Basic methods of cutting sheet metal

How to cut sheet metal? Machining of sheet metal can be carried out using various techniques, which can be divided into:

• Mechanical cutting - using cutting tools such as shears, band saws, circular saws or CNC punching machines.
• Mechanical cutting - using cutting tools such as shears, band saws, circular saws or CNC punching machines.
• Temperature cutting - involving technologies based on high temperature, such as plasma sheet cutting, laser sheet cutting and oxygen cutting.
• Water cutting - a method using a high-pressure water jet, used for precision cutting of materials that cannot be thermally treated.

All of these sheet metal cutting methods are used in a variety of industries and manufacturing conditions.

Mechanical cutting

Shear cutting

Shear cutting is one of the simplest methods, mainly used for thin sheet metal. It can be performed with hand, guillotine or hydraulic shears.

Benefits:

• no effect of high temperature on the material,
• low operating cost,
• the ability to cut simple shapes quickly

Disadvantages:

• limited precision,
• Possibility of edge deformation with thicker metal sheets.

Belt and circular saw cutting

Belt and circular saws allow precision cutting of thicker sheet metal, especially for stainless steel and aluminum.

Benefits:

• ability to cut thick and hard materials,
• good edge quality,

Disadvantages:

• the need for further edge processing to remove burrs,
• Lower cutting speed than thermal methods.
• Low cutting speed.

CNC punching machines

CNC die-cutting machines are state-of-the-art devices that enable serial production of repetitive sheet metal parts.

Benefits:

• high productivity in batch production,
• precise cutting without the influence of high temperature,

Disadvantages:

• the need for specialized tools.

Thermal cutting

Oxygen cutting

Oxygen cutting involves heating the metal to ignition temperature and then oxidizing and removing the material with a stream of oxygen.

Benefits:

• the ability to cut very thick metal sheets,
• relatively low operating cost,

Disadvantages:

• large thermal deformation,
• limited precision and the need for further edge machining.
• Limited precision and the need for further edge machining.

Plasma sheet metal cutting

Plasma, or ionized high-temperature gas, allows fast and precise cutting of various types of sheet metal.

Benefits:

• high cutting speed,
• possibility to cut stainless steel, aluminum and other metals.

Disadvantages:

• higher investment cost than oxygen cutting,
• the formation of slag requiring further processing,

Laser cutting

Laser sheet metal cutting machine allows extremely precise cutting with minimal material loss. The laser cutting machine is used in the precision and automotive industries.

Benefits:

• perfect edge quality, requiring no further processing,
• the ability to cut thin and thick metal sheets with high precision,

Disadvantages:

• high cost of purchasing and operating equipment,
• limited thickness of cut material compared to plasma cutting,

Water cutting

The WaterJet method uses a high-pressure water jet, often with the addition of an abrasive.

Benefits:

• no effect of temperature on the material,
• the ability to cut almost all materials,

Disadvantages:

• high operating cost,
• lower cutting speed compared to thermal methods,

How to choose a sheet metal cutting method?

What to cut sheet metal with? Choosing the right technology depends on:

• Thickness of sheet metal - for thin sheet metal, laser is the best, for thick sheet metal - plasma sheet cutting or oxyfuel.
• Material type - stainless steel and aluminum require plasma or laser cutting.
• Precision required - laser for cutting sheet metal provides the best edge quality.
• Operating costs - plasma and mechanical cutting is cheaper than laser or waterjet.

CNC cutting machines enable automation of the process and achieve high repeatability in production.

Summary

Methods of cutting sheet metal are crucial to the quality and efficiency of the production process. What to cut sheet metal with depending on the application?"

• Mechanical cutting will work well for simple and fast operations.
• Temperature cutting allows for efficient metalworking, with plasma and laser cutting of sheet metal providing high precision.
• Cutting is the most efficient way to cut sheet metal.
• Water cutting is an ideal method for temperature-sensitive materials.

Laser cutting machine offers the highest accuracy and edge quality, but its cost is much higher than other technologies. The choice of the right method should be tailored to the type of sheet metal, quality requirements and available budget.

A well-chosen cutting method optimizes production and ensures the highest quality of finished parts.

Unsure how to cut sheet metal for the most efficient process? Contact us! Our experienced specialists will be happy to assist you.