Metal cutting

Metal cutting – is the process of separating parts or blanks from billets, castings, and sheet metal. This process is the foundation of the entire metalworking industry. Building repair and construction work are no exception. Various types of cutting are also essential in the repair and maintenance of any mechanical and even electronic equipment. metal cutting Metalworking is represented by several methods using specialized equipment. Each option has its own unique qualities and properties, and the use of a particular metalworking method requires some knowledge of these techniques.

Features of metal cutting

The main characteristics that determine which type and tool is needed cutting metal apply, can be highlighted in the following list:

• cutting temperature, the main condition is minimal heating of the material being cut;
• speed;
• the quality of cuts and edges, especially high demands are placed on parts that are used in moving mechanisms or the front sides of structures in buildings;
• the cost of using this tool;
• safety of work at a specific construction site or work place.

Methods metal cuttingThe factors presented in the list above allow you to select the best option for each specific situation. In some cases, such as when working in residential areas, noise, light, and dust pollution factors are also taken into account. Features of metal cutting It's important to consider this, as it's the key to success in your work and saving both time and money. Choosing the right cutting type ensures the technical characteristics of the workpiece and part are preserved. Modern craftsmen can choose from the following list of the most basic and accessible types. cutting metal:

• laser cutting;
• plasma cutting;
• gas cutting;
• Arc welding cutting;
• argon arc cutting;
• mechanical cutting;
• waterjet cutting.

The choice of cutting type may vary depending on the type of metal being processed. To do this, it is important to know the main Features of metal cutting each of the presented types of instruments.

Laser cutting

The working tool is a laser, either solid-state or gas. This method is considered one of the best among modern offerings. The minimum laser cutting width is only 0.1 mm, making the tool suitable even for high-precision manufacturing. The dimensional accuracy of workpieces is provided with an accuracy of +/- 0.01 mm. Furthermore, laser metal cutting The machine boasts high productivity, with a cutting speed of 0.167 m/s, allowing for large volumes of work to be completed within a standard work shift. Depending on the machine's power, the maximum steel thickness it can cut can reach 20 mm.

Plasma cutting

Plasma cutting technology is based on the intense heating of metal using an electric arc and the subsequent removal of molten material using a high-speed plasma stream. Plasma temperatures reach 15,000–20,000°C.⁰The productivity of plasma cutting is significantly higher than that of oxygen or electric arc cutting. Plasma metal cutting Allows you to make cuts of any complexity and configuration, without the need for refilling air cylinders or compressed air. This type of metalworking is considered one of the most economical. Sheet thickness can reach 50 mm.

Gas cutting

Gas metal cutting Today, gas cutting is one of the most popular metalworking methods. Its ease of operation and maintenance makes it a valuable tool. The principle of operation is based on heating the metal at the cutting site and removing the liquid material under the influence of high-pressure supplied oxygen, which also serves as a heating medium. However, gas cutting is not suitable for all metals and alloys. Aluminum cannot be cut along the desired contours, as its combustion temperature is only 900°C.⁰, whereas gas cutting requires heating a sufficiently large area of the material. The cut produced by this equipment is quite wide, leaving oxides, burrs, and slag behind. This results in imprecise contours of the parts.

Cutting with a welding inverter

Cutting metal Using a welding inverter requires the use of electrodes and cannot produce precise contours for cut parts. Not all metals can be processed with this tool.

Argon arc cutting

Argon arc cutting and welding are performed in an inert argon gas environment using electrodes. The tool is used for machining non-ferrous metals and carbon steels.

Mechanical cutting

Mechanical cutting is performed using various tools depending on the thickness of the material being processed and the requirements for the resulting part. Band saws, angle grinders, hand saws, shears, and guillotines are all used. This method is one of the most common among the population. The quality of the cuts and the thickness of the metal being processed depend on the tool used.

Waterjet cutting

Waterjet cutting, unique in its kind, is characterized by true versatility and multi-tasking capabilities. Its main drawback is the high cost of the equipment. The material being cut is not affected by temperature. Its high cutting speed and precision make it ideal for the manufacture of complex mechanisms and precision machine parts. The thickness of the material being cut (virtually any material, including ceramics, plastic, and metal) can reach 300 mm or more.

This website provides all the information necessary for tool users. A separate section features videos demonstrating metal cutting with a torch and other tools.