American Metal Fab Powering Progress: Perspective on Advanced Plasma Cutting

In a thought-provoking article titled “Rethinking What Plasma Cutting Can Do for Metal Fabricators,” sourced from The Fabricator, embarks on a journey to explore the dynamic landscape of plasma cutting technology and its transformative impact on modern metal fabrication.

Plasma cutting, once a conventional method, has evolved significantly, prompting fabricators to reconsider its application. The advent of high-definition plasma cutting has ushered in a new era, delivering sharper edge-cuts compared to its predecessors. Remarkably, on 0.25-inch mild steel, plasma torches can achieve cutting speeds exceeding 100 inches per minute (IPM). Furthermore, plasma systems now have the capacity to produce bolt-ready holes, a feature that streamlines post-cutting machining processes for fabricated parts.

Despite these advancements, plasma cutting technology manufacturers remain steadfast in their commitment to research and development. While laser cutting systems gain power and affordability, enticing more shops to cut thicker materials with regularity, waterjets retain their relevance for cutting substantial materials, with efforts to boost machine productivity. Consequently, plasma cutting technology companies find themselves defending their position as the preferred cutting method for heavy-duty fabrication shops and service centers.

The forward-thinking approach of these companies has led to groundbreaking innovations. The perception of a plasma cutting table as a tool solely for processing 0.25- to 2-inch mild steel no longer aligns with the technology’s current capabilities, especially in cutting thick nonferrous materials. Fabricators and service centers are encouraged to explore the multifaceted potential of plasma cutting systems today and envision what they might achieve in the future.

Click here to discover American Metal Fab’s expertise in advanced metal cutting techniques.

Photo and article with all rights reserved, courtesy of thefabricator.com