What machine is used to cut metal?
Cutting metal requires precision and the right tool for the job. Different metals and shapes need different machines.
A metal cutting machine is any machine used to shape or separate metal. Common types include laser cutters, plasma cutters, band saws, and shears.
In this article, I’ll explain the key types of metal cutting machines, their features, and how we at Prime use them to produce reliable, precisely cut parts for global industrial buyers.
What is a metal cutting machine called?
A metal cutting machine has many names, depending on how it cuts.
Metal cutting machines are often called shears, saws, cutters, or CNC cutting systems.
Common terms for metal cutting machines
Depending on the cutting method, these machines are labeled differently:
| Machine Name | Cutting Method | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Shearing Machine | Mechanical blade cut | Straight-edge sheet cutting |
| Band Saw | Continuous blade saw | Pipes, rods, structural profiles |
| Plasma Cutter | Ionized gas (plasma arc) | Thick metal plate cutting |
| Laser Cutter | Focused light beam | High-precision sheet or tube cutting |
| Waterjet Cutter | High-pressure water jet | Heat-sensitive or thick material |
At Prime, we combine CNC零件精准加工 with automated cutting tools to match your design with tight tolerances and minimal waste.
What machine do you use to cut metal?
Choosing the right machine depends on the metal thickness, type, and accuracy needed.
We use CNC laser cutters, band saws, and hydraulic shears to cut metal sheets, bars, tubes, and profiles.
How we cut metal at Prime
We select tools based on:
- Material (steel, aluminum, stainless)
- Shape (flat, round, angled)
- Precision level
- Volume
| Machine Type | Used For | Features |
|---|---|---|
| CNC Laser Cutter | Flat sheets, detailed shapes | Clean edges, high precision |
| Band Saw | Round or square bars, tubing | Straight cuts, low kerf loss |
| Hydraulic Shear | Bulk sheet metal cutting | Fast and cost-effective |
| Plasma Cutter | Thick plates or rough shapes | High-speed, heat-based cutting |
Each part is cut to spec, labeled, and inspected before moving to bending, stamping, or machining.
What is a metal saw cutter called?
Saw-type cutters are essential for cutting solid bars, pipes, and beams.
A metal saw cutter is called a band saw, circular saw, or cold saw—depending on the blade and function.
Metal saw types and their uses
| Saw Type | Blade Motion | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Band Saw | Looping vertical or horizontal blade | Tubes, rods, profiles |
| Circular Saw | Spinning round blade | Quick, straight cuts on smaller stock |
| Cold Saw | Slow-speed carbide blade | Precise cuts with no heat distortion |
| Chop Saw | Abrasive disc blade | Fast, rough cutting |
For structural parts in mining or construction, we use band saws with automatic feeding for consistent part length and clean ends. These are followed by CNC加工 for final shaping.
What are metal cutters called?
Metal cutters come in all sizes—from handheld tools to industrial machines.
Metal cutters are called shears, saws, torches, lasers, or CNC cutting systems based on how they remove material.
Industrial vs. handheld metal cutting tools
| Cutter Type | Description | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Handheld Shears | Manual snips | Thin sheet trimming |
| Angle Grinder | Abrasive disc cutter | Quick cuts on-site |
| CNC Laser Cutter | Programmed laser cutting | Precision manufacturing |
| Plasma Cutter | Torch that melts metal | Thick plate or rough-profile cutting |
At Prime, we rely on automated cutting equipment with integrated software to ensure your parts are accurate, burr-free, and production-ready—every time.
Conclusion
Metal cutting uses tools like shears, saws, and CNC machines. The best tool depends on your material and precision needs.
Need precision-cut metal parts for your next project? Contact Shandong Prime International Trade Co., Ltd. for fast cutting, tight tolerances, and ISO-certified metal processing. We provide free consulting, fast quotes, and global delivery. Let’s bring your designs to life—accurately and affordably.
