The difference between metal CNC machine and metal laser cutting machines

1. Principle

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

Plasma cutting machine: Plasma cutters use high-temperature plasma to cut materials. During the plasma cutting process, gas is activated by an arc discharge to form plasma, which is focused onto the material through a nozzle for cutting.

2. Cutting quality

Laser cutting machine: Laser can achieve metal cutting accuracy within 0.2mm. In addition, the laser cutting machine can complete non-contact cutting with the surface of the product workpiece. The cutting gap is small, the precision is high, the thermal hazard zone is small, and the cutting inner hole is smooth and burr-free. glitch.

Plasma cutting machine: Plasma can cut within 1mm, but the cutting gap is slightly larger, the inner hole of the cutting is not smooth and uneven, and the cutting accuracy is low.

3. Cost

Laser cutting machine: It is composed of many high-precision parts, and the cost of mechanical parts is relatively high. But since it is basically maintenance-free, the cost of consumables is very low.

Plasma cutting machine: The purchase price is relatively cheap, but the cost of consumables is high. For example, entire cutting torches need to be replaced within hours, and plasma cutters consume large amounts of power.

4. Usage environment

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

Plasma cutting machine: Plasma cutting machines have relatively low requirements on the working environment and can be used in harsh environments.