Question on plasma cutter

[Scooby074]

I met a guy last week who was milling some aluminum brackets in a piece about the size of a postcard about 3/8 inch thick. There were three larger holes to cut down on the weight and then a couple of holes for screws for it to attach to a larger assembly made out of polycarbonate. One of the sides had a radius in it. I forget, but it seemed like it took the CNC machine about 1.5 hours to make this part.

JJ's post in this thread got me wondering if the same part could be made (maybe not the screw holes) with a computerized controlled plasma cutter more cost effectively? One of the things the guy complained about was having to buy German cutters that used to cost $370 last year that is now up to $550 or something. I'm sorry for the vague description --metal working is not something I know much about. I only understand small bits and pieces of it.

CNC plasma could work. I have no idea about how well plasma would work on aluminum (how clean are the cuts?) as ive only used plasma on steel.

There is going to be a quite a cost to set up a CNC system, especially if its going to be a commercial one, so that might rule it out.

Then theres the level of precision thats going to be required for these holes?

These are great questions for the guys on the welding forums. Alot of those guys are in the industry and could give more definitive answers.