Steel cutting is one of the most important stages within metal manufacturing processes. Choosing the right technology not only improves the precision and quality of the parts, but also reduces costs, increases production speed, and enhances operational efficiency throughout the entire supply chain. In this article, we explore the main sheet-cutting methods, how to select the most suitable one, and the key strategies to optimize your industrial processes.

Main Steel Cutting Methods

Laser Cutting

Laser cutting has become one of the most precise technologies in the industry. It delivers clean edges, complex cuts, and exact repeatability, making it ideal for thin to medium gauges, detailed designs, and processes where minimizing material waste is essential.

Plasma Cutting

This technology is recommended for thicker plates. It offers high cutting speed at a more accessible operating cost compared to laser cutting. Although it has a slightly lower precision margin, it is highly efficient for robust or large-scale parts.

Saw Cutting

A traditional but highly reliable method. It is ideal for straight and repetitive cuts or for materials of greater thickness. Its low cost makes it a practical solution for production lines that require stability and consistency.

Waterjet Cutting

An excellent choice for parts requiring high-precision finishes without altering the material’s structure, as it generates no heat. Although slower and more expensive, it is valuable for delicate geometries or special materials.

How to Choose the Right Cutting Technology

The selection depends primarily on the material thickness, part complexity, desired finish, production volume, and delivery time requirements. Evaluating these criteria helps optimize costs, improve precision, and ensure that the process aligns with each project’s specific needs.

A well-informed decision positively impacts the entire value chain: it reduces rework, facilitates assembly, improves material utilization, and contributes to faster and more reliable deliveries.

Advantages of Automated Cutting

Automation in sheet-cutting processes is one of the key drivers of productivity in modern manufacturing. Automated systems help reduce downtime, improve uniformity in repetitive parts, minimize human error, and maximize material usage through advanced nesting programs. This translates into greater speed, accuracy, and reduced costs per batch or continuous production.

Precision in steel cutting affects the entire manufacturing workflow. Accurate parts facilitate assembly, prevent deviations during welding or bending, and reduce the need for corrections. At FOMAI, we work with gauges from 8 to 20 and operate laser-cutting, punching, and bending technologies that ensure strict tolerances and uniform finishes in every production run.

Impact of Sheet Cutting on the Supply Chain

An efficient cutting process strengthens the entire operation by:

• • Reducing assembly times.
  • Minimizing work-in-process inventory.
  • Maintaining continuous and stable production.
  • Ensuring on-time deliveries.

Optimizing this stage is essential for achieving agile, competitive, and reliable manufacturing—especially in industries where every minute counts.

Success Stories at FOMAI

 

At FOMAI, we have supported multiple industries in optimizing their sheet-cutting processes with measurable results. The incorporation of laser-cutting technologies has allowed our clients to reduce production times, minimize material waste, and improve final assembly quality. Additionally, our inventory scheduling and control system has enhanced part availability and reduced delivery lead times. Optimizing steel cutting processes is essential to remain competitive in an increasingly demanding industrial environment. Selecting the right technology, maintaining reliable equipment, and working with a specialized supplier helps reduce costs, shorten production times, and elevate the quality of every manufactured piece. At FOMAI, we have the installed capacity, experience, and technology to take your projects to the next level.

DISCOVER OUR SHEET-CUTTING SERVICE

Our 6 kW laser cutting machine operates with a working area of 3,080 x 1,530 mm, complemented by a hydraulic shear for precise longitudinal cuts. We adapt to multiple sizes and gauges, ensuring accuracy and consistency in every project.