What Is P&O Steel and Why Is It Popular for Laser Cutting?
If you’ve looked into laser cutting mild steel, chances are you’ve come across the term P&O steel. But what exactly is it—and why do we (and many of our customers) choose it for so many projects?
Here’s a quick breakdown of what makes Pickled & Oiled (P&O) steel ideal for laser cutting, and when it might be the right fit for your job.
What Does "Pickled & Oiled" Mean?
P&O steel is hot rolled steel that has gone through an extra cleaning process:
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Pickling removes the scale and oxide layer left behind after hot rolling.
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Oiling adds a thin protective coating to stop rust during transport and storage.
The result is a smoother, cleaner surface—and that’s exactly what makes it so good for laser cutting.
Why P&O Steel Is Great for Laser Cutting
Laser cutting works best when the surface is clean, flat, and free from debris. Here’s why P&O fits the bill:
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Less surface contamination = better quality cuts
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Reduces slag and dross during cutting
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No extra prep needed before cutting or welding
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Excellent for etching/marking—text and labels come out clearer
It’s the perfect balance between raw hot-rolled steel and pricier cold-rolled options.
When to Use P&O Steel
P&O is a solid choice for most general fabrication and construction jobs, especially when you want:
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A tidy, clean-looking finish
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Accurate etching or part numbers
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A reliable surface for welding or painting
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Reduced post-cut cleanup
We use it for everything from brackets and base plates to signage and structural parts.
Great for Welding Too
Another big benefit of P&O steel? It’s ideal for welding. Because the pickling process removes the tough mill scale that would normally need to be ground off, you’re left with a clean surface that doesn’t need extra prep.
That means:
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Stronger welds
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Less time spent cleaning up
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Better results overall
If you’re planning to fabricate parts by welding them together, P&O gives you a clean start—saving time and giving a better finish.
Need Something Else?
P&O is one of our standard materials listed in our online quoting tool, so it’s always in stock and ready to go.
But if your job needs something different—like galvanised steel, stainless, or aluminium—we can cut those too. Just note that special orders outside our standard materials may cost more or affect lead times.
Ready to Cut?
If you’ve got a job in mind, upload your DXF to our quoting tool or send us a drawing to get started. We’ll get your parts cut clean and fast—on the right material for the job.
