CNC Plasma Cutting Q345 Steel from VT machining delivers precision Q345 Steel parts made to your exact drawing. CNC plasma cutting uses an ionized gas jet to sever thicker conductive plate at high speed, with parameters tuned to Q345 Steel, which is strong, economical and widely available.
CNC Plasma Cutting Capability for Q345 Steel
- Carbon/low-alloy grades
- Economical & weldable
- Tolerance to ±0.02 mm
- Hardenable by heat treat
Q345 Steel Material Data
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 585 MPa |
| Yield strength (0.2%) | 450 MPa |
| Hardness | 170 HB |
| Melting point | 1420–1460 °C |
| Thermal conductivity | 51.9 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion | 11.5 ×10⁻⁶/K |
| Electrical conductivity | 9% |
| Machinability (C36000 = 100%) | 57% |
| Grades we run | 1018, 1045, 1215, A36, S45C, St37, 4140 (see alloy steel) |
Published typical values for 1045. Other grades in the family differ — the certificate supplied with your order carries the actual heat-lot figures.
Rust. Bare steel flash-rusts within hours in a humid container, so parts are oiled or passivated before packing unless you specify otherwise.
Machining Q345 Steel with CNC Plasma Cutting
The machinability of Q345 Steel is good to excellent depending on carbon content; free-machining grades cut cleanly. For CNC Plasma Cutting we select tooling, feeds, speeds and coolant to match, keeping the Q345 Steel workpiece stable and the result accurate.
Because we machine Q345 Steel regularly, proven settings shorten setup and keep quality repeatable across reorders.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Plasma Cutting Q345 Steel
| 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 Quality & Inspection
Consistent quality comes from disciplined process control. Critical dimensions on Q345 Steel parts are checked in-process and verified at final inspection using calibrated instruments and, where required, CMM measurement. Full documentation — dimensional reports, mill certs, FAIR — is available when your programme needs it.
Why Q345 Steel?
Specifying Q345 Steel for CNC Plasma Cutting Q345 Steel is usually about its properties: strong, economical and widely available. Tell us the condition you need and we machine to it.
Secondary Operations & Finishing
We complete Q345 Steel components with the secondary steps your drawing calls for. We arrange heat treatment, surface treatment, marking and assembly as needed. Tell us the final spec and we will plan the full route so parts arrive ready to use.
CNC Plasma Cutting Tolerances & Surface Finish
Laser-cut Q345 Steel 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 Q345 Steel
A few design choices make a real difference to cost and quality. Keeping holes no smaller than the material thickness, allowing for kerf, and grouping features sensibly improves edge quality and nesting yield on Q345 Steel. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
Applications of CNC Plasma Cutting Q345 Steel
CNC Plasma Cutting of Q345 Steel supports parts across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor, energy and general industrial sectors. We scale from one-off prototypes to ongoing production while holding the same quality.
How to Order CNC Plasma Cutting Q345 Steel
Ordering Q345 Steel parts is straightforward. Provide the drawing, material, quantity and any certification needs. Our engineers reply — in English — with feasibility, pricing and a realistic lead time, usually within one business day.
Finishing Options for Q345 Steel
| Finish | Thickness / effect | Why it gets specified |
|---|---|---|
| Black oxide | 1–2 µm | Mild corrosion resistance, no dimensional change |
| Zinc plate + clear/yellow | 5–12 µm | ASTM B633, general corrosion protection |
| Nickel plate (electroless) | 10–25 µm | Uniform in bores, 500 HV after bake |
| Phosphate | 5–10 µm | Paint key, mild lubricity |
| Powder coat | 60–120 µm | RAL colours |
| Deburr / edge break | 0.05–0.3 mm | All parts unless the drawing says otherwise |
| Bead blast | Ra 1.6–3.2 µm | Uniform matt finish, hides tool marks |
| Laser marking | — | Part number, lot code, data matrix |
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 Q345 Steel
- 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 Q345 Steel 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.
Q345 Steel in Other Processes
Related
Send the drawing, the Q345 Steel condition and the quantity — pricing and lead time come back the same or next business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
How clean are the edges produced by CNC Plasma Cutting on Q345 Steel?
Laser cutting leaves Q345 Steel with a narrow kerf and a clean, near burr-free edge and only a small heat-affected zone.
What tolerances can you hold for CNC Plasma Cutting Q345 Steel?
Achievable tolerances for Q345 Steel cutting depend on the alloy, geometry and feature size. Laser cutting holds contour tolerances to around ±0.05 mm depending on thickness. Exact figures are confirmed against your drawing callouts.
Why is Q345 Steel a good choice for CNC Plasma Cutting?
Q345 Steel is strong, economical and widely available, which makes it well suited to CNC Plasma Cutting. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished Q345 Steel cutting part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.
Does CNC Plasma Cutting Q345 Steel require dedicated tooling?
Most Q345 Steel cutting work uses standard cutting tools and CNC programs; dedicated fixtures are made only when geometry or volume requires them.
Which industries use CNC Plasma Cutting Q345 Steel parts?
CNC Plasma Cutting Q345 Steel parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise Q345 Steel components are required.
What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Plasma Cutting Q345 Steel?
CNC Plasma Cutting prototypes for Q345 Steel can be produced quickly and scaled to series production. Send your drawing and quantity and we will advise lead time and any minimum order.