Metal Cutting Specialists in Quebec

Metal plate cutting is a machining process that involves working on a metal plate to give it the desired shape.

In the realm of machining, the process is carried out while respecting the specific characteristics of each type of material. Consequently, cutting a stainless steel or steel metal plate will not follow the same cutting principles as, for instance, cutting an aluminum plate.

Indeed, whether it’s steel, aluminum, or stainless steel, each of these materials has unique characteristics that need to be carefully considered during the cutting process. Steel is stronger, thus requiring more robust tools to produce a finished piece that perfectly meets the specified requirements. This is not the case for stainless steel and aluminum, which are more fragile and can be cut using smaller-caliber equipment.

Whether in regular machining or precision machining, considering the characteristics of the material to be cut plays an essential role in production. This ensures that custom pieces are created, tailored to the intended use for which they were machined.

Furthermore, metal plate cutting is performed using various methods, including:

1. Milling: which is carried out using a machine tool that functions like a drill and a worktable that moves in multiple directions. This type of machine is highly versatile and can perform tasks such as planing, threading, slot cutting, and more.
2. Turning: here, the workpiece is placed in a spindle, and the cutting tool is introduced. Many automotive mechanical components are produced using this method (camshafts, spark plug threads, crankshaft bearing supports, etc.).
3. Threading is used when the initial workpiece is not precise enough, or when a full thread depth is needed.
4. Grinding: this method allows for achieving metal parts with very fine finishes and high-precision shapes.
5. Filing is also used for finishing parts, particularly during deburring operations.

Following metal machining, the parts undergo a series of treatments aimed at protecting them against corrosion or other forms of metal deterioration. For enthusiasts of antique tools, specific treatments are added to give a vintage look to machine-machined parts.

The quality of the resulting machined parts is impeccable. Upon delivery, many professionals are satisfied with the value-for-money offered by machining centers, which motivates them to choose a machining workshop whenever the need arises.

Metal is naturally rigid, withstands extreme temperatures, and is resistant to deformation. These characteristics allow it to be precisely manipulated to obtain essential components for the production of other products.

The metals that can undergo a cutting process include:

• Aluminum
• Copper
• Iron or steel
• Stainless steel
• Magnetic sheet metal

Whether it’s for wall decoration or custom equipment manufacturing, the importance of metal in daily life is undeniable. However, to achieve matching objects for your home or components needed for appliance production, metal cutting specialists use various processes, such as:

• Machining: This is a process for producing parts by chip removal. It can be done at home manually (using a saw, shears, metal scissors) or in a machining center with industrial-scale cutting machines (drilling, turning, milling, grinding, etc.).
• Burning: This involves separating metal sheet fragments through oxidation.
• Various specialized techniques: This process does not fall into the categories mentioned above. For example, it includes chemical milling, which allows for high-quality parts by using chemical etching and masking agents to remove excess material from the finished product.

To cut a metal plate, machining centers like G.M. Precision use the following tools:

Turning tools

Lathes can be categorized into three subtypes: motorized lathes, turret lathes, and special-purpose lathes.

The first type is primarily used by general machinists and beginners in the trade.

Turret and special-purpose lathes are used for the repeated production of parts.

Milling tools

Milling tools are used to cut steel, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, or any other machining material into specific details, shapes, and unique patterns.

Cutting tools

Cutting tools are used to achieve precision in the machining of metal pieces. Shears, saws, discs, etc., are used to carefully cut a metal plate when precise cuts are required.

Drilling tools

This type of tool is used to drill holes in a metal plate or any type of material.

Boring tools

These tools are used to enlarge holes drilled in a machined material.

And also laser cutting!

Many tools are used to cut metal plates, including lasers. Each of them contributes to the design of customized parts adapted to a specific use. However, it’s important to remember that, to achieve high-quality products with precise finishes, you can’t use one-size-fits-all precision. Cutting precision is adapted to each type of material.

Metal is an easy material to handle, but it must be used with due consideration for its different variations. Iron, stainless steel, aluminum, copper and magnetic sheet all require specific cutting precision.

As you can see, there is no standard cutting precision that can be used for machining metal parts. Nevertheless, it’s up to the machinist to know what cutting precision to use to produce a part that meets the customer’s requirements.

Smiling advice and welcome, prototyping, easy discussion with the teams, concern for quality of service… G.M. Précision is always committed to offering its partners a custom machining service perfectly adapted to their needs.

Whether cutting sheet metal or machining other materials, our workshop is equipped with high-performance machines controlled by professionals with a passion for precision machining. This enables us to offer a tailor-made machining service that meets your highest standards.

We handle all stages of product design, from feasibility study to delivery. Our attention to detail, our reasonable prices, our ability to handle metal in all its forms, … all these elements are our best advertising.

Contact us today for more information and to get started on your metal plate cutting project.

We also serve the following locations: Montreal, Gatineau, etc…