If you are planning on cutting copper for a special fabrication project, consider the best approach to handling the project. In general, a professional fabricator is a perfect choice if you are conducting a complex manufacturing project. However, if you are only interested in simple copper cutting, you can choose in-house work. If you are interested in this approach, consider these simple guidelines for the right outcome.
Choose the Equipment
The right equipment for your copper cutting work will depend on the scale of the project. If you are interested in handling a large volume of materials, choose powered and automated equipment for the task. This choice will increase the speed and efficiency of your work. For smaller material volumes, manual or semi-automatic tools will suffice and are more economical. Also, consider the type of copper materials that you will cut. Different types of material such as pipes, sheets and panels require special tools for ideal results. Other important factors include product usage, cost and material size.
Clamp the Material
The shifting of copper materials during cutting processes can cause the creation of uneven products. In simple terms, when handling the material, the cutting tool might cause the pipes or panels to change position. The cut will be uneven, necessitating refinement. Moreover, if the tolerance of the dimension is a critical factor, the cut material might be unsuitable for use, leading to discarding. Therefore, acquire a suitable clamp to secure your item to your worktable. Ensure the clamps are suitable for the specific material shape to avoid causing damage during the process.
Mark the Copper
Measure the copper material with care before cutting. Improper measurement practices can cause significant loss of valuable metal during a fabrication project. Therefore, consider the dimensional needs for your product before proceeding. Also, mark out the material with the pen for convenience. When cutting, keep your focus on the marking to ensure that the cut is straight. This factor is of particular importance if you are using a mechanical tool like a hacksaw.
Consider Finishing
Finally, think about the best method for finishing the material after cutting. If you are planning on using the copper after cutting directly, you must refine crude cuts. The finishing will make the pieces more presentable. The most favourable method for dealing with rough edges is filing to remove burrs. You can use a keyhole file or sandpaper. Also, consider cleaning and polishing the metal. Light wiping with a cloth and a commercial metal cleaner will yield good results.
For more tips, contact a local copper cutting service.