Cutting metal with a hot electric arc and gas that melts and blows out the cut.
When you need it
Brackets, gussets and base plates from mild steel
Thick plate for frames, trailers and equipment
Parts that get welded, so edges can be cleaned up
Repeat parts from the same file
What to send the shop
A clean DXF outline at full scale
Metal type, thickness and quantity
Hole sizes and the sizes that must be exact
Any bevel needed for welding
Typical lead time
Most jobs ship in 2 business days at one Morinville shop, plus delivery.
Ask the shop
3 questions worth asking
Q1
Can plasma meet my edge finish and tolerance?
Q2
Does the quote include material, setup and edge cleanup?
Q3
Would laser or waterjet suit these holes better?
Questions
Plasma cutting FAQ
How does plasma compare with laser and waterjet?
Plasma can leave a slight bevel and some dross on the edge. Laser gives finer edges on sheet. Waterjet cuts without heat. Ask the shop to compare the finished part cost.
Can plasma cut stainless and aluminum?
Yes. Plasma cuts metal that conducts electricity, including stainless and aluminum. Ask what thickness the shop’s table handles in your metal.
Is plasma cutting done by hand or on a table?
Both. A CNC table cuts repeat parts from your file. Hand cutting suits one off work and site repairs. Ask which the shop will use.
Which file should I send?
A DXF at full scale with closed outlines. Some shops take DWG or SVG too. Add the metal, thickness, quantity and the sizes that matter.
Good to know
Oxford Machine & Welding in Edmonton cuts on a 10 by 30 foot plasma and oxy table.
Plasma edges can need grinding before paint or welding. Ask if that is in the price.
Small holes are often cleaner by laser or drilling. Ask the shop.
No Edmonton shop we checked posts prices for this. Send a request to compare quotes.