Cutting stainless steel on a continual basis is a necessity for manufacturers across all industries. But how to cut stainless steel is a question that deserves careful consideration, as the answer can dictate a company’s productivity, cost-effectiveness, and overall success.
There are plenty of cutting options available – like oxy-fuel cutting – but plasma cutting stainless steel is a solution that should not be overlooked. Modern CNC plasma cutting resources can save time and money on an effortlessly regular basis. Additionally, the top providers of plasma cutting services are a budget-friendly contrast option for manufacturers that want to enhance their operations and maximize efficiency.
However, what is plasma cutting, and how does plasma cutting work? How can you find the best partner for plasma cutting stainless steel services that go miles beyond a basic “Plasma cutting near me” online search?
It starts by understanding how to plasma cut and how the process can best be utilized by companies of all sizes and in all manufacturing or even artistic projects.
The Transformational Capabilities of Plasma Cutting on Stainless Steel
Plasma cutting is an effective means of cutting stainless steel and other metals or materials. Essentially, this is because plasma cutting machines are so versatile and can tackle a wide array of difficult jobs.
Specifically, the best plasma cutting machines can handle stainless steel of all types and thicknesses and produce cleaner cuts at a rapid cutting speed. This makes the process both cost-effective and more efficient, as cleaner cuts result in fewer errors and better and more detailed use of the raw sheet material.
What is Plasma Cutting?
Plasma cutting is essentially an industrial process in metal fabrication that can cut, bend, or shape metals and other materials based on the required specifications.
Modern plasma cutting machines can be the most advanced cutting tools available. Additionally, the process has been around since the 1960s, since it was first introduced as a form of welding in industrial sheet metal plate projects.
How to Plasma Cut
The foundation of the plasma cutting process
The plasma cutting process works by forcing a gas through a nozzle or small channel. From there, an electrical arc is utilized in order to ionize the gas. Then, in turn, it forms the high-temperature and ionized plasma. This plasma is then directed onto a workpiece, generally through a modern computer numerical controlled or CNC plasma cutting machine, to create the desired cuts and shapes as needed.
When the plasma comes into contact with the stainless steel workpiece, the steel is heated to its melting point, which removes the material via a high-velocity plasma stream. Compared to other metal-on-metal cutting methods, the melting of the material results in cleaner cuts and fewer errors at high levels of intricacy. As such (and over the decades as the technology advanced), plasma cutting has transformed the parts and products that manufacturers can produce, thanks to this high level of detail.
Can a Plasma Cutter Cut Stainless Steel?
Plasma cutters can cut stainless steel, but there are several factors that may influence plasma cutting’s overall efficiency.
These factors include the following:
Thickness of the metal
Some plasma cutting machines can tackle stainless steel up to several inches thick. However, it’s important to check the recommended cut capacity of the machine before handling these more challenging jobs.
The power of the plasma cutter
Depending on the project(s) required, manufacturers should generally look for plasma cutters with at least 40 amps of output in order to cut through stainless steel.
Modern features of the plasma cutting machine
For the best results, manufacturers need the best plasma cutting machines. Look for plasma cutters that utilize the latest technology, such as CNC controls, automatic torch height control, and additional clean-cut technology attributes.
The speed of the plasma cutting machine
A faster plasma cutting machine reduces the chances of the metal workpiece warping or distorting during the cutting process.
The type of gas
When it comes to stainless steel, nitrogen is the most common gas for the cutting process because it does not react with the raw material.
Benefits of Using Plasma Cutting for Stainless Steel
- Precision and clean cuts – stainless steel often requires high levels of accuracy, and plasma cutters can deliver clean and precise cuts for every manufacturing project.
- Faster cutting speeds compared to traditional methods – Plasma cutters are also noticeably fast, especially when it comes to potentially difficult raw materials like thick sheets of stainless steel. This, in turn, can reduce overall production time and can increase output for manufacturing companies.
- Lower heat-affected zones Reduced heat-affected zones mean that the need for finishing processes after the material is cut is then reduced, as the cuts come out cleaner and more precise, with more of the raw material being utilized in every project.
- Reduced room for human error – The modern CNC plasma cutting machines require little human involvement once the process begins. This means that the process is conducted faster and with little to no room for human-related errors along the way.
- Versatility – With a top-notch plasma cutting machine, manufacturers can expand their operations and create complex shapes and patterns onto stainless steel workpieces of varying thicknesses. This gives companies the freedom to create products that have a distinctive or detailed design.
- The Transformative potential for stainless steel – Plasma cutting is a blend of science and art, which means that manufacturers that want to expand their output or enhance their products have limitless options. By not being tied down to any restrictions when it comes to the style or intricacy of the desired stainless steel cuts, the type and range of products that a company can manufacture naturally expands.
Want to Learn More About Plasma Cutting Stainless Steel? Steelway can help
Plasma cutting is a great option for companies that want to enhance their operations across the board. However, purchasing and utilizing a plasma cutting machine in house can be a costly endeavor that may require specialized facilities, expert technicians and machine operators, and the plasma cutting machine itself.
This is why the most cost-effective way to enjoy the best plasma cutting technology and services available is to outsource your metal fabrication projects to an expert partner.
With Steelway laser cutting, companies across all industries can explore plasma cutting as a method for either artistic endeavors or practical applications. From small-batch projects that require intricate details to large production metal fabrication, where every part has to be perfect, Steelway has the technology and the necessary expertise to handle every need.
Let’s discuss how revolutionizing your cutting processes can revolutionize your business. From saving money and time on mass production projects, to giving you the freedom to cut stainless steel workpieces to your exact specifications, there’s a world of opportunity waiting when you enlist the best plasma cutting services provider in the business.