Keys To Successfully Cutting A36 Steel Plates For A Project

A36 (low carbon) steel plating is a great material because it can be used in a lot of different ways. If you need to cut this steel variety for a project, make sure you take a couple of precautions.

Use Soapstone to Mark Cuts 

If you want to ensure your cuts are precise when working with A36 steel, then one thing you can do is mark your cuts. You'll then have a guide that you can easily follow along regardless of what cutting instrument you end up using. Just make sure you use soapstone to create your marks.

It's an affordable resource that's going to let you create visible marks that stay on your steel plating materials all the way through cutting. Additionally, soapstone isn't going to negatively impact any structural properties of this steel plating, so you can continue using it with confidence. 

Consider Laser Cutting Technology for Added Safety and Convenience

If you want to have an easier time getting through A36 steel plates -- especially pieces that are pretty thick -- then it's going to be advantageous to use laser cutting technology. Rather than relying on a standard angle grinder or diamond tooling, you'll have a powerful laser that does all the cutting.

You can utilize automated cutting methods too thanks to CNC machinery, which is going to further improve your cutting accuracy and safety. Just make sure your cuts are properly marked so that you know which sections to remove from each workpiece. 

File Down Sharp Edges Left Over 

After you get done cutting sections of A36 steel plating, some of the edges may be rough. You don't want to leave them this way because that increases your odds of getting injured. Or someone else may hurt themselves when handling this material around a job site. You don't want this to happen and thus need to file all sharp edges as best you can.

Keep filing the edges until you verify smoothness post-cutting. If you have to do other fabrications to the steel plates, at least you won't have to worry about getting cut at any point. 

If you have A36 steel plating that's too large to use for a project, you may have to work it down via cutting. This type of fabrication isn't going to throw a lot at you if you just plan out your cuts, use the appropriate machinery, and find ways to work smarter and not harder. 

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