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
Best way to mount NEMA 17 motor on 2 mm aluminum base?
I'm working on a compact test rig where I need to mount a NEMA 17 stepper motor onto a 2 mm thick aluminum sheet (EN AW-5754). The base has to stay as light as possible,... read more
T
r
1
22
May 28
Sheet metal hem
Hello, I'm trying to create a hem on the edge of steel sheets between 200mm and 400mm long. I can't find any manufacturer in France who can perform such bending/rolling/shaping with a radius of... read more
s
P
1
32
May 23
Mesh accuracy concerns with FDM
I'm working on a small gear-driven mechanism for a camera panning rig and considering printing the 45° bevel gears in PETG (FDM). Tooth pitch is 1.5 mm, and the gears will be rotating slowly... read more
M
n
3
103
Apr 29
OD and ID vs OD and Wall Thickness – which is the best method of dimensioning?
Hello All, I am designing a conical-shaped plastic bushing and am confused if specifying the OD and the wall thickness is better for controlling the manufacturing process, or OD and ID separately, with their tolerance... read more
1
110
Apr 23
Metal 3D printing for watertight watch cases
Hi! I'm prototyping a watch case and considering metal laser sintering (DMLS or SLM) due to cost constraints—CNC machining is out of budget. My main concern is whether an as-printed sintered metal part will... read more
H
R
2
186
Mar 25