What is the best method for cutting thicker gauge steel plate?

Manufacturing tools and equipment for heavy industry means working with heavy materials. From counterweights for forklifts to heavy duty kit pieces and machinery – you’re going to need to source components cut from the thick gauge steel plate.

One look at a thicker gauge of steel would leave you in no doubt that you need to engage a professional to achieve a high quality finish.

To get the job done well, professional steel profile cutters have a few tools at our disposal. For the thickest plate, our pick goes to Oxy cutting.

Why is oxy cutting the top choice for thicker gauge steel?

Oxy cutting, or oxy fuel cutting, is an ox of a tool and is typically used on thicker gauge steel.

Where typical laser cutting tops out at about 16-20mm thickness, and plasma can handle up to around 70-80mm, oxy cutting is right at home working with the thickest gauge steel available. It’s not unheard of to see oxy cutting machines tackle steel 300-400 mm thick.

This is impressive for the one of the oldest processes in our trade.

How does oxy cutting work?

As its name suggests, oxy cutting uses pure oxygen instead of air to heat the flame – reaching temperatures of up to 3,500 °C.

Using one our computerised cutting (CNC) machines, the oxy-fuel flame heats the metal to its kindling temperature. This creates an “exothermic reaction” between oxygen jet and the iron in the plate, which allows the central jet to “cut” through.

In any metal processing job – precision and a clean cut are vital. A skilled operator knows how to adjust the flame to deliver a smooth, square cut surface. Cut pieces can be further treated but are often immediately used for many applications.

Key considerations for oxy cutting heavy plate

Oxy cutting is extremely effective for the right job, and not to mention cost-efficient.

The best quality finish can be achieved a company with access to CNC machines. Large scale CNC machines, like those we have at ShapeCUT, have multiple torch heads and large tables to hold the heaviest, longest steel plate.

An experienced operator can achieve the highest accuracy and a clean cut. Also, large cutting beds minimise load and unload times, and with multiple torch heads going at once, you increase speed and productivity.

When it comes to cutting thick gauge steel plate – oxy cutting is clearly the preferred choice.

ShapeCUT own 4 oxy cutting CNC machines, each with multiple torch heads. We can produce almost any shape from heavy steel plate for manufacturers and fabricators, and deliver Australia-wide. With over 25 years’ experience, ShapeCUT is the largest privately owned steel cutting and metal processing facility in Queensland. Give us call today to explore how we can meet your requirements. PH: 1800 Shape CUT.