Plasma cutting on metal — what it is and when it wins
Short answer
Plasma cutting uses an electrically generated jet of ionized gas to cut conductive metal. Choosing the method requires the grade, thickness, contour and edge requirements. Confirm acceptance of the specific job, the process, feasible thickness and provider with Craftarea before ordering.
Plasma and laser deliver energy to the cut line in different ways. Sheet thickness, contour complexity, hole sizes, edge quality and subsequent finishing affect the choice. Thickness alone cannot establish the best method. The comparison below helps prepare an enquiry; availability, quantity, price and timing are confirmed separately.
Key facts
- Arc temperature
- ~20,000°C
- Plasma thickness range (industrial CNC)
- Depends on equipment, material and required cut quality
- Plasma typical tolerance
- Tolerance confirmed for the particular part
- Plasma kerf width
- Depends on process and settings
- Required accuracy
- Tolerance by specification
- Requested thickness
- Specify with the grade and drawing
- Work provider
- Process and provider confirmed before ordering
- Quote turnaround
- Timing by agreement
What is plasma cutting on metal and how does it work?
Plasma cutting removes metal with a jet of compressed, ionized gas. An electric arc is struck between the torch electrode and the workpiece, heating the gas to roughly 20,000°C — at that temperature the gas becomes plasma, an electrically conductive state. The jet melts the metal along the cut line and blows the molten material out, leaving the kerf behind. The process works only on electrically conductive material: any metal — steel, stainless, aluminium, copper — but not plastic, wood or glass. Industrial machines are CNC-controlled exactly like laser cutters, so the torch follows a programmed vector path and the same part repeats reliably across a batch.
- Works only on electrically conductive metals — steel, stainless, aluminium, copper, brass
- Gas is compressed air, nitrogen or oxygen depending on the machine
- CNC control gives a repeatable, programmed cutting path
- Cannot cut plastic, wood, glass or any other dielectric
What thickness can plasma cut, and how precise is it?
Plasma thickness capability and accuracy depend on the equipment, gas, material and required quality. The cut may show taper, dross and a heat-affected edge. For small holes or a precise fit, assess whether the result meets the drawing and what preparation is needed before painting or welding.
- Thickness and grade — specify with the drawing
- Holes and dimensional tolerances — assess separately
- Edge taper and dross — affect fit
- Further finishing — agree for the intended use
When should plasma and laser be compared?
Plasma is considered for thick conductive sheet and relatively simple contours; laser is often useful for fine detail. There is no universal thickness above which laser ceases to work: capability depends on the equipment and material. Compare accuracy, edge finishing and the finished-part requirements as well as the cutting price.
What should you confirm with Craftarea before ordering?
Send the material, thickness, contour and quantity. The offer should state whether the job is accepted, which process is used, who performs it and what finishing is included. Involvement of another workshop or use of specific equipment needs prior confirmation.
- Metal grade and requested thickness
- Contour, holes and required accuracy
- Process and provider
- Edge finishing and subsequent operations
- Quantity, price and handover date
How much does plasma cutting cost and how is the price calculated?
Price depends on material, thickness, contour length, hole count, preparation and edge finishing. Request a quote for the particular part separating material, cutting and additional work. Any minimum charge, preparation cost or another provider’s terms should be confirmed in advance; a single per-metre rate cannot describe every order.
- Cut geometry and material properties
- Preparation, finishing and delivery costs
- Acceptance, quantity and timing as quoted
Factors in process selection — capability is confirmed for the equipment and part
| Requirement | Process to assess | Accuracy | Edge | Condition to confirm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fine contour | Laser | Per drawing | Assess small features | Material and thickness |
| Thick conductive sheet | Plasma or another suitable process | Equipment-dependent | Possible dross and taper | Cut quality and provider |
| Precise fit | Cutting and any further machining | Drawing tolerance | Final finishing | Inspection method |
| Painting or welding | Cutting and edge preparation | Per project | Remove oxide or dross as needed | Scope of operations |
How It Works
- 1
Send the file and the thickness
Send a DXF, DWG or PDF drawing and state the material and thickness in millimetres. If you have no drawing, a photo of a sketch is enough to start.
- 2
Assess the process
Assess the process against the material, thickness, contour and required accuracy.
- 3
Agree the production terms
Confirm acceptance, the provider and additional operations before ordering.
- 4
We prepare the file for production
Check contours, scale and holes; confirm a compatible file version for the selected process.
- 5
Timing by agreement
Quantity, any minimum charge and the handover date are confirmed in the quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Craftarea run plasma cutting in-house?
What thickness can plasma cut in general?
Is plasma cutting cheaper than laser?
Can plasma cut fine detail or ornamental patterns?
Does plasma cut aluminium and stainless steel?
Does a plasma-cut edge need extra finishing?
Where can thick metal be cut in Tbilisi?
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