Laser Cutting Machines vs Plasma Cutters Comparison
Here is the comparison between laser cutting machines and plasma cutters. It explains the differences of both devices relating to the methods of operations, the thickness of metal sheeting that can be cut, and the cost of such services. Find out the pros and cons of all the devices in relation to industrial uses.
Thin materials are best cut using laser cutting machines due to their high precision. The laser beam focus can be adjusted to a very small spot allowing the operator to make detailed and accurate cuts. On the other hand, plasma cutters use a beam of plasma and may find it more difficult to achieve high levels of precision when cutting thin materials.
Less Heat - Affected Zone
Compared to water-jet cutters, laser cutters have a smaller HAZ. This allows for more precision in terms of distortion of a material when cutting during the process. On the other hand, plasma cutting can cause more changes to the material because of the extremely high temperature of the plasma arc. This can affect an application like CNC cutting where material integrity is extremely important.
Both laser cutters and plasma cutters are important and valuable tools. Laser cutting is more precise and offers better surface finish for thin materials when compared to plasma cutting. For cutting thicker metals, plasma cutters is more suitable from a cost perspective. Plasma cutters tend to distort materials with the heat they generate. Laser machines win when it comes to smaller heat affected zones. It truly depends on what the laser cutter needs to do and what budget there is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of laser cutting machines over plasma cutters?
Laser cutting machines are capable of much greater precision than cutting machines. Their cuts are much cleaner and do not waste material, and they have the ability to cut a wider selection of materials, including some non-metals. Even though laser cutting creates heat, there is a smaller heat-affected zone which is good for more delicate materials. Plasma cutters are much noisier and generate fumes, while laser machines are quieter and cleaner. The speed in which laser cutters can work on thin pieces is also much faster.
In what scenarios are plasma cutters more suitable than laser cutting machines?
For cutting thicker metals, plasma cutters are better suited since they are able to provide a higher cutting power. They tend to be more economical when cutting metals on a large scale. If the metal is not sensitive to heat too rough a cut, then using a plasma cutter will be more practical. Furthermore, in some industrial applications where speed and a rough cut is the goal, plasma cutters are better more versatile.
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The Role of Laser Cutting Machines in Modern Manufacturing
When putting head to head laser cutting machines with plasma cutting machines, the former has the upper hand in many areas including accuracy, cut width, and smoothness of the cut surface. Additionally, distortion of the material is far less likely to occur with laser cutting. While plasma cutters have their place when it comes to thicker materials, for most of our cutting work, laser cutting machines yield the greatest outcomes in terms of productivity.
Laser cutting machines give more accurate and finer cuts than plasma cutters. More refined edges with very low heat affected zones can be attained from the use of laser beams, by using plasma cutters, more distortion and rough edges will be attained. Plasma cutters tend to have these more so with flimsy materials.
Suitable for a Wider Range of Materials
Plasma cutters usually concern themselves with metallic objects, however, laser cutting seems to do better with both versatility and the ability to cut wood, ceramics, and plastic. Additonally, laser cutting is the superior choice with various materials not as easily adjustable by plasma cutters.
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