Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, and the term “carbon steel” typically refers to steel that contains a percentage of carbon ranging from 0.2% to 2%. The most common type of steel is at the low end of that range. Low-carbon or mild steel is the least expensive and most versatile form of steel, and it is easy to work with. The following are the best methods for cutting low carbon steel Seattle, WA.
Plasma Arc Cutting
The word “plasma” denotes the fourth form of matter, after solids, liquids, and gases. A plasma torch cuts through metal with a stream of gas that is heated by an electrical arc. With enough heat, the gas loses its essential molecular structure and begins to flow like a liquid. Although various gases can be used, oxygen is the preferred gas for cutting carbon steel because the oxygen reacts with the metal and speeds up the cutting process.
Laser Cutting
Laser cutting involves the application of heat in the form of a highly concentrated beam of light. Pressurized oxygen may also be applied to the metal to facilitate the cutting process through oxidation. Like a plasma torch, a laser cutter melts or burns the metal make a cut; however, there is less effect on the metal from the heat of the laser because the beam is so narrow.
Waterjet Cutting
A waterjet cutter uses a highly pressurized stream of water laced with garnet to cut metal. One of the advantages of cutting with a waterjet is the absence of a heat-affected zone. Extreme heat can change the chemical structure of the cut edge, making it harder or discolored, for example. Visit Online to see how Specialty Metals employs a waterjet cutter for a wide variety of purposes.
Comparisons
While all three of these methods work well to cut carbon steel Seattle, WA, there are a few differences to bear in mind. Lasers tend to be the most precise and use the least energy of the three methods. Plasma torches, on the other hand, are the best choice for cutting thicker sheets of metal. The main advantage of a waterjet cutter, as mentioned above, is the fact that it leaves no heat-affected zone.
