What is Plasma Cutting?
Plasma cutting is a process that uses a high-velocity jet of ionised gas (plasma) to cut through electrically conductive materials like steel, stainless steel, and aluminium. It’s ideal for cutting thicker materials and is commonly used in metal fabrication, automotive repair, and industrial construction. Learn more from the official article on Wikipedia – Plasma Cutting
Why Plasma Cutting is Still Relevant
Even with the rise of fibre lasers, plasma cutting continues to play a key role in fabrication shops due to:
- Cost-effectiveness for cutting thicker metals (10 mm and above)
- Faster cut speeds for medium-thickness mild steel
- Lower capital and maintenance costs compared to fibre lasers
- Ability to cut dirty, painted, or rusty material, where lasers struggle
- Durability in rough environments such as repair shops or fieldwork
Advantages Over Fibre Lasers
| Feature | Plasma | Fibre Laser |
| Thick Material (>20 mm) | ✔ Better suited | ✖ Limited effectiveness |
| Initial Cost | ✔ Lower | ✖ High |
| Operating Cost | ✔ Lower | ✖ Higher (consumables, optics) |
| Material Prep | ✔ Tolerates rust/paint | ✖ Requires clean surface |
| Speed (Mild Steel, mid-range) | ✔ Competitive | ✔ Competitive |
How to Quote Plasma Cutting Services
Plasma cutting quotes are typically based on:
• Material type and thickness
• Cut length (linear metres)
• Pierce count
• Machine time (minutes/hour)
• Consumables cost
• Mark-up/margin
Optional additions include setup time, material handling, edge clean-up, and secondary processes (like drilling or beveling).
How Smart Cut Quote Can Help
Smart Cut Quote software simplifies and speeds up the quoting process:
• ✅ Imports DXF files directly, reducing manual entry
• ✅ Calculates cut length, pierces, and total machine time
• ✅ Supports operation-based costing—add prep, clean-up, and more
• ✅ Offers cost breakdowns, margin control, and sheet/material tracking
• ✅ Generates clear customer-ready quotes in minutes
Visit the Official Website or see the Features Overview to explore more. For queries or support, go to the Contact Page
Additional Resources
Here are some industry providers offering plasma cutting services that show the ongoing relevance of the technology:
Direct Fabrications RapidDirect P.P. Group Calvert Site Services