ShapeCUT

From Plate to Pack: The Steel Profile Cutting Process

CNC machinesLaser Cutting Machinesprofile cutterprofile cutting servicessteel profile cutting
Published by: iFactory Support, August 15, 2021

Understanding The Steel Profile Cutting Process

Steel profile cutting is an in-depth process that takes a piece of steel and transforms it into specific shapes and parts, ready to be used in a range of construction and manufacturing applications.

It’s a multi-faceted process and there are various professional profile cutting methods available.

Commercial steel profile cutting is typically carried out on a table using a CNC machine suited for the type of steel product and the desired cut.

Let’s look at how it’s done – check out the video below, or read on.

Quality steel profile cutting begins with a quality brief

With so many different methods to choose from, it’s important that a profile cutting service provider understands the requirement thoroughly. Your provider should ask plenty of questions to help select the right materials and right machine process for the right job.

You can rest easy if your steel cutting provider is quality certified, like us. ShapeCUT are accredited with the QCSE ISO 9001 and have over 25 years’ experience under our belt to know what works best.

Preparing steel plate for the cutting process

Whether working with thin sheet metal, or thick gauge steel plate, the steel is thoroughly cleaned before cutting. This process ensures that there is no residue on the steel. A smooth, grit-free surface is perfect for high-precision cutting.

ShapeCUT store thousands of tonnes of steel on-site. We keep all different steel grades, finishes and gauges on-hand to suit diverse job requests and so we can process high volume, complex steel cutting jobs quickly, without having to order in steel stock.

Programming the design

CNC Profile cutting machines are programmed with exact specifications to achieve the cut required – from intricate designs to heavy duty parts. Machine cutting ensures cut precision and repeatability – and is essential for commercial steel preparation.

ShapeCUT have 14 computerised cutting machines in our Brisbane workshop.

All steel profile cutting is delivered ready to be assembled or machined with any slag removed to reduce your production times.

Selecting the right steel profile cutting machine

Steel profile cutting can be achieved using a number of different CNC Machines.

Machine types vary as there are a number of different kinds of metals available in various thickness and grades, and not all can be cut the same way.

ShapeCUT offer three top choices for working with steel: Oxy, plasma and laser. Each machine involves a unique process and suits different types of jobs.

Oxy cutting is for thick steel

Oxy steel profile cutting

Oxy is one of the most common methods. If you’re looking for a low-cost method to cut a two-dimension profile from a steel plate, then oxy cutting is perfect. An oxy-acetylene flame cuts the profile into the steel by melting through. Not only is it a low cost option, but oxy is the only choice for thicker gauge steel plate. It cuts up to 300 mm thick.

plasma cutting is a versatile profile cutting service

Plasma steel profile cutting

Plasma is a versatile choice, and can be used for various metal grades and thicknesses of stainless steel and carbon steel. This cutting method creates less distortion as it uses pressurised gas, which is channelled and electrically charged to produce an arc some 20,000C hot that cuts the metal.

Plasma requires no pre-heating and creates a smaller heat-affected zone, so it is well-suited to achieving fine details in steel up to 150mm thick. This is why plasma cutting is a go-to for complex, large scale cutting jobs requiring high levels of accuracy and speed.

laser cutting

Laser steel profile cutting

Laser cutting is extremely precise and cost efficient. Laser beams cut shapes into steel sheet, cleanly and accurately, with minimal distortion, and allows for narrow cutting and close nesting. It is best suited for fine detail-work on thinner steel sheet between 0.2-25 mm in thickness. It is also a top choice for stainless steel.

Preparing and packing the steel parts

Once the pieces are cut, the parts are checked over thoroughly to ensure the highest quality. We can then “dress the plate” through additional metal processing, or pack and label the parts. At ShapeCUT, we deliver Australia-wide and also ship steel parts internationally.

ShapeCUT’s steel profile cutting services

If you’re in search of a high-quality profile cutter, look no further. ShapeCUT is all about precision, reliability and speed. With more than 25 years’ experience, we have the skill, steel stock, and huge range of machines to get the job done.

To find out more about a one-off design or a bulk order, contact ShapeCUT on 1800 742 732.

Editor’s note: This blog article was originally published in 2016 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness in August 2021.