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Metal fabricators and steel service centers need to make
smart choices to ensure the continued success of their business. This entry
explores three of the most common processes: laser, Oxyfuel, and plasma. First,
let's start with a very brief explanation of the three processes.
Oxyfuel Cutting
Oxyfuel uses a chemical or "exothermic" reaction between the oxygen and the
iron found in mild (carbon) steel. This reaction is what causes a melting of
the material. Oxyfuel is only used for cutting carbon steel (ferrous metal),
and is typically used to cut plate greater than 2 inches thick.
Plasma Cutting
Plasma combines electrical energy with gas to create a high-temperature,
ionized gas that cuts through any electrically conductive material. Plasma is
great for ferrous and nonferrous materials, no matter what condition it's in.
Rusted, painted and grated metal from up to 2 inches thick can all be cut with
plasma.
Laser Cutting
Laser uses a high-power beam to heat, melt, and partly vaporize the material.
Laser is good for all types of metal, though it does need to be in good
condition (no rust). Laser is typically used for very thin plate, up to a
quarter inch, though it can be used up to 1 inch thick.
What's the Best
Method?
The cutting method you choose depends on your individual needs and what areas
are most critical to you: cut quality, productivity, operating costs,
profitability or flexibility.
Read
the Whole Article
Editor's Note: This article was written by Kat McQuade, a product
manager for Hypertherm, and is excerpted from the October 1, 2009 edition of Snips Magazine.
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Re: Choosing the Right Cutting Method
