The reason I dont get them cut 1/2" thick is because the 1/2" in stainless steel is the max a laser can do. It will do it but it will not be nice, the edges will be all jagged. So I take two 1/4" flanges and weld them together, alot of people do this but it is more work. You can get 1/2" laser cut mild steel...
Or CNC milled stainless but that would cost alot..