What metal thickness can be cut — a per-material table
Short answer
The usable thickness for metal cutting depends on the alloy, equipment, part geometry and required edge quality. This Craftarea guide compares material-specific considerations for steel, stainless steel, aluminium, copper and brass. Provide the exact grade and thickness with the drawing so the applicable process and production limits can be confirmed for your part.
Thickness affects feasibility, process selection and edge quality. Steel, stainless steel, aluminium, copper and brass have different properties; there is no universal maximum thickness. The table below summarizes information needed to assess an order. Confirm the exact grade, thickness, geometry and tolerance with the production provider before ordering.
Key facts
- Mild / carbon steel
- Grade, thickness and drawing — confirm before ordering
- Stainless steel (inox)
- Grade, thickness and drawing — confirm before ordering
- Aluminum
- Grade, thickness and drawing — confirm before ordering
- Brass and copper
- thickness confirmed for the alloy and surface
- Positional tolerance
- Tolerance by specification
- Minimum hole diameter
- Confirmed for the drawing and material
- Minimum order
- Confirm quantity before ordering
- Quote turnaround
- Timing by agreement
What metal thickness can be cut, and why does the ceiling differ by material?
Cutting capability depends on alloy, thickness, geometry, assist gas and equipment settings. The table summarizes assessment criteria rather than confirmed maximum thicknesses. Review each material against the actual drawing; alloy and surface are particularly relevant for copper and brass.
- Metal and litoni are the same word in Georgian; rkina is the colloquial term for ferrous metal
- Inox = nerzhaveika = stainless steel — one material, three names
- Black metal (shavi litoni) = carbon steel
When is 3mm sheet used?
A 3mm sheet can be used for nameplates, sign letters, brackets and other parts when the selected material and construction suit the job. That dimension does not produce the same result on every metal: holes, geometry, flatness and edge finishing need separate review. A 3mm copper or brass sheet also requires compatibility confirmation.
5mm and 10mm metal cutting — where is the real limit?
A thickness of 5mm or 10mm does not by itself guarantee manufacturability. Carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminium require different energy, gas and speed; geometry and edge requirements also matter. Send the grade and finishing requirements with the drawing. Confirm feasibility, tolerance and any additional cleanup for the selected equipment before ordering.
- Carbon steel — grade, thickness and edge requirements
- Stainless steel — grade, thickness and surface requirements
- Aluminium, copper and brass — confirm alloy and surface separately
Is cutting 1mm thin metal difficult?
Sheet at 1mm or thinner can distort under heat. Fixturing, cut sequence and settings need assessment; slower cutting does not automatically improve the result. This gauge may suit keychains, thin nameplates or decorative inserts when rigidity fits the intended use. For fine ornament, compare cutting and surface engraving through a sample and readability requirements.
What if the selected process cannot handle the thickness?
Select a process suitable for the material and drawing before ordering. If one method cannot meet the requirement, assess other equipment or processes and compare edge quality, tolerance and finishing. The provider, cost and timeline must be confirmed separately; referral or partner participation is not automatic.
- Plasma — agree material, edge quality and provider
- Waterjet — check availability and cost
- Bending — agree radius, flat pattern and provider
- Milling/turning — separate specification and provider
Thickness and quality requirements by material — confirm before ordering
| Material | Thickness assessment | Tolerance assessment | Min. hole diameter | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mild / carbon steel (rkina) | Confirm for grade and drawing | Confirm against drawing requirements | Confirmed for the drawing and material | Assist gas and finishing affect edge colour |
| Stainless steel (inox, nerzhaveika) | Confirm for grade and drawing | Confirm against drawing requirements | Confirmed for the drawing and material | Agree grade and surface requirements |
| Aluminum | Confirm for grade and drawing | Confirm against drawing requirements | Confirmed for the drawing and material | Reflectivity and thermal conductivity affect process selection |
| Brass and copper | Thickness confirmed for the alloy and surface | Confirmed against drawing requirements | Confirmed for the drawing and material | Compare cutting and engraving for fine ornament |
| If the selected method is unsuitable | by request | — | — | Confirm another method and provider separately |
How It Works
- 1
Measure the thickness
Measure the sheet with calipers, or read the thickness in millimetres from your supplier's invoice or material spec sheet.
- 2
Check it against the table
Use the table to start the review. Send the material grade, thickness and drawing; copper and brass each need separate confirmation.
- 3
Send the file
Send a vector drawing (DXF, DWG, AI or PDF), material, thickness and requested quantity. Confirm the minimum run before ordering.
- 4
Timing by agreement
Confirm feasibility, provider, tolerance, edge finishing and the complete timeline before ordering. If the drawing needs changes, approve the revised version before production.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many mm of metal can a laser cut?
Can 3mm be cut on every material?
Can 10mm metal be cut?
Is cutting 5mm steel difficult?
Is cutting 1mm metal difficult?
What is the thickness difference between stainless and mild steel?
What is the smallest hole that can be cut in a part?
What if the thickness does not suit the selected process?
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