CNC Plasma Cutting

Mild steel and carbon steel are the most commonly processed materials using CNC plasma cutting due to their excellent cutting speeds and cost-effectiveness. We handle a wide range of structural and general-purpose steels.

Common Grades We Cut:

• A36 (Structural Steel Plate)
• 1018 (Low Carbon Steel)
• 1045 (Medium Carbon Steel)
• S235JR, S355JR (European Standard Structural Steel)
• Hot Rolled (HR) Sheet & Plate
• Cold Rolled (CR) Sheet

Surface Considerations:

• Mill Scale (Hot Rolled): Plasma effectively cuts through typical mill scale, though very heavy or flaky scale might slightly affect edge quality or piercing reliability.
• Oiled (Cold Rolled/HR P&O): Standard oil coatings do not generally impede cutting.
• Rust: Light surface rust is usually manageable. Heavy rust may impact cut quality and consistency.
• Painted/Primed: We can often cut through primer or thin paint layers, but this generates more fumes and may affect edge quality. Thicker coatings might require removal near the cut path or specific parameter adjustments. Please specify coating type when requesting a quote.

Stainless steel cuts cleanly with plasma, preserving its properties relatively well outside the heat-affected zone (HAZ). We utilize appropriate gas mixtures (like Nitrogen or F5) when necessary for optimal edge quality and reduced oxidation on certain grades.

Common Grades We Cut:

• 304 / 304L (Most common Austenitic grade)
• 316 / 316L (Enhanced corrosion resistance)
• 430 (Ferritic grade)
• Other grades available upon request.

Surface Considerations:

• 2B Finish (Bright, Cold Rolled): Standard finish, cuts well.
• #4 Finish (Brushed): Cuts well, but the heat-affected zone will be visible against the brushed pattern.
• Mirror Finish (#8): Cuttable, but the high heat will damage the finish along the cut edge. Surface reflectivity can sometimes affect arc stability.
• Protective Film (PVC/Laser Film): This film must be considered. It burns during cutting, producing fumes and potentially affecting edge quality if not managed correctly. We may need to remove film near the cut path or adjust parameters. Please inform us if your material has a protective film.

Aluminum’s high conductivity makes it well-suited for plasma cutting, offering fast processing speeds. We handle various common aluminum alloys in sheet and plate form.

Common Grades We Cut:

• 5052 (Good formability, marine grade sheet)
• 6061 (Structural alloy, common plate/sheet)
• 3003 (General purpose alloy, common sheet)
• Aluminum Tread Plate (Checker Plate)
• Other alloys available upon request.

Surface Considerations:

• Mill Finish: Standard finish, cuts cleanly.
• Anodized Aluminum: Plasma can cut through anodizing, but the coating will be burned/damaged in the heat-affected zone along the cut edge. Arc starting may be slightly affected.
• Protective Film (PVC): Similar to stainless steel, protective films burn and must be accounted for. Please let us know if film is present.
• Painted/Powder Coated: Cuttable, but the coating will be damaged near the edge, generate fumes, and may affect quality.

Beyond the most common materials, our CNC plasma system can also process other conductive metals. Capability and optimal results often depend on the specific alloy and thickness.

Examples Include:

• Copper: Cuts well, often used for electrical components. Oxide layers can sometimes affect arc starting.
• Brass: Cuttable, similar considerations to copper.
• Titanium: (Mention only if you have the capability and experience) Requires specific shielding gas (Argon) and careful parameter control for quality results.
• (Bronze, etc. – add if relevant)

Surface Considerations:

• Generally processed in their mill finish state. Oxide layers or coatings should be discussed prior to quoting.