If you're sending out a flat part for cutting, the process you specify affects edge quality, heat distortion, what happens in later operations and what you pay. At CCM Fabrication, a metal fabrication shop in Warminster, PA, we run both waterjet and high-definition plasma cutting under one roof. That means we can recommend the process that fits the part instead of the one we happen to own.
Here's how we think about the choice.
How waterjet cutting works
A waterjet cuts with a very high-pressure stream of water mixed with fine abrasive. Our OMAX 80X has a 256" x 72" cutting area, so full sheets and long parts fit on the table.
Because the cut is cold, there's no heat-affected zone. The material next to the cut keeps its original properties, and thin or heat-sensitive parts stay flat. Waterjet also cuts materials a torch can't, including glass, plastics and stone as well as metals.
How plasma cutting works
Plasma cutting uses an electrically charged gas jet to melt through conductive metal. High-definition plasma gives cleaner edges and tighter features than older plasma systems. It's a fast, practical choice for carbon steel and other conductive metals, especially in plate.
Plasma does put heat into the part. On many jobs that doesn't matter, because the part will be welded, formed or painted next anyway.
When to choose waterjet
The part can't tolerate heat distortion or a hardened edge.
The material is aluminum, stainless or a specialty alloy where you want to avoid changing the edge.
The material isn't metal: glass, plastic, stone or composite panels.
The part has fine detail, such as lettering, logos or decorative patterns for signage.
You want an edge that needs little or no cleanup before assembly.
When to choose plasma
The part is carbon steel plate that will be welded into a frame, base or weldment.
Edge appearance matters less than getting structural parts cut and moving.
The part will be blasted, painted or coated after fabrication.
When the answer is both
Many of our jobs use both processes. A machine base might get plasma-cut structural plates and waterjet-cut stainless covers. A sign might get a plasma-cut steel frame and waterjet-cut lettering. Because the cutting, forming, welding, finishing and assembly happen in the same shop, those parts come together without being shipped between vendors.
What to send us for a quote
To get an accurate recommendation and quote, send:
A drawing (PDF) and a DXF or STEP file if you have one
Material type and thickness
Quantity, including any planned repeat orders
Edge or finish requirements, and any later operations such as bending, welding or coating
If you're not sure which process to specify, leave it off the drawing and tell us what the part has to do. We'll recommend the process that fits.
Ready to cut? Email your drawings or RFQ to eric@ccmfabricators.com, call 215-486-4660, or use our “Request a Quote” or “Contact Us” page.
CCM Fabrication Inc., 965 Thomas Drive, Warminster, PA 18974 · 215-486-4660 · ccmfabricators.com