Difference between metal CNC machine and metal laser cutting machine

1. Principle

Laser Cutting Machine: A laser cutting machine uses a high-energy laser beam to cut material. The laser beam is focused into a very small spot and cuts the material by heating and vaporising it.

Plasma Cutting Machines: Plasma cutting machines use a high temperature plasma to cut material. During plasma cutting, a gas is activated by an arc discharge to form a plasma that is focused through a nozzle onto the material to be cut.

2. Cutting quality

Laser Cutting Machines: Lasers can cut metal with an accuracy of 0.2 mm or less. In addition, the laser cutting machine can complete non-contact cutting with the surface of the product workpiece, small cutting gap, high precision, small thermal hazardous area, smooth and burr-free cutting bore.

Plasma cutting machine: plasma can be completed within 1mm, but the cutting gap is slightly larger, the cutting hole is not smooth, uneven, low cutting accuracy.

3. Cost

Laser cutting machine: composed of many high-precision parts, mechanical parts cost is high. However, because it is basically maintenance-free, the cost of consumables is very low.

Plasma Cutting Machines: Relatively inexpensive to purchase, but consumable costs are high. For example, the entire torch needs to be replaced within a few hours and plasma cutters consume a lot of electricity.

4. Environment of use

Laser Cutting Machines: Laser cutting machines usually require a relatively clean and closed working environment to ensure the stability of the laser beam and cut quality.

Plasma Cutting Machines: Plasma cutting machines require a relatively low working environment and can be used in harsh environments.