Cutting material:
Numerical control plasma cutting is a machining method that uses the heat of high-temperature plasma arc to melt (evaporate) metal parts, and uses the momentum of high-speed plasma to eliminate the molten metal and form a cutting edge. The CNC plasma cutting machine can cut conductive materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, aluminum, etc. Plasma cutting machines are specialized for cutting various metals such as stainless steel and aluminum. This includes metals with reflective surfaces that cannot be manipulated by laser cutting machines. Unlike plasma cutting machines, laser cutting machines can be used for many other purposes, including trimming, marking, welding, and engraving.
Cutting accuracy:
The cutting accuracy of fiber laser cutting is far superior to that of CNC plasma cutting machines. The cutting accuracy of fiber laser is twice as high as that of plasma cutting machine. Plasma laser can accurately cut metal up to 0.1 millimeters or 0.004 inches. Laser cutting machine cutting: 0.05 millimeters or 0.002 inches, and if you can get the correct cutting parameters in laser cutting, you don’t have to worry too much about the cutting machine. With plasma, you usually have to shave or finish cutting because there are residues. If your metal cutting needs precision, then you need a laser cutting machine. If you only need to cut simple shapes and thick ones, then plasma laser should be the right one.
Cutting thickness:
When it comes to cutting various fiber lasers, it is more effective to cut thin metals. Fiber laser can effectively cut 25mm or 1-inch metal sheets. Afterwards, the efficiency of fiber laser cutting metal will decrease. You need a lot of electricity, and by the way, cutting heart metal that is 25 millimeters or 1 inch or more requires more money. On the other hand, plasma can effectively cut any metal as thick as 80 millimeters or 3 inches. It is interesting that when cutting thicker materials, the cutting speed of plasma is faster than that of laser.
Cost:
Metal plasma cutting machines are more cost-effective than laser cutting machines, especially when comparing high-end plasma machines with high-end laser machines. This is mainly due to the cost of operating each machine on a daily basis and the speed at which each machine operates. Undoubtedly, a machine with lower operating costs will produce the most cost-effective finished product for your business.
