METAL CUTTING

Using different technology such as waterjet, laser or plasma cutting – each way of cutting with advantages and disadvantages

Waterjet cutting

Compare to plasma and laser cutting, the waterjet cutting has no material deformation, no head affected zones and therefore no hardening or changes to the metal structure. Water jets can typically cut most 3-dimensional objects.
It is a cold cutting process and cut thickness up to 12”/305mm. The cut edge quality usually is good and machines are less expensive. Waterjet machines are one of the most versatile cutting processes around and is well suited also for high performance titanium cutting.

Laser Cutting

A laser cutter on the other hand, uses a CO2 (or Nd, Nd-YAG) gas as power source for laser energy, creating a rapid heating process that melts or vaporizes material. Laser cutting machines can typically cut not more than 1″/25mm and the edge usually requires re-working. It causes material hardening and burr formation but the tightest tolerances are 0.002”/0.05mm. The energy consumption is less compared with plasma cutting.

Waterjet cutting

A plasma cutting system has a cutting torch, through which concentrated electrical currents and high velocity gas flow. Intense heat is created, which cuts the metal and causes hardening and burr formation. Plasma cutting machines are capable to cut more levels of detail but only cut metal. It can cut more thicker sheet metal , up to 3”/76mm, than laser cutter and you need wear protective gear because the plasma emits radiation.

So which is better?

There is no one CNC machine that is better than the others. Depending on the application, a laser or high profile CNC plasma cutter may be right for the job. That’s why it’s important to work with a company that has the latest technologies and best machines available. This will not only ensure higher quality and greater detail in the finished product, but a speedier turnaround and more reliable results. No one can really truthfully say which of these are better, solely because it just depends on the project you’re working on and the material you are using. Should you need help deciding how to choose, we are just a click away.

If thicker materials need to be cut, we also offer flame cutting capacity. Flame cutting only works with carbon steel. Material thickness from 0.2”/5mm up to 16”/406mm, the precision is around 1 mm.

Some machines for cutting :

Some samples from our work for cutting :

How Can X-Pro Help With My Project?

X-Pro helps clients with one-time and ongoing project needs. Our specialties include 3D modeling, 3D design, CAD drafting, 3D animation, engineering and 3D renderings, 3D industrial design, prototype design, 3D printing design, mechanical design, architectural design, structural design, 3D interior design, and CAD landscaping design services.

Our CAD designers and drafting contractors work with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, Maya, 3ds Max, CATIA and many other types of software. Submit your project description and work with a pre-qualified 3D artist, CAD designer, drafter, 3D modeler, 3D animation or engineer specialized for your project needs.

The Project Flow

1. Tell us about your project

Describe your project, estimate the number of hours needed, the duration, and software requirements.

2. Pre-qualified expert freelancer

One of our engineers will contact you to discuss your project and gather more details.

3. Deposit & work

Agreement will need to be signed and payment deposit made in order to begin a project.

FAQ for your new project

Why X-Pro?

We connect you with the best designers in the business, and we offer the most comprehensive set of services for inventors you’ll find anywhere. We take the guesswork out of online design services, and let you focus on what’s important.

How do private projects work?

Simple. Just send us a project brief and we will provide you with a design quote from a pre-qualified designer for your project.

Who can see my project?

Private projects are entirely confidential. Only you and the designer that you will be working with will see your project description, file attachments and submitted work.

Do I own the designs & IP?

Yes. Our legally binding terms of service assign the ownership of intellectual property (IP) from the designer to the service buyer for any paid designs.

Do you offer manufacturing services?

Yes we do! We offer a range of manufacturing services, including 3D printing, rapid manufacturing and conventional injection molding.

How is a design project different from hourly services?

Design projects are limited-term projects with a concrete budget, based on an upfront quote from the CAD designer. Hourly services are for ongoing work that generally have an open work scope.

Will designers sign a NDA?

We’ve got this covered. Our legally binding terms of service covers freelancer non-disclosure. Freelancers on X-Pro have agreed to and are bound by the terms of non-disclosure that are outlined in our terms of service.