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The two most common methods of cutting metal are plasma cutting and flame cutting. Both are widely used in fabrication and manufacturing, but they rely on very different processes. Understanding how they work and where each excels can help you choose the right method for the job. Gain further insight into these two effective cutting methods below!

What is Plasma Cutting?

Plasma cutting uses an electrically conductive gas like nitrogen or oxygen that has been superheated into plasma. The plasma jet is directed through a narrow nozzle at whatever needs to be cut. Plasma reaches temperatures of more than 20,000°C, so it can easily slice through electrically conductive metals quickly and precisely, like a heated knife through an ice cream cake.

Plasma cutters are often used for jobs that require:

• Speed: They cut much faster than flame cutting on thinner materials.
• Precision: The narrow kerf (cut width) produces clean edges with minimal slag.
• Versatility: Plasma can cut stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and mild steel.
• Ease of Use: Compact plasma cutters are available for shops and even home use.

The biggest weakness that plasma cutting has is thickness. It cuts well on items that are a couple of inches thick, but thicker items may require an extremely high-powered plasma cutter to make clean cuts. For thick cuts, a flame cutter may be more efficient. 

What is Flame Cutting?

Flame cutting, also called oxy-fuel cutting, relies on combustion. It uses pure oxygen mixed with a fuel gas, commonly acetylene, propane, or natural gas. The torch first preheats the steel to its ignition temperature, then a stream of oxygen is directed onto the hot metal. This causes an exothermic reaction that rapidly oxidizes the steel, effectively burning a narrow path through the workpiece.

Flame cutting has some significant advantages, such as:

• Ability to cut very thick steel: It can cut through slabs more than a foot thick, making it ideal for heavy plate work.
• Simplicity: Oxy-fuel torches are relatively inexpensive and rugged.
• Portability: They can be used in the shop, in the field, or on construction sites with nothing more than gas cylinders.

However, flame cutting has limitations. It only works on carbon steel and low-alloy steels. And it can’t cut stainless steel or aluminum effectively. It is also slower and produces a wider kerf and more slag than plasma cutting.

The Differences Between Plasma And Flame Cutting

While both methods cut metal, plasma cutting and flame cutting have significant differences, such as:

• Process: Plasma cutting uses electricity and plasma gas; flame cutting uses chemical oxidation with oxygen and fuel.
• Material Range: Plasma works on any conductive metal. Flame cutting is limited to ferrous steels.
• Thickness Capability: Plasma excels at thin to medium materials; flame cutting dominates on very thick steel.
• Cut Quality: Plasma delivers smoother, narrower cuts with less cleanup. Flame cutting leaves rougher edges and more slag.
• Speed: Plasma is faster on thin and mid-range metals; flame is slower but effective on very thick steel.

Contact Markham Metals in Wilmington, MA, About Plasma & Flame Cutting Services

You can count on the expert metal fabricators at Markham Metals in Wilmington, MA, for top-of-the-line plasma and flame cutting services! Aside from plasma and flame cutting, we have several other products and services to ensure your next project is in good hands. Contact us today to get started by calling 978-658-1121 or by filling out our contact form. 

A waterjet cutter is an industrial manufacturing tool comprising several components that uses high-pressure water to erode precise cuts, shapes, patterns, and lines of several materials such as plastic, rubber, stone, glass, and so much more. This tool offers the utmost flexibility and versatility, unlike any other. Fun fact! The process is very environmentally friendly, which means that no harmful gases are used, and the water used can be recycled! Waterjet cutting comes with several benefits and advantages. Learn more about its benefits below. 

High Edge Quality

There isn’t a cutting-edge method quite like waterjet cutting. You can expect the result for products after waterjet cutting to be smooth, which is why manufacturers and designers favor this method. The smooth end result is achieved through high-pressure water, controlled flow rates, and optimized nozzle sizes. Overall, it completely removes the need for secondary finishing. 

Efficient and Cost-Effective

Since waterjet cutting is considered a cold process, it is one of the most cost-effective solutions yet to date. During this process, parts are very rarely thrown away due to the absence of heat. Time and efficiency will skyrocket due to its minor edge treatment and secondary finishing of products. This will allow you to begin your next cut sooner than you think!

Excellent Cutting Accuracy

Waterjet cutters have fantastic cutting accuracy and are the ideal tool of choice for internal cutouts. Whether you are in need of patterns, designs, or logos, waterjet cutting can accomplish all your specifications and needs with ease. Its precision is top-of-the-line and is capable of creating the most complex shapes and sizes.

Zero Heat Zones

Waterjet cutting includes zero heated zones during its process, which completely eliminates the risk of heat distortion and hardened edges. The molecular structure of parts and materials will never change and will always remain the same. Say goodbye to warping, inaccurate cuts, and other unnecessary obstacles and outcomes. 

Industries that Utilize Waterjet Cutting

Since waterjet cutting is a very reliable and highly accurate manufacturing process, it can be of service to provide a variety of industries with a wide range of needs. The industries that utilize waterjet cutting include:

• Aerospace
• Architecture 
• Automotive
• Electronic
• Manufacturing
• And more!

Contact Markham Metals for a Waterjet Cutting Quote!

Markham Metals in Wilmington, MA, offers top-of-the-line waterjet cutting services for all your current and upcoming projects. We understand the importance of specifications and precision; that’s why we offer several other high-end metal fabrication services throughout New England! We also obtain an extensive inventory of durable metals to ensure every contracting project can withstand the test of time. Contact Markham Metals today for a free quote by calling 978-658-1121 or filling out our contact form!

Metal fabrication and welding are two terms commonly associated with each other within the metalworking industry. Although they share commonalities, it’s essential to understand the differences between these two vital metalworking services. Metal fabrication is an entire cycle of metalworking projects and parts. Welding is a part of the metal fabrication cycle, but its purpose separates from the rest of the metal fabrication objectives. They employ different processes, which also means they utilize distinct skill sets. Continue reading as we delve into the primary purposes and key differences between metal fabrication and welding. 

What is Metal Fabrication?

Metal Fabrication is a manufacturing process that shapes metals into specialized parts and products with specialized and professional techniques. The process involves precision that begins with design and ends with a finished product. The tools involved in metal fabrication are extensive and include shears, mills, lathes, CNC machines, and many more.  Based on design specifications, the metal fabrication process ensures that every component is precisely shaped and cut. Overall, metal fabrication is a vital and influential component of every industry.

What is Welding?

Welding is a type of metal fabrication that joins metals and other materials together through the application of high heat. The heat melts the parts, which then cool and fuse together. In certain circumstances, a filler metal is added, creating a strong bond between the metal pieces. Welding methods can be differentiated, but they all involve heating metal and occasionally adding a filler metal. The ultimate goal of every welding process is to join two pieces of metal together permanently. 

What are the Differences?

Both metalworking processes are distinct, but each serves different values for projects that involve metal. The metal fabrication process involves shaping, cutting, and combining various metals into specialized products and parts with exact specifications. This includes the use of several saws and lasers, bending with specialized tools, and applying finishing touches by grinding and painting. Welding is primarily about joining pieces of metal together. It focuses on using high heat to bond the metal pieces permanently. To summarize, metal fabrication encompasses the entire metalworking process, whereas welding is just one component of it. 

Need a Free Quote on Metal Fabrication Services? Contact Markham Metals in Wilmington, MA, Today!

Markham Metals is home to the best metal fabrication services to suit all your project specification needs in New England! Our experts have over 30 years of experience, as well as significant knowledge and equipment to enhance your next project to the next level. Aside from efficient metal fabrication services, we also offer a wide range of durable metals, including steel, aluminum, and various metal alloys, to ensure structural integrity, resistance, and longevity. Make the first step by calling us today at (978)658-1121 or filling out our contact form!

When it comes to metal cutting, many different and efficient processes are used for specific projects and objectives. Here at Markham Metals in Wilmington, MA, we offer some of the best and most efficient metal cutting processes that elevate your projects to the next level while aligning with your specific requirements and meeting deadlines. Learn more about the best metal cutting processes below for further information and insight! 

Plasma Cutting

Plasma cutting involves cutting various metals, such as steel, iron, copper, brass, etc., with outstanding precision using a plasma torch. High-speed gas is blown, creating an electrical arc through the nozzle, which cuts the surface of the metal while turning the gas into plasma. Plasma cutting is perfect for specific industries, such as metal fabrication, automotive, and construction, and is one of the best cutting processes for projects that require ultimate precision. 

Flame Cutting

Flame cutting is one of the most effective ways to cut carbon and alloy steel plates to the specified shape and requirement. It’s a burning process that begins with heating the surface of a plate with a flame, which is then injected with a high-pressure stream of oxygen. The flame and oxygen combine for intense heat, which is used through a nozzle to easily cut metal plates. 

Saw Cutting

Saw cutting is used to prepare steel tubing, rods, channels, and other materials for the welding process. It’s a machining process that effectively transforms metal pieces into desired shapes and sizes. This process offers versatility and the ability to cut many different types of metals, and it is considered to be one of the most effective processes in metal fabrication and machinery. Saw cutting is excellent for medium to heavy-duty manufacturing, construction, and crafts applications. 

Water Jet Cutting

Water jet cutting utilizes CNC programming to cut shapes, patterns, and parts out of metals perfectly. It uses fresh water, very high amounts of pressure, and an intensifier pump, which adds pressure to the hydraulic fluid to signal a back-and-forth motion. The water is used through a pressurized tubing, controlled through the head on/off valve. Materials used and cut with the water jet include textiles, rubbers, foams, plastic, and more!

Contact Markham Metals for a Quick Metal Fabrication Quote in New England Today!

Markham Metals in Wilmington, MA, has you covered with New England’s best and most efficient metal fabrication services! Whether you need plasma cutting, flame cutting, saw cutting, water jet cutting, or more, we’ve got you covered! With over 30 years of experience serving New England, you can count on us for quick and effective metal fabrication. Call us at (978) 658-1121 or fill out our contact form and receive a free quote!