As of today, some smaller mechanical workshops, or individuals who hobbyistically engage in the production of various elements, try to supplement their equipment with a hand-held computerized machine to perform precise cutting. The most popular machines in the form of machine tools are the CNC machine and the laser cutter. Both products in a short time, precisely perform cuts of a product with complicated shapes. In addition, the above machines are reliable and provide almost perfect repeatability. However, there are certain differences between cutting performed using CNC and using laser cutting. Below we present these differences, so that every handyman can choose the ideal method for themselves.
What is CNC cutting?
CNC is also known as computer numerical control. Such a machine uses specialized equipment to produce parts of various sizes and shapes. The whole project begins when the designer creates a drawing of the part for a specific customer. Nowadays, such a drawing is created on specific computer software. Then, thanks to the computer version of the drawing, the CNC programmer translates it into the machined object using a program (CAM). The above software assists the programmer in creating tool paths and generating "G code", which controls the CNC machine. CNC mills and CNC routers cut material by moving sideways along the "X" axis, in and out along the "Y" axis, and up and down on the "Z" axis. Both a CNC mill and a CNC router can move and cut along all three axes simultaneously. Both types of CNC machines cut and remove material. CNC cutting tools are varied and are adapted to the cutting materials, cutting depth, and type of cut.
Advantages of cutting with a CNC machine
CNC equipment has many advantages that may convince some people to purchase this product. Below we present the most practical benefits associated with cutting with a CNC machine:
- CNC machines have excellent software that allows you to choose the best way to process the element - while minimizing unnecessary material loss,
- material processing and cutting is done without human intervention, significantly minimizing the risk of error or workplace accidents,
- CNC machines can be set to the highest speed, increasing productivity and efficiency during material cutting,
- CNC machines reduce production costs due to energy savings.
Who is the CNC cutting machine for?
CNC machines and cnc milling conduct the material cutting process in a versatile and inexpensive way. For this reason, many industries have this type of solution in their production halls. CNC machines are the "ideal worker", as they work at a significant speed, do not make mistakes, and their production capabilities are practically unlimited. Currently, the market also offers stationary CNC milling machines for smaller companies or private hobbyists. Industries that can successfully implement CNC machines into their sector include:
- Defense industry
- Oil and gas sector
- Aviation industry
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing companies and many more!
What is laser cutting?
A laser cutter performing laser cutting is similar to a milling machine and CNC milling. This is due to the fact that laser technology also takes place with the help of pre-programming its path. However, there are many differences between performing laser cutting and CNC. The basic difference is that a laser cutter uses high-energy light to burn through the material and cut it. A CNC machine uses a cutting tool or a mill.
Currently, the most popular types of laser cutters are:
- CO2 Laser - this device passes current through a tube containing a mixture of carbon dioxide, hydrogen, helium, and nitrogen. This laser can cut thin sheets, wood, or serve as an engraver.
- Fiber Laser - this is a semiconductor machine that amplifies its beam using special glass fibers. This type of laser cuts metals, non-metals, wood, plastic, and glass.
- Nd: Yag Laser - this is equipment that allows for high-power cutting. Unfortunately, lasers of this type are expensive and have a short lifespan.
Advantages of laser cutting
Without a doubt, the biggest advantage of this product is its high precision and detail of cutting. This can be justified as follows:
- The CNC cutting tool can set the internal radius to 0.062 inches,
and the laser cutting tool can set the radius to approximately 0.005 inches, making the cut more precise. - Additionally, compared to CNC cutting – laser cutting leaves clean and sealed edges, which improves the quality of the parts produced. This maximizes the usability of the machined parts and minimizes waste.
- An interesting advantage is also the fact that laser equipment does not have many moving parts, which means that repair and maintenance costs may be lower than with CNC.
Who is the laser cutter for?
Laser cutting is mainly used in the shipbuilding, medical, and aviation sectors. This is due to the fact that each of these industries requires exceptional precision, which laser cutting can provide.
Other industries that use machines to perform laser cutting include:
- Automotive (production of car parts)
- Tool manufacturers (engraving for product marking)
- Musical instruments
- Jewelry
However, let's remember that a laser cutting machine is complex - just like its maintenance, which can generate significant costs of using this technology. Nevertheless, a laser cutter will work well in larger companies that have substantial capital and serve powerful sectors. Although laser cutting is more accurate and generates less waste than CNC, a CNC milling machine will certainly perform better on thick materials and wood. Laser cutting of sheets is very often performed, as the laser cutting process is extremely accurate - even in operations on stainless steel. Laser cutting is a great way to precisely cut almost any material! Let's also remember that laser cutting significantly increases the cutting speed, as it is very accurate, which eliminates the human factor. For these reasons, it is worth knowing the above technology.