Laser or plasma metal cutting?

Contents:

No industry is possible without a key process — metal cutting. The most popular ways are lasers or plasma. They are popular due to their speed and, above all, efficiency.  What type of laser is needed for me? A frequent question. Now we won’t answer only it, but also all related issues.

Laser cutting

First, let’s talk about both types.

Laser cutting is a contactless process. Processing of material works like — metal at an incision site, absorbing laser, then increases temperature itself so much that it simply evaporates and forms a hole.

You may not know, but laser cutting is a broad concept, lasers come in different types and it is worth considering.

Crystal lasers

They are used for cutting and marking particularly thin metals and some non-metals.

СО2

Non-metallic materials such as wood or plastic — these materials are great for CO2. Of course, no one forbids you to cut metals on it, but we still support an effective approach to work.

Fiber one

This type can processing metals, stainless and carbon steel, copper, aluminum and brass will be suitable materials for machine.

Diode type

Designed for use with metals, plastics, composites, and other non-metallic substances.

Plasma cutting

This type of processing material is based on a completely different kind of process that charged gas is directed to material, creating an electrical circuit between the nozzle (place where gas comes from) and the workpiece. Then contact point heats up to melting point, and gas blows away softened metal at high speed.

Plasma cutting does not differ in its accuracy, due to constant fluctuations, contours of corners and cut itself aren’t as smooth as laser equivalent.

It is worth noting that this method is noisy, sparkling and smoking, so special binding clothing will be required for protection.

In addition, scales often form at site of incision (as a result of contact of hot metal and air), they aren’t difficult to clean, but still it takes time. 

So if you choose a plasma way that is inexpensive, high processing and productive, it should be noted that due to principles of device it is very restricted in terms of materials. Plasma works well only with electrically conducting materials, but plastics, glass, iron and other materials are outside its capabilities.

What’s better?

Both technologies’ material is affected by high temperature, namely, a source of directed kinetic energy is used. They are also similar to each other with high cutting speed and use of gases under high pressure.

Among differences, following stand out:

• Plasma is much cheaper than laser.
• Plasma cutting leaves a wide enough furrow, and laser makes a thin, high-quality cut.
• Plasma generates more heat during cutting, not rarely it can lead to material deformation. The laser doesn’t physically come into contact with the processed product in any way.

What criteria should be used when choosing?

Both methods have similarities and differences, and it can sometimes be difficult to figure them out on the fly. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the needs of your specific needs and resources.

To choose the right way of buying a plasma cutter or a laser one, we recommend you to pay attention to the following main criteria. It’s too necessary to know about what your industry needs, so you need to analyze a little bit before choosing.

We also note following:

• Take into account the material’s depth.
• Plan volume of current and future production.
• Analyze initial budget and possible subsequent expenses.

After carefully considering these factors and recommendations, you’re ready to choose the most suitable cutting method for effective execution of your project.

Conclusion

Each of the processing types has its pros and cons, and therefore both methods have different application paths. 

The laser is better suited for neat and accurate work with many small details or engraving. Also, it does not leave any traces on material, and there is no waste when cutting metal at all. All this makes machines very attractive, but sometimes pricing policy can be a key factor in choosing, and in this case it isn’t at all towards laser. 

Plasma cutting doesn’t leave a perfectly smooth cut, but its unprecedented advantage is ability to quickly cut thick sheets. 

All this leads us to one conclusion — there is no universal tool and you need to carefully and seriously analyze what you are doing and what you need for it. Take your time and find your machine!