A CNC profile cutting machine moves a plasma torch or an oxy-fuel (gas) torch over a steel plate to cut shapes from a drawing. Plasma is quick on thin and medium plate; gas cutting handles very thick mild steel. Many machines carry both.
Quick facts
- Size given as
- Bed size, e.g. 1.5 × 3 m or 2.5 × 6 m
- Plasma thickness
- About 1–40 mm (0.0394–1.57 inch), depending on the power source
- Gas thickness
- About 6–150 mm (0.236–5.91 inch) and more (mild steel)
- Typical accuracy
- About ±0.5–1 mm (±0.0197–0.0394 inch)
- Input
- DXF drawing, nested on the plate by software
- Edge
- Small bevel and dross; rougher than laser
Plasma or gas torch?
- Plasma: fast on mild steel, stainless and aluminium up to medium thickness
- Oxy-fuel: slower, but cuts very thick mild steel at low cost
- Machines with both torches switch by plate thickness
Typical parts
- Base plates, flanges and gussets
- Brackets and frames for fabrication
- Blanks for machining and forging dies
- Heavy structural parts
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Questions
- Plasma cutter or fibre laser?
- Fibre laser is more accurate with a cleaner edge on sheet and thin plate; plasma is cheaper to run and faster on thicker plate.
- Can a plasma cutter cut stainless steel?
- Yes, plasma cuts stainless steel and aluminium. Oxy-fuel (gas) cutting works only on mild and low-alloy steel.
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.