Plasma cutting in Dublin: what it can and cannot do
Plasma cutting is the workhorse of steel profiling. It is fast, it handles thick plate and it is far cheaper than laser for most structural work, provided you understand what edge quality to expect.
How it works
A plasma torch forces gas through a constricted arc, producing a jet hot enough to melt the metal and fast enough to blow the molten material out of the cut. Under CNC control the torch follows a programmed path, so complex profiles are as easy to produce as straight lines.
Because it is a thermal process, there is a narrow heat affected zone at the cut edge and a slight taper to the cut face. For structural components that is entirely acceptable; for a precision machined fit it is not.
What it suits
Base plates, gussets, cleats, end plates, brackets, flange plates, cover plates and decorative panels. Anything where the part needs to be the right shape and size but does not need a machined edge.
Plasma handles a wide thickness range comfortably, which is where it beats laser on cost for structural plate. Thin sheet is possible but laser generally gives a cleaner result there.
Tolerances and finishing
Expect a small amount of dross on the underside, a slight bevel on the cut face and a hardened edge. Where a part is going to be welded, none of this matters. Where holes need to be tapped or a bolt needs a close fit, we drill rather than plasma cut the hole.
We can grind or linish edges where the part will be visible or handled, and that is worth specifying at order stage.
Getting parts cut
Send DXF files where you have them, since that is what goes straight to the machine. A dimensioned PDF or a clear sketch also works and we will produce the file.
We nest parts to minimise waste, so ordering a batch together costs less per part than ordering them one at a time. Cutting is done in our Dublin 22 workshop alongside drilling, folding and welding, so parts do not travel between subcontractors.
Want this priced for your own job? Send us your drawings or a photo and we will come back with a fixed price, usually within one working day.
Common questions
Need this done properly? Talk to the workshop.
Send us drawings, a sketch or a site photo. We come back with a fixed price and a firm lead time, usually within one working day.