Plasma and gas cutting job work cuts shapes out of steel plate on a CNC profile cutting machine. Plasma cutting is fast for thin and medium plates; oxy-fuel (gas) cutting handles thick mild steel plates. Both are cheaper than laser on thick plate, with a rougher edge.
Quick facts
- Plasma thickness
- About 1–40 mm (0.0394–1.57 inch), best around 3–25 mm (0.118–0.984 inch)
- Gas (oxy-fuel) thickness
- About 6–150 mm (0.236–5.91 inch) and more, mild steel only
- Typical accuracy
- About ±0.5–1 mm (±0.0197–0.0394 inch)
- Edge
- Slight bevel and dross; may need grinding
- Input
- DXF drawing, material and thickness, quantity
- Usually priced
- Per metre of cut, per piece or per kg
Plasma, gas or laser?
| Method | Best for | Edge and accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| Laser | Thin to medium sheet, fine detail, small holes | Clean edge, about ±0.1 mm (±0.0039 inch) |
| Plasma | Medium plate, mild steel, stainless, aluminium | Small bevel, about ±0.5 mm (±0.0197 inch) |
| Oxy-fuel (gas) | Thick mild steel plate | Rougher edge, wider kerf, about ±1 mm (±0.0394 inch) |
What to send
- A DXF (or DWG) file at full scale
- Material, grade and plate thickness
- Quantity of each part
- Whether you supply the plate or the cutter does
- Any edges that need grinding or machining after cutting
Tips
- Holes smaller than the plate thickness are better drilled than plasma cut
- Allow for the kerf and heat-affected edge on accurate parts
- Nesting many parts on one plate lowers the cost per part
Need plasma and gas cutting done?
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Questions
- Is plasma cutting cheaper than laser cutting?
- On plates above about 10–12 mm (0.394–0.472 inch), plasma is usually cheaper and faster. On thin sheet with fine detail, laser gives a cleaner, more accurate edge.
- How thick can gas cutting cut?
- Oxy-fuel cutting handles mild steel from about 6 mm (0.236 inch) to well over 150 mm (5.91 inch). It does not work on stainless steel or aluminium.
- Does a plasma-cut edge need finishing?
- Often a light grinding to remove dross and the slight bevel, especially on parts that will be welded or fitted.
The figures on this page are typical values for guidance, written by Diemeco from standard engineering practice. They are not a specification: confirm grades and properties with the relevant standard or the supplier's mill test certificate, and tolerances with your workshop. Last checked 9 October 2026.