If you’re new to working with metal in Phoenix, the process of cutting metal materials can seem a little intimidating. Nonetheless, precision metal cutting is a crucial part of metal fabrication, construction, and manufacturing. Understanding the different types of cutting methods can help all buyers, and especially those new to the industry, make smart decisions, have greater success with projects, and ultimately lower overhead costs.

Metal cutting defined

Often referred to as “machining,” metal cutting is simply the process of shaping metal into the desired size and form by removing excess material. Machining turns raw or larger pieces of metal into the desired shape, size, and finish.

Precision cutting in Arizona in particular is a key component of successful manufacturing and custom fabrication, using specialized equipment to trim and shape metal items to very exact specifications.

Precision cutting methods and tools

• Mechanical saws, which include band saws, cold saws, and circular saws, are prized for creating minimal waste and clean finishes. The process includes using continuous metal bands to cut materials like tubes, angles, and bars cleanly.
• Plasma cutting uses a fast stream of very hot ionized gas to make quick and precise cuts. Plasma cutting is effective when working with non-ferrous and electrically conductive metals like stainless steel, steel, brass, copper, and aluminum. This metal cutting method is also considered efficient thanks to its fast operation and because slicing starts instantly when the trigger is pulled.
• Power shears are handheld tools that allow for straight cuts, precise edges, and no material loss. Cutting metal in Arizona with power shears allows for minimal operator strain. While power shears are not ideal when cutting stainless steel or metal thicker than ⅛ of an inch, they work very well when working with galvanized steel, aluminum, copper, and brass.
• Waterjet cutting uses a high-pressure stream of water mixed with abrasive material to cut through metal materials. Amazingly, waterjet cutting is effective for metals up to 6 inches thick. This metal cutting method provides smooth edges without risk for warping, micro-cracking, hardening, or burns. This cold-cutting process is best used on stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, brass, copper, carbon steel, and superalloys.
• Computer Numerical Control (CNC) cutting uses programmed computer codes to cut or carve with exact precision. This cutting method is ideal when many identical cuts are needed; in fact, CNC cutting machines can produce thousands of identical pieces without error. CNC cutting in Scottsdale is also prized for efficient, fast, and nearly waste-free processes. At Arizona Iron Supply we’re proud to offer top-grade CNC cutting services for our customers with stress-free online ordering. Simply send us your DXF or CAD file, and we’ll have your order ready when you need it.

Arizona Iron Supply is your source for all Phoenix AZ metal purchase and metal cutting supplies and services. No matter what your order is, we’re here to work with your budget, job size, schedule, and cutting specifications. Give us a call or request a bid today. We’re experts in the field, and are ready to get to work for you.