Water-jet/Plasma/Laser Metal Cutter Service

I have an idea for some stuff that would need between 1/16 steel and thicker cut. The thicker cuts, the better- I saw online that water jet can cut inches.


-Is there a place around Denver that will do that kind of thing on a small run basis?
-What are the cost drivers? I assume space in the machine, length of cuts and depth? Is cutting a shape four times a X thickness cheaper than one time at 4X thickness?
-If you are cutting thinner material, all three methods are viable it seems, but for thicker >inch, the water jet works better?

Looking to get parts from about the size between a dollar bill and a credit card, plus some rounder parts the size of a 50 cent piece. The bigger ones would be the thicker ones.

Great question. I am anticipating responses.
I would like to have some 1/4" aluminum cut into an oval pattern with a space inside to mount a large jacket patch.
I have the aluminum plate.

Call On Target Fabrication 303-284-7364, he I believe is a member on here and has a plasma table. Located in the Wheat Ridge area, should be able to help you out or know where to go to get your project done.

Keep in mind that there are various levels of cost and quality of XY cutting, listed low to higher cost:
Oxy fuel (thicker steel only, lower quality)
Air plasma (all metals, low quality)
Mixed gas plasma (all metals, good cut quality)
CO2 laser (steel only, IIRC, good quality)
YAG laser (most metals, excellent quality)
Waterjet. All materials. Excellent quality.

Dencol has laser and plasma cutters.

There's a few places around that do water jet cutting. I've used Colorado Waterjet Company up near Johnstown with good success.

Water jet I'd going to be you best quality especially on thicker material. Plasma will always leave a slight bevel but nothing that can't be cleaned up real quick. I don't know if you've already found someone to cut your pieces, if not I have a plasma table and can cut up to 1 1/4 steel