Finding a balance between cost and quality is crucial for any metal cutting project. Plasma and flame cutting are the ideal methods for a variety of metal projects as they offer the best quality finish at the best price.
In this article, we explain the advantages of each method and help to guide you in choosing the best method for the job.
Choosing The Right Steel Cutting Method For Your Needs
In South Africa, flame and plasma cutting are two of the most effective and popular metal cutting methods.
Kappa Engineering offers plasma and flame cutting services with a 2 day turnaround time.
Click here to receive expert advice for your project.
What is Plasma Cutting?
Plasma cutting is the process of cutting through electrically conductive materials by means of an accelerated jet of hot plasma.
The technology behind this method has greatly improved in recent years, allowing for high-precision plasma cutting. This new technology enables laser-like precision at the plasma cutting edges. Combined with Computer Numerical Control (CNC), the end product requires little or no reworking, simplifying follow-up processes such as welding.
Metals best suited for plasma cutting are steel, stainless steel, aluminium, brass, copper and other conductive metals, making it slightly more versatile in this area than Flame cutting.
Plasma cutting is widely used in manufacturing, automotive repair and restoration, as well as industrial construction.
This method offers high-speed turnaround and precision while still keeping costs low.
Video Created By: Messer Cutting Systems and Hypertherm
What is Flame Cutting?
Flame cutting is a technique that uses an oxy-fuel gas flame to cut through metal. The flame first heats the metal, whereafter a high-pressure stream of pure oxygen follows, forming iron oxide. This waste product is then blasted away by an oxygen jet, cutting into the metal.
This method offers exceptional efficiency in projects with thicker metal – where plasma can often no longer get through. This helps to reduce time and production costs.
Flame cutting, however, works exclusively on metals that have carbon in them, limiting its application. Examples include carbon steel, low alloy steels and cast irons.
Fortunately, most industrial parts and structures are made from iron or steel – making flame cutting a viable option for many projects. Industries that make use of flame cutting are agriculture, military, mining, rail, forestry, construction, power generation and many more.
Talk to a representative today to find out which cutting method is right for your project.
Plasma Cutting System VS Flame Cutting System
| Plasma Cutting | Flame Cutting |
| Ideal for precision work | Ideal for thicker metals |
| Cleaner cut – perfect where precision is needed | Rougher cut – needs to be cleaned up with a grinder |
| Faster on thin metals | Slower, but with capacity for multiple torches for thicker metals |
| Suitable for 1mm to 30mm metal | Suitable for 10mm to 100mm metal |
Advantages of Plasma and Flame Cutting
The advantage of Plasma is that a wide variety of materials can be cut with this method. It also has a narrower kerf, and the high-quality cut edge means you get the ultimate precision for your project.
Flame cutting has its own advantages and fills the gaps where Plasma falls short. It is more effective and economical for thick sections of metal.
At Kappa Engineering, no matter the size of your project, we have the experience and tools to get it done.
With both Plasma and Flame Cutting at our disposal, we will ensure that your project is completed with the best end result and the best service.
Contact us today to discuss your manufacturing needs. With our 24 hour delivery time on thinner metals and 48 hour delivery on thicker metals, Kappa Engineering is the perfect partner to your business.
