Metal Cutting Methods and Their Uses
Stainless steel sheets and other products have different uses depending on the customer’s requirements and industry. The size, shape, design, thickness, and chemical composition all depend on the product’s intended use. We also bear these specifications in mind when choosing a method to cut the metal.
Before we developed the advanced techniques and tools we use today, metal cutters used hand tools, such as hacksaws, chisels, and shears. Manual methods are still useful for small-scale or artisan work. However, they are time-consuming and offer limited accuracy for large-scale jobs. Modern cutting methods offer greater precision, efficiency, and faster processing times for complex and demanding projects.
Here’s a closer look at some of the advanced methods of metal cutting that we use on stainless steel sheets and other products.
Common Metal Cutting Techniques
- Turning: Turning involves applying a sharp cutting tool to a metal workpiece that rotates at high speed, usually on a lathe. The technician gradually removes material until the metal reaches the correct shape and size.
- Grinding: Grinding uses an abrasive wheel to remove small amounts of material from a metal surface. It is ideal for achieving smooth finishes and high-dimensional accuracy.
- Drilling: Drilling is used to create accurately sized holes in metal. A rotating drill bit applies force to the workpiece, cutting through the material cleanly and precisely.
- Laser Cutting: We use laser cutting when extreme precision, complex shapes, and tight tolerances are required. A highly focused laser beam melts or vaporizes the metal, often under computer control, to produce accurate, repeatable patterns.
- Burning/Welding: In this method, metal surfaces are heated to a specific temperature to soften and separate them along a planned line. It is commonly used for cutting thick metal sections.
- Plasma Cutting: Plasma cutting is a modern technique that uses a plasma torch to send an electrical arc through a gas, generating intense heat. This melts the metal while the gas blows away molten material, resulting in a clean cut.
- Waterjet Cutting: Waterjet cutting uses a high-pressure stream of water mixed with abrasives to precisely erode metal. Its clean edges, cost-effectiveness, and ability to cut without heat distortion make it one of the best cutting methods.
Precise Metal Cutting for Stainless Steel Sheets and Products | Alliant Metals
Metal fabricators are always looking for new and better ways to make products for our customers. At Alliant Metals, we use all the tools and techniques available to us to craft stainless steel products that meet your needs and the specifications of your industry.
Contact our team today for more information about our products and services.
