How To Cut Steel

Human’s have been cutting and fabricating steel since we lit the first forge. Taking over iron, learning how to cut steel paved the way for today’s infrastructure and domestic construction. There are many different techniques for cutting steel, with new methodologies and tools for cutting steel revolutionising what we can achieve. However, despite the technological advancements, you still need to know what you’re doing.

Cutting steel is a process best left to the experts, especially when efficiency and accuracy are non-negotiable. So read along with us as we break down the ins and outs of how to cut steel and the innovative methods Steel Builders uses for cutting steel, including laser-cut steel and high-tech, plasmas cut steel. We’ll even tell you about some of the professional software and industry-leading machinery we use to achieve your project goals.

State of the Art Steel Processing & Fabrication

Steel Builders use high-quality Peddinghaus machinery designed in Germany and made in the USA. Our processing machinery operates using 3D-based Raptor Programming Technology that integrates seamlessly with our specialised and Auto-CAD software. By processing steel through our machinery, we not only greatly enhance turnaround time and our factory’s capacity, but ensure millimetre accuracy on every bit of steel we cut, drill and fabricate for your project.

Some of the Peddinghaus machinery we use include the multi-spindle PCDC Beam Line that can drill, mill, countersink, tap, engrave and cut steel. We also use two fully automatic MEBA Band Saws for nesting steel, cut, and mitre cut steel at nearly any angle. Machines, like those from Peddinghaus, are 9x more efficient than human labour, are more accurate and reliable, almost guaranteeing improved lead times thanks to the combination of machines we have available to use.

Sawing

Friction sawing is one of the most common methods for cutting steel. Depending on the thickness of the steel, friction sawing spins a heat-treated bandsaw or circular saw at high speeds to cut through steel. Alternatively, cold sawing cuts through steel without generating heat thanks to a flood of coolant during cutting, enabling heat transfer away from the blade towards the cut material, producing highly accurate cuts without burrs. 

Oxy-Fuel Cutting 

One of the oldest methods in the group, oxy-fuel torch cutting, or flame cutting, is also one of the simplest ways to cut steel. Able to cut through very thick steel plates, our Liberator Robot oxy-fuel cutter delivers a smooth, square-cut surface with minimal slag on the bottom edge and a slightly rounded top edge due to preheat flames. Suitable for many applications, oxy-fuel steel cutting requires little to no further treatment once complete. Cutting can be completed with more than one torch as well, allowing technicians to multiple their output. 

Angle Processing 

Also known as a guillotine, our angle processing machinery from Peddinghaus utilises an innovative patented Roller Feed design to flex with the material to ensure a constant roll and an accurate measurement.

Plasma Cutting

For something quicker than oxy-fuel torch cutting, plasma arc cutters are a fantastic option, albeit with a small sacrifice in edge quality. If increased production is what you’re after, plasma cutting steel is one of the fastest options available. At Steel Builders, we use a Samson Flat Bed Plasma Cutter for cutting plates at any shape and size.

Laser Cutting

Slowing things down for increased accuracy, laser cutting uses the extreme heat of a focused laser beam instead of a pre-heat flame to cut through steel via a burning process. As a result, laser cutting is limited by the chemical reaction speed between Iron and Oxygen. However, this combustion process offers incredible accuracy and edge quality, thanks to the narrow kerf width, which allows for precise contours and holes. Laser cutting is also a reliable method that can be automated, allowing many laser-cut operations to be done “lights-out” or overnight without human supervision.

Waterjet Cutting

One of the more exciting methods for cutting steel, waterjets offer a smooth and highly accurate cut that can exceed the accuracy of laser cutting. In addition, Waterjet steel cuts deliver smooth edges without heat distortion, allowing for thicker steel cuts. A significant drawback of waterjet cutting, however, is the additional water flow and operation costs.

Multi-Process Cutting

Get the best results with multi-process steel cutting and do away with the disadvantages. Switching between slower, more accurate processes to faster and cheaper methods can improve efficiency and production quality. All Steel Builders machinery is connected via cross-transfer and powered conveyors to maximise efficiency in processing your steel. Or, as we like to say, hands-off steel. 

Operating 24/7 throughout most of the year, Steel Builders Sydney is the ideal destination for your project’s steel cutting, fabrication, and processing. We continually invest in the latest steel cutting and fabrication technology and processes to ensure the shortest possible lead times. Delivering pinpoint accuracy on everything we process, it’s how we build relationships in steel. Visit our website today and get in contact with our friendly staff to get started.