Aluminium is one of the most versatile materials around today not least because of its lightweight yet high-tensile strength properties. It is used in various industries across Australia, ranging from construction to play equipment fabrication and from food packaging to aeronautical part production. Various aluminium forming techniques are used to produce it in different shapes and sizes, including a number of metal cutting methods. Which aluminium cutting techniques are most common today?

1. Shearing

One of the most common techniques for cutting thin sections of metal is shearing. Usually, a shearing machine or, in some cases, power scissors will be used to cut the aluminium. This method provides clean and precise cuts with minimal waste. It is an efficient aluminium cutting method, especially where straight-line cuts are required in aluminium sheet metal.

2. Waterjet Cutting

This is a more modern technique used for aluminium cutting today. It involves the use of a high-pressure stream of water to cut through the aluminium. Sometimes mixed with abrasive substances, the water generates very little heat energy, so it is very accurate and cuts without altering or warping the aluminium which has a relatively low melting point, of course.

3. Laser Cutting

This method is a non-contact technique. Like waterjet aluminium cutting, it also provides a high level of precision. Laser cutters make use of a high-powered beam of light that vaporises the aluminium it comes into contact, resulting in smooth, clean cuts. This method is suited to both sheet aluminium as well as thicker pieces, so it is often preferred when more complex shapes need to be formed from both types of source material.

4. Plasma Cutting

Typically deployed as a fabrication method of aluminium cutting, this approach employs a plasma torch to cut through the metal. Plasma cutting works by sending an electric arc through a gas. By passing it through a constricted opening, the temperature of the gas can be lifted significantly. In this state, it is possible to cut through aluminium extremely rapidly. Note that this method is often best reserved for thicker pieces of aluminium or when the job requires less precision.

5. Mechanical Cutting

Bear in mind that mechanical cutting methods are also utilised for aluminium these days. Forming techniques like sawing, milling, turning and drilling are all deployed for cutting aluminium, often in Australian machine shops. Providing versatility mechanical cutting methods can handle a range of aluminium sizes and shapes, making them a practical choice in almost all industrial sectors.

For more information on aluminium cutting, contact a professional near you.