In This Guide
Cutting: The First Step in Every Duct
Every duct section starts with cutting sheet metal to size. The cutting method you choose affects not just speed, but also edge quality, material waste, and the range of shapes you can produce. From straight cuts to complex profiles, Preda offers three cutting technologies.
Quick Answer
For straight cut-to-length in standard duct production, the Electric Shearing Machine or CNC Hydraulic Shearing Machine is most cost-effective. For complex shapes, holes, and irregular profiles, the CNC Plasma Cutter offers unmatched versatility. For ultra-precise, high-edge-quality cutting in stainless or thin material, the CNC Laser Cutter is premium choice.
Shear vs Plasma vs Laser
| Feature | Electric/CNC Shear | CNC Plasma Cutter | CNC Laser Cutter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cut Type | Straight cuts only | Any 2D shape | Any 2D shape |
| Max Thickness | 4.0mm (hydraulic) | 12mm (plasma) | 6mm (fiber laser) |
| Edge Quality | Clean, square edge | Good (some dross) | Excellent, no dross |
| Cut Speed | Instant (guillotine) | Fast (5–15 m/min) | Very fast (10–30 m/min thin) |
| Material Versatility | All sheet metal | Conductive metals only | All metals + some non-metals |
| Operating Cost | Lowest | Medium (consumables) | Highest (power, gas) |
| Best For | Straight cut-to-length, high volume | Complex shapes, holes, profiles | Precision parts, stainless, thin material |
Electric & CNC Hydraulic Shearing Machines: Straight Cut Specialists
Shearing machines use a guillotine-style blade to make straight cuts across the full width of the sheet. They're the fastest, most cost-effective way to cut sheet metal to length for standard rectangular duct production.
- Instant cutting: One stroke cuts the full width — faster than any profile cutter for straight cuts
- Clean square edge: No dross, no heat-affected zone — ready for forming immediately
- Low operating cost: No consumables, minimal power — cheapest per-cut cost
- CNC backgauge: Programmable backgauge ensures accurate cut lengths — no manual measuring
- High volume: Ideal for cutting hundreds of sheets per day to standard duct sizes
View Electric Shear → View CNC Hydraulic Shear →
CNC Plasma Cutter: Shape-Cutting Versatility
The CNC Plasma Cutter uses a high-temperature plasma arc to melt through conductive metal, guided by CNC motion control. It cuts any 2D shape — circles, holes, irregular profiles, even text — that would be impossible with a shear.
- Any 2D shape: Cut complex profiles, holes, slots, and patterns in one operation
- Up to 12mm thickness: Handles thick plate for structural and heavy-duty applications
- Fast setup: Import DXF files and start cutting — no custom tooling needed
- Nested cutting: Software nests parts to minimize material waste — saves 15–30% on material
- All conductive metals: Galvanized, stainless, aluminum, copper, brass
CNC Laser Cutter: Precision and Quality
The CNC Laser Cutter uses a focused fiber laser beam to vaporize material with extreme precision. It delivers the best edge quality, narrowest kerf, and fastest cutting speeds in thin material — ideal for precision parts and stainless steel.
How to Choose
- What are you cutting? Straight cut-to-length → Shear. Complex shapes/holes → Plasma or Laser
- Material type? All metals including non-conductive → Laser. Conductive metals only → Plasma or Shear
- Edge quality requirement? Standard duct → Shear or Plasma. Precision/stainless → Laser
- Budget? Shear is lowest cost, Plasma is mid-range, Laser is premium — but each has different capabilities
- Do you need both? Many shops use a Shear for straight cuts AND a Plasma/Laser for profiles — they complement each other
Preda Care: Cutting Machines, Lifetime Support
All cutting machines include lifetime technical support. Shear blades are hardened for long life — replacement blades ship free. Plasma cutters include free consumable starter kits and torch maintenance training. Laser cutters include free optical alignment and calibration support. On-site installation available for all models.
Building a Complete Cutting Setup?
Tell us your material types, thickness range, and daily cutting volume — we'll recommend the right cutting machine combination for your shop.
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