fbpx

Online Plasma Cutting or Laser Cutting?

That is the question.

Plasma cut materials and laser cut materials

If you’re looking for something quick and have access to a plasma cutter, plasma cutting is fine if you choose the right material. If you’re looking for precise cuts, a wide range of material choices, and affordability, online laser cutting is the best option. The best thing about laser cutting, though, is that SendCutSend offers instant quotes on all laser cut parts.

Plasma cut materials and laser cut materials

Plasma cutting only works with conductive metals, which significantly reduces the options available for your project. And even then, there are certain conductive materials, like aluminum, that are too soft to guarantee a precise cut because the plasma will melt it. Laser cutting works for a huge range of materials, metals and non-metals alike.

Pros and cons

Plasma cutting works well for certain types of projects. For example, if you need bevel cuts on your part for eventual welding purposes, plasma cutting can make that happen. However, plasma is slower, less accurate, and more dangerous than laser cutting. 

Laser cutting can perform highly intricate cuts with tight tolerances, and is faster than plasma cutting by an order of magnitude when cutting thin metals. Plasma is faster at cutting medium thickness materials, around 1”, and therefore a bit more cost effective for thick metals than laser cutting. But here at SendCutSend, our waterjet easily takes care of all the thicker materials you may need, so you don’t have to worry about that either!

Full Assembly parts from SendCutSend

Choose from a full range of services to cover all your project needs

Choose from a full range of services to cover all your project needs

From prototype to full assembly, we have you covered every step of the way. We have over 15 finishing options, an extensive hardware catalog, and more!

Cutting Services

We offer custom laser cutting, waterjet cutting, and CNC routing. We’ll cut your parts with the method best suited for your material.

Bending & Forming

Add dimension to your projects with our precision CNC bending services.

Tapping and Countersinking Services from SendCutSend

Countersinking & Tapping

Quickly and easily add threading to your parts, or allow hardware to sit flush.

Hardware Insertion from SendCutSent

Hardware Insertion

Select from our catalog of PEM press-fit hardware to add nuts, studs, and standoffs.

Anodizing Services froo SendCutSend

Anodizing

We offer Class II & III anodizing services to add durability and character to your laser cut parts.

Plating

Increase rust prevention, wear resistance, and strength with zinc and nickel plating.

Online Powder Coating sevices from SendCutSend

Powder Coating

Give your laser cut parts a bold, long-lasting finish and protective layer in one of 7 colors

Tumbling

Reduce the surface blemishes and handling scratches found in raw materials.

Deburring is included FREE on orders with eligible materials!

Start your first SendCutSend project today!

Upload your CAD design or use our parts builder and get a free instant quote on your custom laser cut parts, all delivered to your door in a matter of days.

No CAD File? No Problem! Send your sketch or template to our Design Services team.

We proudly use hardware by PEM

Flush stud, M8 x 1.25, .472" Zinc plus Clear Chromate

SKUFH-M8-12
Thread SizeM8 x 1.25
Hole size in sheet (+0.003/-.0.000).315″
Minimum sheet thickness0.94″
Maximum sheet thickness.347″
Fastener materialSteel
Minimum distance hole C/L to edge0.378″
When determining the distance between two or more fasteners, you can calculate the distance by the formula, C/L to edge + 1/2 the diameter of the second mounting hole..535″
Recommended panel materialSteel/Aluminum
Coating typeZinc
Length.472″
Aluminum material ranges (5052, 6061, 7075)0.100″-0.250″
Steel material ranges (CRS, HRPO, HR)0.104″-0.250″

Get an Instant Quote for Waterjet Cutting

We proudly use hardware by PEM

Flush Standoff, 4-40, .250" Zinc plus Clear Chromate

SKUSO-440-8
Thread Size4-40 x .250″
Hole size in sheet (+0.003/-.0.000).168″
Minimum sheet thickness0.040″
Maximum sheet thickness.125″
Fastener materialSteel
Minimum distance hole C/L to edge0.230″
When determining the distance between two or more fasteners, you can calculate the distance by the formula, C/L to edge + 1/2 the diameter of the second mounting hole..314″
Recommended panel materialSteel/Aluminum
Coating typeZinc
Length.250″
Aluminum material ranges (5052, 6061, 7075)0.040″-0.125″
Steel material ranges (CRS, HRPO, HR)0.048″-0.119″