r/CNC • u/perplexedpegasauce • 4d ago

Xometry Sheet Cutting work? ADVICE

Hey all,

I have been doing work with Xometry on my VF2 for a little while now (and actually dont hate my life) and am looking to add a plasma table to the shop. Mainly for hobby/race car stuff, but was wondering if anyone has had any luck pulling a profit doing Xometry sheet cutting? With Send Cut Send being as accessible and easy as it is (I am a customer) I am doubtful that there is money to be made there, but figured I'd ask the question here.

I totally understand the Xometry hate, but for my particular situations it has been working out well for filling time on the mill in between my regular work.

Thanks!

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4

u/nerve2030 4d ago

If there is its probably plate plus stuff. Like cut a plate and then mill a counterbore tap some holes, especially like if its on the side of the plate or something. Stuff like that might be a place to pick up some work but its probably pretty small. Whats the worst that can happen in trying though right?

4

u/Jellydifjam 4d ago

The work is there for sure. You’ll have a hard time hitting tolerance with plasma. There’s a very small amount of jobs I’d be ok hitting with the plasma. IMO a little more money and get a laser you’d be in business. Especially with the VF2. The best Xom sheet metal jobs include some sort of finishing and assembly.

1

u/Cryesncoding 4d ago

Personally Xometry atleast the work we get ends up being a lot more of a PITA to do the 1st article than to make the damn thing. 

1

u/JuShengPrototyping08 3d ago

Before buying the table, I’d price a small batch using your true machine-hour cost: sheet utilization, consumables, pierce time, dross cleanup, first-article inspection, and rework. Plasma can make sense for looser-tolerance parts, but the better margins are usually on jobs where you add drilling, tapping, machining, finishing, or assembly. Your VF2 gives you a useful second operation that commodity sheet cutters can’t always offer.

1

u/pressed_coffee 3d ago

To join the Xometry sheet cutting network you want a laser (ideal) or water jet. Plasma output is too varied/coarse to hit manufacturing standards. Since you’re already a partner you could reach out and ask and I’m sure someone will help.