – The material properties and microstructure change in the HAZ. It can also cause material warping. Therefore, keeping the zone small is one of plasma cutting’s advantages.
  • Good quality – Plasma cutting provides good, clean cuts, especially with small to medium-sized thicknesses (up to 30 mm), although its cutting kerf is larger compared to other methods.
  • Short preparation time – The prep time is kept to a minimum because there is no need for preheating the metal before cutting.
  • Versatility – This cutting method lets you cut through a stack of material or use it for bevelling, shape cutting, gouging and piercing. Thus, plasma cutting enables to fulfil many different needs.

What Is Plasma Cutting?

Plasma cutting is a thermal cutting process that uses a high-velocity jet of ionised gas, known as plasma, to conduct electricity from the cutting torch to the workpiece. This superheated plasma arc melts the metal, while the force of the gas simultaneously blows the molten material away to create a clean, precise cut.

Because the process relies on an electrical arc, it is suitable for all electrically conductive metals, including:

  • Carbon steel
  • Stainless steel
  • Aluminum
  • Copper and brass

While electrical conductivity is the primary requirement, it is important to note that the edge quality may vary when cutting metals with low melting points.

Choice of Cutting Method

Fractory’s manufacturing network provides high-capacity CNC plasma cutting services. We process metal thicknesses from 1 mm to 100 mm, ensuring all parts meet the EN 9013 quality classification standard.

While laser cutting is often the go-to option for thinner sheets, plasma is the workhorse for heavy industry. It offers a superior balance of speed and cost-effectiveness for thicker plates that would be too slow or expensive for laser or waterjet.

  • Versatility: Processes non-ferrous metals and alloys that flame cutting cannot.
  • Efficiency: Significantly faster than flame cutting with no pre-heating required.
  • Cost-effectiveness: Ideal for thick materials where high-precision laser tolerances aren’t the primary requirement.

Our Multi-Stage Connected Manufacturing Approach

  • Upload & configure

    Upload & configure

    Simply upload your CAD files, choose your materials and processes, and receive a comprehensive quote for your entire project.

  • Multi-Stage Manufacturing

    Multi-Stage Manufacturing

    Our MSCM platform orchestrates a bespoke production path through our network of manufacturing partners, balancing speed, cost, and quality to meet your project's unique demands.

    • Intelligent planning
      Intelligent planning

      The core of MSCM. Our platform creates a complete production blueprint, mapping the original sequence of processes and identifying specialist partners.

    • Specialist production
      Specialist production

      Core manufacturing processes are routed to the ideal manufacturing partner. On completion, parts undergo rigorous quality checks before moving to the next stage.

    • Partner coordination
      Partner coordination

      Our platform manages all partner logistics and communication, orchestrating the production flow and adapting to real-world situations to eliminate delays.

    • Finishing
      Finishing

      We coordinate all secondary processes, from heat treatments to surface finishes, applying targeted quality checks to ensure they meet your exact requirements.

    • Assembly & kitting
      Assembly & kitting

      We manage the final assembly process. Parts are configured to your required level, from kitted components and sub-assemblies to complete units, ready for final validation.

  • Quality checked & delivered

    Quality checked & delivered

    Your completed parts are checked against your specifications to ensure quality before being packaged for on-time delivery.

Plasma Cutting FAQ

What is the maximum material thickness?

100 mm for carbon steel and stainless steel. We can also cut thicker plates and other metals (aluminium, copper alloys, etc), but we would advise choosing waterjet or oxy-fuel for better results with higher thicknesses.

Do you provide manufacturing consultation?

Yes, business customers can rely on expert advice from our seasoned manufacturing engineers to find the most suitable solution for manufacturing your parts.

What is the maximum plate size for cutting?

We cut metal plates up to 10000 x 3000 mm.

What is the delivery time?

We bring the plasma cut parts to your selected address in 9 working days.

Do you deliver to my address?

Yes, we serve the UK, including major cities like London, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow and Liverpool among others.

Let us ease your workload! Order metal fabrication from Fractory and experience the benefits yourself: 1-1 engineering support, payment terms for companies, a single point of contact, competitive pricing, on-time deliveries and quality control.
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