CNC Plasma Cutting

CNC Plasma Cutting Machine

Sheet metal cut by CNC plasma cutting

CNC plasma cutting is a process of cutting 2D shapes from sheet metal using a high temperature, high velocity stream of ionized gas. The plasma stream is generated by directing the flow of an inert gas through an orifice where an electric arc ionizes the gas. The material is thereby heated to a molten condition and the high velocity gas stream blows the material away.

CNC plasma cutting offers low cost since no custom tooling is needed and is especially cost effective for thick metal sheets. CNC plasma cutting can usually cut thicker sheets than laser. The process is generally used to cut 2D shapes not requiring high precision or fine detail.

Example applications of CNC plasma cutting include

• Metal Brackets
• Robot Parts
• Motorcycle Parts
• Auto Parts
• Parts for heavy machinery
• Aircraft components
• Signs
• Panels
• Trays
• Material handling equipment
• etc.

CNC Plasma cutting is mostly commonly applied to stainless steel, carbon steel and spring steel.

Cost reduction options include reducing total cut length and number of holes.

CNC Plasma Cutting Design Considerations

• Edges can be rough, especially for thicker material and more so with aluminum than steel.
  
• The cut edge will have an oxide layer.
  
• The angle of the edge can deviate from 90 degrees typically by 10 to 20 deg.
• Edges may have pits at some points along the edge (with depth typically up to material thickness). 
  
• Some warping can occur on intricate parts.