CNC Plasma Cutting Invar is a core capability at VT machining. We combine controlled cutting with material-aware setup for Invar — an alloy that is ultra-low thermal expansion — to produce parts that meet your specification first time.
Process Data for CNC Plasma Cutting Invar
| Max practical thickness | ~20 mm (high-definition plasma) |
|---|---|
| Edge tolerance | ±0.3-0.5 mm, 1-3° bevel |
| Heat-affected zone | ~0.5-1.5 mm (allow machining stock if critical) |
| Plasma gas | Nitrogen or argon-hydrogen |
Shown for Invar 36, the most common Invar grade we see for CNC Plasma Cutting. Typical values for Invar 36, Annealed; confirmed on the first part.
CNC Plasma Cutting Capability for Invar
- Plate to 30+ mm
- High cutting speed
- Conductive metals
- Bevel-cut capable
Invar material properties, finishing options and grade notes are on our CNC Laser Cutting Invar page.
How CNC Plasma Cutting Invar Works
A focused fibre-laser beam melts and blows material from the Invar sheet along the programmed contour. Power, focal position, nozzle stand-off and assist-gas pressure are tuned to the alloy and thickness for a clean, square edge.
We start from your supplied geometry and tolerance scheme. The setup is designed to minimise re-clamping, which protects positional accuracy across features. A first article is verified against the drawing before the balance of the batch is released.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Plasma Cutting Invar
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Contour dimension | ±0.10 mm | ±0.05 mm |
| Hole diameter | ±0.10 mm | ±0.05 mm |
| Kerf width | 0.20 mm | 0.10 mm |
| Squareness of cut edge | 0.5° | 0.2° |
| Heat-affected zone | 0.15 mm | 0.05 mm (N₂ assist) |
| Minimum hole diameter | 1.2 × thickness | 1.0 × thickness |
| Edge condition | light dross | burr-free, N₂ cut |
Standard is what a normal quotation assumes. Precision is available on nominated features and is priced separately, because it needs extra setups, in-process gauging and CMM verification. Call out only the features that need it — blanket-tightening a drawing is the single most common reason a quote comes back expensive.
CNC Plasma Cutting Tolerances & Surface Finish
Laser-cut Invar holds contour tolerances around ±0.05 mm depending on thickness, with a narrow kerf and a clean, near burr-free edge.
The tightest tolerances are reserved for the features your drawing flags as critical. Share your tolerance scheme and we will confirm what is realistic before quoting.
Design Tips for CNC Plasma Cutting Invar
Small design adjustments often cut cost and lead time. Keeping holes no smaller than the material thickness, allowing for kerf, and grouping features sensibly improves edge quality and nesting yield on Invar. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
Applications of CNC Plasma Cutting Invar
Invar parts made this way are found throughout aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics and industrial equipment. Prototype, bridge and production volumes are all welcome.
Typical Invar Parts for CNC Plasma Cutting
Illustrative examples of CNC Plasma Cutting Invar parts and the callouts that usually drive the process plan. They show the kind of work that fits this process; they are not specific customer orders.
Gasket / shim set
- Material
- Invar
- Size
- Ø120 × 0.5 mm
- Key callouts
- ID/OD ±0.05 mm, no heat discolouration
- Batch
- 3,000 pcs
Small-diameter holes below 1.2 × thickness are punched, not lased.
Machine guard panel
- Material
- Invar
- Size
- 900 × 600 × 3 mm
- Key callouts
- Slot pattern ±0.10 mm, hole-to-edge 6 mm
- Batch
- 150 pcs
Cut with common-line pairs to halve the pierce count.
Bracket blank
- Material
- Invar
- Size
- 250 × 120 × 4 mm
- Key callouts
- Contour ±0.10 mm, bend-relief notches
- Batch
- 800 pcs
Bend reliefs cut in at the same time so the press brake does not tear the corner.
No drawing yet? Build one in the browser.
Set the metal, dimensions and features, watch the 3D model update as you type, then switch to the 2D sheet to add dimensions and tolerances. Download it or send it straight to us with your RFQ.
What We Need to Quote CNC Plasma Cutting Invar
- GeometrySTEP or IGES for the 3D model, plus a PDF drawing if you have tolerance callouts. A dimensioned sketch is enough to start.
- MaterialThe exact Invar grade and condition — temper, heat-treat state or hardness. If you are not sure, tell us the function and we will suggest one.
- QuantityPrototype count and the expected annual volume. Both change how the part is made and therefore what it costs.
- TolerancesWhich features are critical. Everything else runs to our standard tolerance, which is what keeps the price sensible.
- FinishSurface treatment, cosmetic requirements, and any faces that must be masked.
- DocumentsWhether you need a material certificate, dimensional report, FAIR or PPAP with the shipment.
Missing something from the list is not a problem — send what you have. We will come back with the specific questions rather than a generic form.
Other Metals for CNC Plasma Cutting
Other Processes for Invar
Send the drawing, the Invar grade and the quantity. You get pricing, lead time and any DFM notes back — usually within one business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What material thickness or size range suits CNC Plasma Cutting Invar?
Laser-cut Invar thickness depends on the alloy and its reflectivity; we tune the fiber source and assist gas accordingly.
Which industries use CNC Plasma Cutting Invar parts?
CNC Plasma Cutting Invar parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise Invar components are required.
How clean are the edges produced by CNC Plasma Cutting on Invar?
Laser cutting leaves Invar with a narrow kerf and a clean, near burr-free edge and only a small heat-affected zone.
What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Plasma Cutting Invar?
CNC Plasma Cutting prototypes for Invar can be produced quickly and scaled to series production. Send your drawing and quantity and we will advise lead time and any minimum order.