Selecting the best cutting process depends on the specific application, the business needs and other critical factors.

• Gas or Flame cutting is limited to mild steel and is not effective on stainless or aluminium. It is typically used for very thick plate.
• Plasma provides an optimal mix of cut quality, productivity and operating costs for mild steel across a wide range of thicknesses
• Laser provides excellent cut quality and productivity on material less than 6mm and can be used up to 20mm
• Waterjet can be used to cut a wide variety of materials including thick aluminium, steel, stone, graphite, carbon fibre etc. It provides the best tolerances and there is no heat affected zone, although cut speed is slower.

• Stainless sheets come with a protective film on the sheet. This is to protect the surface from scratches. Once peeled there will be some residue caused by heat melting the plastic at the point of cutting. The best way to remove the residue is with white spirits and a clean cloth.

• Yes we can. We operate industrial lasers so the etch is suited for part identification and NOT for decorative etching. We have companies who can do decorative etching for you.

• No. We stock a vast amount of materials and grades. It is often better value as you only pay for the material required for your job.

• Absolutely. Depending on the material enquire with our team on the minimum size. If it is a small piece we need to be able to hold it still so hence we need some room around your part. If you require your of-cuts make sure you tell the team.

• Absolutely. Sometimes it is difficult to get rid of an awkward piece of material. Unless you advise us that you want the off-cut our procedure is to dispose of it.

• Yes we do. For non-account holders there is a minimum charge of $60 plus GST.

• If you are using your product in any form of marine environment then we strongly suggest 316. The material contains additives that make it more corrosion resistant than 304.  For more detailed information contact our steel supplies; Vulcan Steel https://www.vulcan.co/
  Steel and Tube https://steelandtube.co.nz/

• Yes, the additional anti corrosion agents make the material more costly. Enquire with our quote team for the comparison on your product.

• Yes. We have 3 tiers of quality.

1. Scratch free both sides. Plates are hand loaded and unloaded. Extra care is taken to ensure the product comes out scratch free
2. Scratch free top side. As above but the sheet will have light scatches on the underside.
3. Standard. Generally sheets are well handled but may have light scratches. Light scratches will not be noticed once items have been second processed i.e. powder coated.