CNC Plate Cutting & Structural Sawing
In heavy fabrication, the first cut determines everything downstream. A cut edge that’s out of square, thermally distorted, or lacking the proper bevel geometry creates problems that cascade through forming, welding, and machining; growing more expensive to fix at every station.
FMP operates two CNC cutting systems designed for heavy plate: high-definition plasma for speed and precision, oxy-fuel for extreme thickness, and precision laser cutting for plate and tubing. Together, they cover the full spectrum from 16-gauge sheet to 12-inch plate. We process our structural steel components on our programmable Marvel bandsaw with tilthead.
Equipment
Kinetic K2500 Plate Burning Machine
The primary cutting table for precision heavy work.
- (2) Oxy-Acetylene torches
- (1) 400-Amp Hypertherm Plasma torch
- CNC-Controlled Contour Beveling
- Max plate: 120″ wide × 480″ long
- Max thickness: Up to 2″ (plasma) | Up to 12″ (oxy-fuel)
The 400-amp Hypertherm produces a high-definition plasma arc that delivers tighter kerf, squarer edges, and a smaller heat-affected zone than standard plasma systems. For most plate cutting under 2″, this is the fastest, cleanest method available.
Senfeng 3015HM Laser Cutting Machine
60” x 120” capacity.
Marvel 2150A-PC3-60 Programmable Bandsaw with Tilthead
A high-capacity 20″ x 25″ vertical band saw capable of miter cuts up to 60°, hydraulically controlled feed, and PC3 programmable control for precision and automatic indexing.
- Workload Capacity: 8,000 lbs
- Rectangular Stock:
- 20″ x 25″ at 0°
- 20″ x 17″ at 45°
- 20″ x 11.25″ at 60°
- Maximum Vise Opening: 20.25″
Materials
FMP cuts the full range of materials found in heavy fabrication:
- A36 / A572 Grade 50 — The structural workhorses. Clean cutting on both plasma and oxy-fuel.
- AR400 / AR500 — Abrasion-resistant plate for mining and wear applications. Plasma preferred to minimize HAZ.
- Manganese Steel — Extreme work-hardening properties require careful heat management during cutting.
- Stainless Steel (304/316) — Plasma only. Oxy-fuel won’t cut stainless (it doesn’t oxidize the same way as carbon steel).
- C1045 / 1015 — Higher-carbon grades for forgeable and heat-treatable components.
- Castings and Forgings — Existing cast or forged components can be plasma-trimmed or oxy-fuel-modified.
