Metal cutting is one of the basic jobs in many industries, such as sheet metal processing, machinery manufacturing, and construction. Choosing the right metal cutting method depends on many factors, such as the type of material, the thickness of the sheet metal, precision requirements and process efficiency. In this article, we will introduce what to cut metal with and what tools are used for this purpose.

Metal cutting - what methods?

1. Mechanical cutting
   This is one of the most classic methods, involving the use of cutting tools such as belt saws or diamond discs. Band saws allow the cutting of metal bars, pipes or sheets of smaller thicknesses. It's a relatively simple method, but requires the right tool and precision. Cutting metal in this way is suitable for smaller, somewhat less precise jobs.

2. Plasma cutting
   Metal cutting using a plasma jet is particularly effective for cutting thicker metal sheets. The plasma jet, reaching very high temperatures, melts the material and then blows it out of the cut area. It is a fast, precise and relatively inexpensive method, ideal for cutting steel, aluminum, copper or brass. The Metal plasma is a tool that will work well for demanding high-intensity cutting tasks. It is often the answer to the question of what to cut metal with when we need to cut thick materials.

3. Water cutting (high-pressure water cutting)
   Water cutting is one of the most accurate ways to cut sheet metal. It involves using a jet of water at very high pressure, in which fines of abrasive are added. This process makes it possible to cut very precise parts without producing high temperatures, which eliminates the risk of deformation of the material. Cutting metal in this way produces flawless edges. This is one answer to the question of what is the best way to cut metal, especially when you want to maintain high precision.

4. Laser cutting
   Lasers are advanced devices that allow you to cut metal with incredible precision. This method is relatively expensive, but extremely accurate and fast. Laser cutting makes it possible to cut both thin and medium-thick metal sheets. In addition, laser cutting in metal provides smooth edges that require no further processing. The laser metal cutting is one of the most effective tools in this technology, and in many cases may be the answer to the question of how to cut metal.

5. Oxygen cutting (combustion)
   This is a method involving the use of a stream of oxygen that, when in contact with the metal, causes it to burn. Oxygen cutting works primarily for carbon steel and is used in heavy industry to cut thicker sheet metal. Cutting stainless steel with oxygen can be less efficient than with other materials, so it is not the most common method of choice. However, in cases where greater efficiency is required, it can be an alternative.

What to cut metal with?

Depending on the cutting method chosen, the appropriate equipment and tools will be required:

• Belt saws - mainly used in cutting rods, pipes and sheet metal of small thicknesses. Good for cutting straight lines. It's a great answer to the question of what to cut metal with when simple, economical solutions are required.
• Plasma cutting machines - available in different variants, allow fast and efficient cutting of metal sheets of medium thickness.
• Water cutting machines - equipped with a high-pressure pump and abrasive nozzle, ideal for precision cutting and difficult materials.
• Laser cutting machines -high-precision equipment used for cutting high-density sheet metal, offering smooth edges. Laser cutting machines are a popular choice in the machining industry, especially where high quality cut parts are important.
• Oxygen cutting machine - mainly used in heavy industry, for cutting carbon steel.

Summary

Metal cutting is a complex process that requires the right technology and tools. Choosing what is best to cut metal with depends on a number of factors, such as the type of metal, its thickness, requirements for precision and speed of the process. Thanks to modern technologies, such as water, plasma and laser cutting, it is possible to achieve highly accurate results that meet the requirements of the most demanding projects.