Most people in the metal trimming industry ask themselves what metal trimming process manufacturing is. However, this isn’t a question you can answer with a simple statement. It includes many factors such as the trim’s quality, type of metal being cut, thickness, and the timeline for completion. However, you can understand the trimming process manufacturing technologies through their types. This article explains the four types of metal trimming process manufacturing technologies.
- Oxyfuel
Oxyfuel uses a torch that heats metal to a blazing temperature. The metal reacts with an oxygen stream, thus oxidizing its surface and blowing it away to develop the trim. Because heat is a by-product of the reaction, it’s used to cut mild steel having a thickness range of 1 to 12 inches. Oxyfuel subjects metals to a high tolerance.
- Laser
Lasers produce low divergent beams having a defined wavelength when trimming metals. Most laser machines use a CO2 resonator ranging from 1.5 kW to 6 kW. When metal trimming processes began, lasers were only used to trim thin sheets of metal. However, with the advancement of technology, more powerful resonators have been created to emit lasers capable of cutting up to 1.5 inches thick steel.
When using this technology, you need to be careful about the metal surfaces. Lasers aren’t ideal for reflective surfaces because they repel the light and make it bounce back. You also need to maintain laser machines to increase their efficiency. Most machines come with a manual that outlines how you should carry out maintenance. Alternatively, you can hire a professional to help you service its parts.
- Plasma
Plasma trimming involves hitting gases with a high temperature until it ionizes. When it ionizes, it’ll produce an ionized gas that can conduct electricity, known as plasma. To melt a metal, you need to send a high-velocity jet of plasma to a metal piece using an electrical arc.
The stream of the ionized gas will blow the molten metal. You can use plasma trimming if you want to develop various qualities of metals within a short period. However, that’ll heavily depend on the metal type and thickness. To trim the metals faster, you need to produce more power. Compared to the other types of trimming processes, plasma isn’t precise.
- Waterjet
Waterjet is also known as rapid erosion. It uses a high-pressure water pump to spew out water mixed with abrasives such as garnet or aluminum oxide to trim metal surfaces. A combination of garnet and aluminum oxide erodes metal surfaces quickly. Compared to the other trimming process types, waterjet is relatively cheap. It’s ideal for shops to cut various kinds of metals, glass, rubber, or plastics.
Using the metals’ waterjet process is effective because it gives a clean trim without distorting the metal’s edges. A waterjet machine will slice through metal sheets that are 12 inches thick. However, you need always to remember that the thicker the metal width is, the more the cycle times and tolerance will increase.
Conclusion
If you intend to open a metal trimming shop or company, you need to understand how these various trimming processes work. That way, you’ll know the appropriate method to use to maximize your operations and cut costs.