Understanding the art of steel bevelling

Anyone can cut steel, but to cut with precision and deliver a quality bevelled edge takes skill, practice and ingenuity. For many metal fabricators, creating the perfect bevelled edge is an art, which sometimes takes hours or possibly days to get right.

What is steel bevelling?

Bevelling is a steel cutting process that prepares the steel for welding. Cutting steel a certain way before welding, depending on the steel type and its application, strengthens the joint considerably. This process is ideal for heavy-duty machinery and equipment made for shipping, construction, and mining, as well as agricultural and forestry use.

What cuts are made in steel bevelling?

The steel can be cut a number of ways and understanding the various types of bevels and where they work best is a part of the art of bevelling. The most common bevel cuts you will encounter include:

• The top bevel – this bevel cut resembles a wedge shape, with the bottom of the steel cut being longer than the top. Therefore, the wedge looks like the left side of the letter V when cut in half.
• The bottom bevel – this cut is the top bevel flipped upside down. So the bottom of the steel cut is shorter than the top. Hence, the cut looks like the left side of the letter A when cut in half.
• A top bevel with a land – the top of the cut is at an outward sloping angle, then mid-way through the steel plate, the cut is squared-off. This bevel looks like the left side of the letter Y when cut in half.
• A bottom bevel with a land – this cut is the top bevel with a land flipped upside down. So the top of the steel is squared off, and the bottom slopes back under the top. This cut resembles the left side of the letter Y when cut in half and then flipped upside down.
• The X bevel – this bevel looks like the left side of the letter X when cut in half.

ShapeCUT bevel cutting

Are you looking for a bevel cutting artist? Then contact ShapeCUT on 1800 742 732. We offer you a quality CNC bevelling service. We use a plasma and oxy bevel head to get quality cuts in steel of many thicknesses.

If you’d like to learn more about our services, contact us today.