select
navigate
switch tabs
Esc close

Choosing laser, plasma or waterjet cutting for stainless steel components

0
P
2

Hi, what are the key factors to consider when choosing between laser, plasma and waterjet cutting for producing custom stainless steel components (1mm to 20mm thick) with a ±0.1mm precision requirement? Specifically, how do material type and thickness, edge quality and the ability to handle complex designs affect the decision? thank you

Solved by Greg Paulsen

I'll answer in the context of Xometry but also give general guidelines as I helped launch the US sheet cutting offerings:

Typically, count out plasma. Between fiber laser and waterjet, there is just so much more repeatability and precision than plasma cutting. There are some super great modern plasmas, but most cutters out there on the network are for fabrication, where the edge condition will require some secondary treatment like cleanup and welding. 

Laser is typically more precise than waterjet, but our manufacturing standards are amicable for both technologies. The thicker the material, the more likely a waterjet will be used (waterjets can cut basically anything). It's important on your end to specify critical dimensions that are tighter than the manufacturing standards for that process. Edge condition may also be a consideration and there are methods/equipment to taper-correct on deeper cuts. This may require a manual quote review, and in some cases, the tolerances are just not reasonable for "first cut results" with a sheet cutting process and may require machining (e.g., a 2.5-axis mill). Xometry has access to all these abilities, it just may require a manual review if you're asking for tolerances or feature sets beyond the norm for a sheet cutting process.

    • P

      Hi, what are the key factors to consider when choosing between laser, plasma and waterjet cutting for producing custom stainless steel components (1mm to 20mm thick) with a ±0.1mm precision requirement? Specifically, how do material type and thickness, edge quality and the ability to handle complex designs affect the decision? thank you

      0
    • Xometry Engineer

      I’ll answer in the context of Xometry but also give general guidelines as I helped launch the US sheet cutting offerings:

      Typically, count out plasma. Between fiber laser and waterjet, there is just so much more repeatability and precision than plasma cutting. There are some super great modern plasmas, but most cutters out there on the network are for fabrication, where the edge condition will require some secondary treatment like cleanup and welding. 

      Laser is typically more precise than waterjet, but our manufacturing standards are amicable for both technologies. The thicker the material, the more likely a waterjet will be used (waterjets can cut basically anything). It’s important on your end to specify critical dimensions that are tighter than the manufacturing standards for that process. Edge condition may also be a consideration and there are methods/equipment to taper-correct on deeper cuts. This may require a manual quote review, and in some cases, the tolerances are just not reasonable for “first cut results” with a sheet cutting process and may require machining (e.g., a 2.5-axis mill). Xometry has access to all these abilities, it just may require a manual review if you’re asking for tolerances or feature sets beyond the norm for a sheet cutting process.

      0
      Reply
      • P
        Greg Paulsen

        Thanks, Greg. That’s really helpful. I’ll be sure to specify critical dimensions clearly, knowing tighter tolerances might need extra steps or review. Appreciate the guidance!

        0
        Reply
Choosing laser, plasma or waterjet cutting for stainless steel components
Your information:




Suggested Topics

Topic
Replies
Views
Activity
Process for a low-volume stainless steel pump impeller
Hi all, I’m designing a stainless steel impeller for a small pump (diameter around 80 mm). Would you go for metal additive manufacturing or casting if you need tight tolerances on the blades and... read more
p
0
42
Nov 18
Minimum letter size for raised text on SLS nylon parts
I’m working on a medical device enclosure that needs raised lettering (product name and serial number) on the lid, printed in SLS nylon. The letters are around 2 mm high with a stroke width... read more
m
j
4
368
Oct 30
2 mm stainless sheet bend radius
I’d like some help with a project. I’m designing a stainless steel 304 enclosure with multiple 90° flanges (sheet thickness ~2 mm). For strength and edge alignment, I want the inside bend radius to... read more
L
C
4
284
Oct 24
Urethane casting for sensor housings
Hello all, I’m looking for some advice. I’m working on a prototype of a handheld casing for an outdoor sensor (approx. 20×10×5 cm) that needs to be rigid, weather-resistant, and have fine surface details.... read more
a
e
6
156
Nov 13
Will a threaded hub and locknut hold up in a conveyor roller assembly?
hi! my project is a small conveyor assembly where the rollers need to be swapped out fairly often, depending on the material we’re running. I’m considering using an M14 threaded connection between the aluminum... read more
P
R
4
198
Oct 22