Plasma Cutting

Plasma cutting is a highly efficient method for cutting through a variety of metals with precision and speed. At Metal Supermarkets, we offer professional plasma cutting services designed to meet the needs of businesses and individuals alike. Whether you’re working with plasma cutting steel or other materials, our advanced equipment and experienced team ensure clean, accurate cuts every time.

What is Plasma Cutting?

Plasma cutting is a process used to very quickly and precisely cut steel and other metals of different thicknesses. Plasma cutting is often used in metal fabrication and manufacturing due to its speed, accuracy, and ability to handle complex shapes.

Plasma cutting uses an inert gas blown at high speeds and at temperatures above 20,000°C (36,032°F). An electrical arc is then created through and around the gas, forming plasma. This plasma is hot enough to cut the metal and leaves a smooth edge.

Plasma gases are usually argon, argon/hydrogen or nitrogen. These inert gases can be replaced by air, but this requires a special electrode of hafnium or zirconium. The choice of gas depends on the material being cut and the desired finish.

This type of cutting can cut a large variety of electrically conductive alloys, including plain carbon and stainless steel, titanium, and nickel alloys, along with aluminum and its alloys.

What is Plasma Cutting Used For?

Plasma cutting is used for a wide variety of applications across numerous industries. One of its most common uses is in metal fabrication, where it helps create custom parts and components for machinery, equipment, and other projects. Manufacturers use plasma cutting to produce consistent, high-quality pieces.

In the construction industry, plasma cutting is used for structural steel fabrication, enabling the creation of beams, supports, and other components that form the backbone of buildings and infrastructure. In automotive repair and manufacturing, it helps cut and shape body panels, exhaust systems, and brackets.

The aerospace sector uses plasma cutting to produce precision metal parts for aircraft and spacecraft. It is also used in shipbuilding and heavy equipment production.

In addition to production work, plasma cutting is a practical tool for maintenance and repair tasks. Its portability allows technicians to repair plumbing systems, HVAC components, and electrical panels on-site.

Why Choose Plasma Cutting Over Other Cutting Methods?

Plasma cutting provides unique benefits when compared to alternative cutting techniques such as laser cutting, waterjet cutting, or mechanical sawing:

Speed and Efficiency – Plasma cutting can cut through metals quickly, reducing the time needed to complete projects. It is especially efficient for cutting thicker materials compared to methods like laser cutting, which can slow down significantly with increasing material thickness.

Versatility Across Materials – Plasma cutting can handle a wide range of electrically conductive metals such as plain carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, and nickel alloys.

Precision and Clean Edges – Plasma cutting provides a high level of accuracy, creating clean and smooth cuts with minimal material distortion or burrs. This eliminates the need for excessive post-cut finishing, saving time and effort.

Ability to Cut Thick Materials – Unlike other cutting methods that struggle with thicker materials, plasma cutting can easily cut through thick steel and other metals, making it an ideal choice for heavy-duty industrial applications.

Minimal Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ) – The concentrated heat of plasma cutting minimizes the heat-affected zone around the cut area, reducing the risk of warping or altering the material’s properties.

Our Plasma Cutting Services

At Metal Supermarkets, we deliver precise and reliable plasma cutting services to meet your project requirements. Our plasma cutting solutions are ideal for a variety of applications, including working with plasma cutting steel and other metals. Whether you need intricate shapes, clean edges, or cuts precisely to your specifications, our advanced plasma cutting capabilities ensure high-quality results.

We can provide plasma cutting services through our network. To find out if the store near you offers plasma cutting, call, email or visit one of our 130+ locations across North America.

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