Cutting metals efficiently is an essential part of metal fabrication. Let’s talk about some of the most common cutting techniques, particularly the machine cutting processes we use at D+M Metal Products for larger cutting projects.
Metal Fabrication Cutting Techniques
Two of the simplest cutting techniques are shearing and sawing. Shearing is using a straight blade to slice through thin sheets of metal. Sawing uses a saw blade to cut through thicker pieces of metal like pipes or bars. These two processes can be accomplished using large CNC controlled machines or simpler hand tools. Other cutting methods are more complex and require tools that use high heat or pressure. These include:
Flame Cutting
There are several different types of flame cutting, and all of them use a flame to melt the metal so that it can be cut through on a line. Propane cutting uses propane gas. Oxy-fuel cutting uses a combination of oxygen and a fuel gas like acetylene to create a very high temperature flame that will easily cut through metal. Because of its high heat capacity, oxy-fuel cutting is a commonly used, versatile method for cutting through thick sections of metal. It can be slower than other techniques, but it’s often used on copper alloys, mild steel, and cast iron. It’s not recommended for use on aluminum or stainless steel because of the high melting points of these metals.
Laser Cutting
This is a high precision cutting technique, using a concentrated beam of light that can be pinpointed to create a high temperature. Because it can be so accurately focused, laser cutting is used to cut precise lines and complex shapes. The process is often controlled by a computer for maximum accuracy.
Plasma Cutting
This newer cutting method uses a high-velocity jet of ionized gas to cut through metal sheets and plates. A plasma torch pumps either oxygen or inert gas through its nozzle while sending an electrical arc through the gas at the same time. The resulting plasma is hot enough to melt the metal and quick enough to blow the molten metal away.
Waterjet Cutting
Waterjet cutting uses a combination of water and abrasive particles to create a stream with enough pressure to cut through metal. It’s a good solution that’s often used to cut metals that have lower melting points or are otherwise heat sensitive.
It’s important to select the right cutting method for each individual metal fabrication job. All of the above cutting techniques have their own advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the right one will be based on what type of metal is being cut, how thick it is, and what the project requires.
If you would like to discuss the various cutting processes with regards to any metal fabrication project you have in mind, contact us at D+M Metal. We have the experience and equipment necessary to complete your job, and our professional staff is here to answer any questions you may have.