Cutting sheet metal is a major element of sheet metal fabrication, in which metal sheets are precisely shaped, formed and joined to create products for various industry sectors. There are many different ways in which sheet metal can be cut, including:
Shearing
Shearing is the simplest and most cost-effective form of sheet metal cutting, using essentially very strong scissors to cut straight lines in thin sheet metal.
Laser cutting
Companies such as https://dkmsheetmetal.co.uk use laser technology to melt, burn or vaporise metals up to 12mm thick. They are usually controlled by specialist CNC systems that allow intricate shapes and patterns to be cut from the sheet metal.
Water jet cutting
A high-pressure water stream, mixed with abrasive materials, is used to cut through metal in temperature-sensitive environments as the continuous application of water cools the metal as it is cut.
Plasma cutting
Plasma cutting is the favoured method for cutting through thick electrically conductive materials such as aluminium and steel using a plasma torch.
Punching
Punching uses a punch and die to cut shapes out of sheet metal. It is primarily used for repetitive rather than intricate functions.
Choosing the appropriate technique
The technique chosen depends upon the thickness of the metal, the budget available and the complexity of the task. Where a sheet metal cutting task is simple, requiring only straight lines and thin material, shearing may be all that is required, however if a bespoke and technically intricate product is to be manufactured, laser cutting may be a more appropriate option.
