Plasma cutting services are suitable for conductive metals only. This is related to the process mechanics.
Suitable metals for plasma cutting are:
- Carbon steel
- Stainless steel
- Aluminum
- Copper alloys, etc.
Plasma Cutting Service
Plasma cutting is the method of choice when looking to cut thick metal plates because of its speed. This is especially true for plates with a thickness above 1 inch, whereas laser cutting is better suited for thinner sheets.
Fractory uses CNC plasma machines to ensure a constantly high level of precision and repeatability throughout the manufacturing process.
Capabilities
Maximum material thickness
Carbon steel
<2 inches
Stainless steel
<2 inches
Aluminum
<1.6 inches
Cutting area
Up to 200 x 1000 inches
Ordering & Delivery
Quote in seconds
Short lead times
Delivery by Fractory
You can just upload your CAD files – both 2D drawings and 3D models – onto the platform for an instant quote and lead time.
After confirming, we take care of the manufacturing, using state-of-the-art machinery which guarantees top quality. We also organize the transportation of your parts.
The process goes like this:
- Go to Fractory’s platform.
- Upload your CAD files onto the platform. DXF drawings are suitable for plasma cut flat parts. For parts with bends, please upload a 3D model in STP format.
- Select your material and address for an instant price and lead time.
- We will deliver your parts all over the US, right to your selected address
If you have any questions, you can check our in-depth quoting tutorial for more information or turn to our engineers via email.
Plasma Cut Parts - Material Selection
Advantages of Plasma Cutting
- Comparatively cheap – One of the standout features of using plasma cutting services is its low cost. The processing times are quick and the machinery itself is cheaper than many other technologies. This also reflects in the final product price.
- Quick – As already said, CNC plasma cutting is very quick. Although lasers are even speedier for sheet metal, plasma is the go-to technology for thicker plates. The process speed advantage applies to parts of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, etc.
- Low operational requirements – A plasma cutting machine needs compressed gases and electricity to operate. The CNC equipment is less complex than many others. Therefore, the equipment is easier to maintain and service, lowering the overall operational costs. Again, this also reflects in the service price for plasma cut parts.
- Low heat input – Plasma cutters use a narrowing nozzle to produce a concentrated jet of plasma. This helps to increase the ratio between energy input and output, creating a high-energy plasma jet suitable for cutting even thick steel plates.
- Small heat-affected zone – A sub-product of thermal cutting methods, the HAZ brings about changes in material properties and microstructure. These can affect the overall reliability of a part, as the mechanical properties are no longer heterogenous. Even at high temperatures, plasma cutting service can ensure a small heat-affected zone.
- Good quality – Again, laser cutting is a little bit cleaner and more accurate. But when it comes to thicker metal plates, plasma cutting’s quality is admirable. Only a few methods can beat it but with a direct effect on the final price.
- Short preparation time – Plasma cutting does not require any preheating. Production can start as soon as the machine configuration and the material position are set.
- Flexibility – This cutting method lets you cut through a stack of material or use it for bevelling, shape cutting, gouging and piercing. Such versatility makes it possible to produce complex parts using only one manufacturing technology.
Choosing the Right Technology
Our manufacturing partners use CNC plasma machines to fulfil the orders. The state-of-the-art machinery provides capabilities to cut metals up to 2 inches, as recommended. The plasma cutting service is in accordance with quality classification EN 9013.
Another method for cutting thick metal is oxy-fuel cutting. Plasma cutting’s advantage over the latter is better quality and the possibility to cut a wider range of metals, including stainless steel and aluminum. Also, no preheating is necessary for plasma, making the process quicker and ensuring a smaller heat-affected zone.
For thin sheets, laser cutting is faster and provides a better finishing quality, leaving a smaller HAZ as well as burr-free edges with the right machinery configuration.