Dianne Pajo https://www.mac-tech.com 2m 462 #fabrication
The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.
Every metal fabrication shop needs these top cutting techniques to ensure efficiency, precision, and safety. The right selection of tools and methods can make a significant difference in the quality of the products, as well as the speed and cost-effectiveness of the production process. Consider these cutting techniques that are indispensable for every metal fabrication shop.
Abrasive Cutting
Abrasive cutting, or abrasive jet machining, is a method that employs a high-speed stream of abrasive particles. A pressurized gas or air shoots them at the workpiece. This technique is ideal for cutting heat-sensitive, brittle, or hard materials that other types of cutting methods could damage. It offers advantages like zero heat generation, minimal force exerted on the workpiece, and the ability to cut intricate profiles and avoid material distortion.
Water jet cutting is a technique that sees extensive use in metal fabrication. It operates by propelling a high-pressure stream of water, either alone or mixed with an abrasive substance, onto the metal surface. This process enables the precise cutting of intricate designs without causing any thermal distortion or damage to the material. The versatility of water jet cutting makes it an ideal choice for a wide variety of metals, regardless of their hardness or thickness.
Metal Shearing
Another top cutting technique involves the use of metal shearing machines. These machines cut straight lines on flat metal stock. During the shearing process, the metal sits between two blades. The machine cuts along the length of the blade. Metal shearing machines provide a quick, efficient, and cost-effective method for cutting metal, making them essential for any metal fabrication shop.
Cutting With Heat
Heat is a popular method for metal cutting, and there are several machines for this purpose. One such machine is a plasma cutter. Plasma cutters work by sending an electric arc through a gas, creating plasma hot enough to cut metal. They offer speed and precision, especially when cutting thick materials.
Flat sheet laser cutting is another heat-based cutting technique. This method uses a laser to cut flat sheet materials and also provides high levels of accuracy and speed. It’s particularly useful for complex shapes and high-volume projects.
Fiber laser cutting machines use a solid-state laser that fiber optics generate. They can work on a wide range of materials, including metals that are hard to cut using other methods.
The last type is the CO2 laser cutting machine. These use a gas laser to cut materials. They are also able to cut thicker metals due to their accuracy and efficiency.
Each of these top cutting techniques for metal fabrication shops brings its own benefits. Whether it’s the precision of abrasive cutting, the efficiency of metal shearing machines, or the speed and accuracy of machines that cut with heat, advantages exist for every technique.
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