Many manufacturing jobs involve cutting mild steel into custom shapes. Some of the most effective steel plate cutting methods include oxy fuel flame cutting, plasma cutting, and laser cutting, but there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The best way to cut a steel plate depends on the plate’s thickness and project requirements such as tolerance and edge quality. At Accurate Metal Products, we carefully consider each client’s budget and requirements to select the most effective plate cutting approach.
Although oxy fuel flame cutting, plasma cutting, and laser cutting all use heat to slice through metal plates, they are each different with distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Oxy fuel flame cutting is a thermal cutting technique in which a gaseous fuel rapidly oxidizes the steel along a set path. The process is highly efficient for steel plates up to 12 inches in thickness.
First, a stream of oxygen and fuel heats the metal to its ignition point, which, for mild steel, is approximately 700-900° C. Next, a stream of pure oxygen runs across the metal, weakening the metal and generating iron oxide. The oxidation reaction continues, with the stream of gas blowing off the iron oxide, until the plate is cleanly sliced.
Oxy fuel flame cutting is a versatile and precise process, used to achieve tolerances of ±.063 to .250 inches across a range of industry applications. Some sectors that benefit the most from oxy fuel flame cutting include:
Like oxy fuel flame cutting, plasma cutting leverages a stream of hot gas to cut metal along a predetermined path. The difference lies in how plasma cutting machines direct the gas.
A plasma torch uses a copper nozzle to focus a stream of superheated, ionized gas. Within the nozzle is an electrode, which generates an arc of electricity between the nozzle and the steel plate. The combination of compressed gas and electricity yields a high-powered, highly precise stream of gas that cuts through metal with ease. While manual plasma cutting is possible, we typically use advanced CNC plasma cutters for maximum speed, precision, and cutting area. With these machines, we achieve cutting speeds exceeding 10m per minute without sacrificing accuracy.
As a fast and precise manufacturing technique, plasma cutting is popular across many industries, including:
Whereas plasma cutting and oxy fuel flame cutting both use a stream of gas to cut the metal, laser cutters instead leverage an intense laser beam to heat and slice along a precise path.
Different laser cutters are suitable for different types of plate cutting projects. CO2 lasers, which use carbon dioxide as a medium, are weaker and better suited to soft materials or engraving. Fiber lasers are more powerful, incorporating optical fibers as their medium, and can cut a wider range of materials. They also tend to be more precise and efficient. On the whole, though, either laser cutting technique can be highly effective when used in the right setting. Laser cutting is especially valuable for precise, intricate designs with tight tolerance requirements.
Some industries that often benefit from laser cutting include:
While there is no single best steel plate cutting method, it can be challenging to identify which of these techniques is best suited for a given product. Most projects could theoretically be completed with any of these machines, but to optimize efficiency and precision, it’s best to consider the following constraints before making a decision:
Oxy fuel flame cutting, laser cutting, and plasma cutting are all excellent, effective steel plate cutting processes, but not all techniques are appropriate for every project. Considerations like thickness, edge finish, and cost can influence your selection, so it pays to consult with an experienced metalworking professional before beginning an order.
Accurate Metal Products has offered premium metalworking services for over 25 years. Our offerings have grown to include plasma cutting, laser cutting, and oxy fuel flame cutting services, as well as grinding, blasting, and heat treating. We offer a full range of value-added services, including cleaning, packaging, barcoding, and free delivery within 150 miles of our Milwaukee or Rockford facilities.
To find out which process is best for your project, or to inquire about our comprehensive fabrication capabilities, contact us or request a quote today.
When it comes to cutting a stainless steel plate, there are several different ways that it can be done. Some of the different methods are a little more difficult than others, but that will also depend on the thickness of the steel plate. For the most part, many stainless steel plate pieces can be cut with simple power tools like a circular saw. However, plates that are 1/4-inch to 1 1/2-inch will need to be cut with more expensive cutting tools like plasma cutters. Here are the steps involved in cutting a stainless steel plate.
Cutting metal will require that you have a stable work area and a place that is away from combustible items. As you cut through the metal, sparks are going to be flying around the room. Keeping these sparks away from other items will help to keep you and anyone working with you safe.
A circular saw is most often used to cut wood, but it can be used in a wide variety of situations. As long as you use the right type of blade, this saw can cut through a thinner stainless steel plate. Install a metal cutting blade that is made specifically for stronger pieces of steel, place the plate on a piece of plywood for a strong backing, and mark where the cut is to be made. Slowly cut into the metal and keep the blade moving as you go. A file, or grinder, can be used to smooth off the cut and remove any metal slivers before you clean the piece.
A small handheld tool called a cut off saw will also do the trick when cutting through thinner pieces of stainless steel. Many people like to use the pneumatic cut off saw, because of the added power through the air pressure. When working with this saw, it is important to use a full face shield, as small pieces of metal can fly around. Locate the mark where you are going to make the cut and slowly lower the blade onto the metal. Cut through the steel plate slowly but without stopping the tool. Use a grinder to deburr the piece and smooth out the edges.
When it comes to cutting stainless steel plate, there is one tool that outshines them all. A plasma cutter uses an intense beam of energy to cut through fairly thick pieces of stainless steel without a lot of problems. When the plate has been placed on a stable cutting surface, clamp the negative cable to the section where you are going to be working. Start by placing the cutting end of the torch about three inches away from the surface of the steel and start the cutter. This will burn through the steel plate on contact and allow you to cut along the mark.
A plasma cutter does yield a smoother cut than a circular saw or a cut off saw. However, you must be careful to keep a steady hand in order to keep the cut straight.
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