Plasma Cutting Services

WHAT IS PLASMA CUTTING AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

Plasma cutting, otherwise known as plasma arc cutting, is a technique that we carry out at MJ Patch to cut through conductive materials such as steel, stainless steel, brass, copper and aluminium. Plasma cutting is an efficient cutting method compared to other processes as it’s low-cost, fast and versatile as you can use it for shape cutting, piercing, gouging and bevelling. 

Plasma cutting is a thermal cutting method which means it uses heat to cut metal, rather than mechanical cutting which relies on physical or abrasive force. This method of cutting relies on a process whereby highly pressurised inert gases are blown through an electrical arc which creates a state known as plasma. 

The temperature of plasma is extremely hot reaching temperatures of up to 20,000°C and because the metal being cut conducts the electrical arc, the plasma is directed onto the localised area at speed producing a powerful separation force. To ensure a clean cut we also employ an additional jet of ionised gas for the purpose of clearing the cutting incision of molten metal.

Steel Fabrication specialists by your side from beginning to end

Concept

Design

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Fabrication

Installation

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PLASMA ARC CUTTING?

Short Preparation Time 

Plasma cutting doesn’t require extensive preparation time as there is no requirement to preheat metal before cutting like you would other methods. This speeds up the process, meaning you can get more cutting completed in a specific timeframe. 

Fast Cutting Method  

Plasma cutting is typically the quickest method for conductive metals, cutting at a speed of around 200 inches per minute. With fast cutting being one of the main benefits, this allows for larger quantities of metal to be cut in a timeframe, resulting in a more affordable solution. 

Cost-Effectiveness

One of the main advantages of plasma cutting is that it’s typically more cost-effective compared to other cutting methods. This is because of multiple factors such as speed and low maintenance.  

Versatility 

Plasma cutters are versatile as they cut a vast range of conductive metals such as steel, stainless steel, aluminium, copper and brass. You can also use a plasma cutter for a variety of types such as shape cutting, piercing, gouging and bevelling.

Why choose MJ Patch Engineering for plasma cutting?

At MJ Patch Engineering we have 63 years experience in steel fabrication and profiling across a multitude of projects spanning many sectors. Our continued success across these diverse areas has been down to our ability to articulate the exact requirements of our clients, and deliver effective solutions for their projects regardless of complexity.

Keeping up with our industry and constantly investing in the latest technology has also had a part to play in contributing towards our reputation. Our modern high-performance plasma cutting facilities include both underwater and above water cutting capability. The dedicated MJ Patch plasma cutting team have years of valuable experience in this very niche profession and undergo continual training to develop their skills to a high level.

If you are looking for end-to-end professional metal fabrication services with full plasma cutting capabilities, please fill out an interest form or call our dedicated engineering team on 01275 288984.

We also offer other in-house processes such as laser cutting, drilling, folding, profiling, brushed polishing and welding.

COMMON PLASMA CUT METALS

Plasma cutters are only used on electrically conductive materials as plasma creates an electrical connection between the raw material and the torch. Plasma cutters typically cut up to 150mm thick plates, depending on various factors. Materials that aren’t electrically conductive won’t react to the ionized gas from the torch which means they can’t be cut such as wood, lead, tin and manganese. 

The following metals can be cut with a plasma cutter:

  • Mild steel
  • Stainless steel
  • Copper
  • Brass
  • Aluminum 

TRUSTED PLASMA-CUTTING EXPERTS IN BRISTOL 

With almost 70 years of experience providing metal fabrication services, MJ Patch has grown to be one of the leading steel fabrication companies in Bristol and across the South West. Founded in 1955, we are an independent company that supplies steel and offers a variety of fabrication and engineering services to many different industries across the UK. 

Our highly trained engineers ensure all metalwork is cut with immaculate precision with our plasma cutting services. If you are looking for end-to-end professional metal fabrication services with full plasma cutting capabilities, please fill out an interest form or call our dedicated engineering team on 01275 288984.

 

You should not use a plasma cutter with materials that aren’t electrically conductive because these materials won’t react with the ionized gas coming from the torch. For example, a plasma cutter can not be used on materials such as wood, glass, plastic and poorly conductive metals like tin, lead and manganese. 

We start off the process with a free consultation to discuss your requirements. Following the consultation, we will be able to provide you with a free no-obligation quote for our plasma-cutting services. This is where we can then carry out the service, and offer affordable delivery across the South West and surrounding areas. If you require our plasma arc-cutting services, call us today at 01275 288984 or simply fill out the enquiry form on our website.

We specialise in a variety of steel fabrication services including tube bending, finishing, press breaking, cutting, brushed polishing, drilling, plasma cutting, and welding. If you require one of these services, please don’t hesitate to contact us by calling us to speak with one of our specialists, or completing a contact form on our website where we will then be in touch.