How thick of metal can a CNC machine cut?

1. **Plasma Cutters**: Typically used for cutting thicker metals, plasma cutters can handle steel sheets that range in thickness from 0.5 mm (0.020") up to 150 mm (6.0"). However, for very thick materials, the cutting speed may decrease, and the quality of the cut might be affected by factors such as the material's conductivity and the machine's power.

2. **Laser Cutters**: These are suitable for cutting thinner sheets, usually ranging from 0.5 mm (0.020") to 25 mm (1.0"), although some high-powered laser cutters can handle thicker materials. The thickness that a laser cutter can handle also depends on the type of metal and the power of the laser.

3. **Water Jet Cutters**: Water jet cutters are used for cutting a variety of materials, including metals. They can cut metal thicknesses ranging from thin sheets up to 150 mm (6.0") or more. The advantage of water jet cutting is that it produces a clean cut without heat-affected zones, which can be beneficial for certain materials and applications.

4. **Punch Presses**: These are often used for cutting thinner sheets of metal, usually up to 6 mm (0.25") thick, but this can vary depending on the machine's capacity.

5. **Milling Machines**: CNC milling machines can handle a wide range of metal thicknesses, from very thin sheets to thick blocks. The capability depends on the machine's size, the strength of the spindle, and the cutting tools used.

6. **Lathe Machines**: CNC lathes are primarily used for turning operations and can work with bar stock and other cylindrical materials with varying diameters and lengths, depending on the machine's capacity.

It's important to consult the specifications of the specific CNC machine you are considering, as well as the recommendations from the manufacturer, to determine the maximum thickness of metal it can cut. Additionally, the condition of the machine, the type of cutting tools, and the cutting strategy will also affect the cutting capabilities.