ISO 9013:2017 grades thermally cut surfaces by perpendicularity or angularity tolerance (u) and surface roughness, and gives dimensional tolerances for the cut. Flatness isn’t covered. Thickness ranges in the 2017 edition: oxy-fuel 3 to 300 mm, plasma 0.5 to 150 mm, laser 0.5 to 32 mm. Older editions give other ranges, so check which one your spec quotes.
Our laser takes sheets up to 6,000 × 2,500 mm and cuts up to 40 mm. Our plasma cuts plate up to 50 mm. Because the laser range in the 2017 edition stops at 32 mm, agree the acceptance criteria with us in writing for laser cuts thicker than that.
| Process | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Laser | Tight tolerances, fine detail, small holes and clean edges in thin to medium plate | Thickness limits; an oxide layer when cutting with oxygen |
| Plasma | Fast and cost-effective on thick plate | Wider kerf, heat-affected edge, some bevel on thick plate |
| Waterjet | No heat-affected zone; cuts non-metals and very thick material | Slower per part |
Answer a few questions and you get a list of what to attach, plus a summary you can send us straight away.
Laser for tight tolerances, detail and clean edges up to medium thickness. Plasma for thick plate where speed and cost matter more than the edge. Send the drawing and thickness and we'll suggest one.
Laser up to 40 mm and plasma up to 50 mm in mild steel. Waterjet covers materials and thicknesses outside that.
No. If flatness matters, state it separately.
Check the numbers against the current edition of each standard and your project spec.