The difference between plasma cutting machine and laser cutting machine

Are you torn between choosing laser or plasma cutting system? Each cutting system uses a different method to cut material, and each method has its benefits and disadvantages. Read on to find out which cutting technology will best suit your business.

How does they work?

The laser uses a laser beam guided by mirrors or fiber optics to cut, and the plasma arc cutting process uses electrically conductive gas. This includes argon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and mixtures, plus air and oxygen to melt and pierce the metal.

What can it cut?

Laser and plasma systems, by contrast, have limits to the materials they can cut. Plasma can be used for cutting metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, and copper, of varying thicknesses. It can cut both ferrous and nonferrous metals, but non-conductive materials such as wood or plastic cannot be cut with a plasma cutter. Plasma is faster than laser cutting systems for thickness over 3mm, but a minor drawback is that plasma typically leaves a 4-6-degree bevel on the cut edge; which can be more noticeable on thicker pieces.

The laser is a little more extensive than plasma in the variety of material it can cut. All plastics, glass, ceramics, rubber, wood and most metals can be cut with speed and accuracy with a laser. It also allows complex detail and good edge quality in either sheet, plate, tube or box section.

The laser is more precise than plasma and the waterjet system and uses less energy when cutting steel and aluminum sheets. For thicker materials, the plasma is more likely to be the most efficient cut, although developing laser technology means that laser is not so far behind.  However, there is a slight burning with laser and the possibility that the material may deform. The same can be said of the plasma system too.

How does it affect the staff and work environment?

The fiber laser cutting machine requires only minimal human intervention, mainly for programming, inspections, and repairs. Therefore, the frequency of injuries and accidents is minimal, although too close contact with the laser can cause burns. Laser cutting of materials such as plastics can cause gas emissions when exposed to heat, which means that a well-ventilated room is vital as the gases can be harmful and toxic.

Plasma cutting too requires only minimal operator training and is easy to operate with no potentially complicated adjustments associated with laser cutting systems. However, in addition to high energy radiation generated by plasma, the intense heat creates substantial quantities of fumes and smoke from vaporizing metal, so again, a well-ventilated work area is a must.