Sheet Metal Processing Cutting Techniques: Comparison of Laser Cutting and Plasma Cutting

October 21, 2024

In the field of sheet metal processing, cutting technology plays a crucial role. With the rapid development of technology, laser cutting and plasma cutting have become two mainstream cutting methods. This article will provide a comprehensive comparison of these two cutting technologies to provide reference for sheet metal processing enterprises in choosing the appropriate technology.

Cutting Principle

1. Laser cutting: uses a high-energy laser beam to focus on the surface of the workpiece, making the heated spot instantly melt or vaporize, forming a cutting groove. At the same time, an auxiliary gas is used to blow out the slag in the cutting groove to achieve cutting. Laser cutting has the characteristics of high directionality, high brightness, and high intensity, ensuring high-speed and high-precision cutting effects.

2. Plasma cutting: by heating the metal at the cutting edge of the workpiece with a high-temperature plasma arc, the metal is locally melted and vaporized, and the molten metal is blown away by the high-velocity plasma flow to form a cutting groove. Plasma cutting is particularly suitable for cutting various metal materials, especially for cutting thick plates.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Laser Cutting and Plasma Cutting

Laser Cutting:

1. Advantages: High precision (positioning accuracy can reach 0.05mm, repeat positioning accuracy can reach 0.02mm), high quality (smooth and burr-free cuts, no need for subsequent processing), high efficiency (cutting speeds of up to 10m/min for thin sheets), wide material selection range (not limited to metals, can also cut wood, plastic, rubber, and other materials).

2. Disadvantages: High cost (high initial investment and maintenance costs), limited cutting thickness (low efficiency and high cost when cutting thick sheets).

Plasma Cutting:

1. Advantages: Strong thick plate cutting ability (can cut steel plates ranging from 6mm to 40mm thick, even up to 60mm), low cost (lower equipment purchase and maintenance costs compared to laser cutting), high efficiency (much faster cutting speed for thick plates than laser cutting and flame cutting).

2. Disadvantages: Poor vertical cutting surface (may produce a large bevel, affecting subsequent processing quality), produces slag (requires additional post-processing treatment), harmful gases and arcs (threaten the health of operators and require protective measures).

Applicable Scenarios

1. Laser cutting: is suitable for precision cutting and surface quality requirements of sheet metal parts in fields such as aerospace, Medical Equipment, precision instruments, etc. It is also suitable for cutting complex shapes and sheet metal parts with diverse materials.

2. Plasma cutting: is suitable for cutting medium-thick plates in fields such as shipbuilding, bridge construction, and steel structure. It is also suitable for cutting sheet metal parts with low precision requirements in fields such as construction and machinery manufacturing.

Laser cutting and plasma cutting have their own unique advantages and applicable scenarios. When choosing cutting processes, sheet metal processing enterprises should consider their production needs, material types, budget constraints, and process requirements. For sheet metal parts with high precision requirements and diverse materials, laser cutting is a better choice. For cutting medium-thick plates, plasma cutting has greater advantages. As the technology continues to advance and innovate, the performance and applicable scope of these cutting processes are constantly expanding and improving, bringing more choices and possibilities to the sheet metal processing industry.

Author:

Ms. CTT TECHNOLOGY (UK) LIMITED

E-mail:

haiqi.liang@chuntian-ctt.com

Phone/WhatsApp:

+86 13318966480