Laser Cutting vs. Plasma Cutting: Which is Better For You?

Have you ever thought of laser cutting vs. plasma cutting? Which do you think is a better option to go for? In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about it. Whether it’s good for you, for your business, or if it’s something you would want to consider.

For 12+ years, Cheeron Laser has been the forefront of laser machines and metal cutting technology. Our dedication and continuous commitment put us on top of the industry as the best, most-reliable, and most-trusted laser cutting machine manufacturer.

What are we waiting for? Let’s hop on in!

Understanding Laser Cutting and Plasma Cutting

They sound the same and might even look the same–but, how are they different? Let’s briefly take a look at what laser and plasma cutting are so you know and have an idea about them.

Laser Cutting Process

Laser Cutting, quite obviously, is a process that involves a highly-focused beam of light–a laser to cut through materials. Many rely on laser cutting because of its exceptional precision and its ability to produce complex and intricate designs.

Check this video out to see a glimpse of what laser cutting is all about.

The laser melts, burns, or vaporizes the material in question, which then creates clean and precise cuts. You would want to use laser for projects that need detailed and accurate cuts. However, it is worth noting that they’re effective on thinner materials.

Plasma Cutting Process

Plasma Cutting, on the other hand, makes use of ionized jet gas at extremely high temperatures. The number can go as high as 20,000°C, with a goal to melt and remove material efficiently. This technique is best for the cutting of thicker metals as it offers the advantage of high speed and cost-effectiveness for certain applications.

Overall, plasma cutting is a versatile process. It has the capacity to handle different materials, like stainless steel, carbon steel, mild steel, and aluminum, and others more.

Laser Cutting Technology: Speed, Efficiency, and Intricacy

Now that we know their differences, let’s take a deep dive on how they’re different in terms of what advantages and benefits they provide.

Additional Profiling Services

One of the best pros of laser cutters is that it can incorporate additional services such as flowdrill and tapping, 45° bevel edges, and countersinks. This reduces the need for extensive weld preparations and boosting efficiency.

As many people say, results from laser-cutter projects and profiling are made accurate and precise, that you wouldn’t need anything else.

Exceptional Precision

Laser cutting can help you in achieving cutting tolerances of +-0.25mm. It is the perfect tool for projects where detailed and intricate designs are needed.

Furthermore, this accuracy and precision allows for tight nesting of parts, optimizing material usage and minimizing waste.

Versatile Applications

Another of its many and unique traits is its ability to handle various materials and thicknesses. Laser cutters can handle up to 2000 x 4000mm in size and up to 50mm thick.

However, it’s worth noting that not all materials and workpieces are manageable by laser cutting machines. There are a select few that it can’t cut due to their structure and the thickness they bear.

Advanced Technology

Lastly, the continuous investment and advancement in the latest laser cutting technology ensures the highest quality of profile cut parts. This also includes high-tech automations, countersinks, and many others, further streamlining and optimizing production.

Plasma Cutting: Power, Precision, and Capacity

If laser cutting uses a high-energy beam, plasma uses accelerated hot plasma to cut. Plasma cutting uses a high-temperature jet of ionized gas, reaching over 20,000°C, to melt and cut through materials. It’s the perfect tool for piercing through stainless steel, carbon steel, mild steel, and aluminum.

Check this video out to see about the pros of plasma cutting!

Plasma cutting can accommodate sizes up to 12m x 5m and thicknesses up to 40mm. Before lasers, plasma was “the thing,” so, let’s take a closer look at plasma cutting and what advantages and benefits it can bring.

Material Versatility

Plasma cutting works on a broader and wider range of materials. Yes, they can work on a vast plane of workpieces, and that includes stainless steel and aluminum. This is what makes them extremely suitable for different projects.

Edge Quality and Precision

Plasma cutting boasts a face accuracy tolerance of +/- 1.0mm and an edge squareness of fewer than 3 degrees. Furthermore, plasma cutting is known for producing clean cuts, often requiring minimal polishing and finishing.

Speed and Cost-Effectiveness

Compared to other systems and processes, plasma cutting is often faster and more economical for different material thicknesses. 24-hour plasma operations guarantee faster and more urgent turnaround times, even for complex and high-volume orders.

High Capacity and Flexibility

These machines are capable of handling materials up to 40mm thick. That is what makes them a great option for heavy-duty projects and applications. Their flexibility extends outward, as you’ll be able to use them for a vast plane of industries and applications.

These are the various characteristics and traits that make plasma and laser cutting processes different. But, would you consider the cost, though?

Plasma Cutting and Laser Cutting: Cost Talk

When price is in the discussion, it’s far common for laser cutting machines to claim the higher price. Because it’s more advanced, more technical, and better in terms of accuracy, it will really cost higher and be more expensive.

Long-term, though, laser cutting will be cheaper as no polishing or finishing would be required for certain projects. The raw results of laser cutting are crisp, sharp, and overly high-quality, compared to other processes.

On the other hand, plasma cutting is cheaper and a lot more affordable and accessible. Moreover, plasma cutting will be a lot cheaper if done in bulk or wholesale orders. Efficiency-wise, though, you might still need post-processing jobs done to polish the projects.

You Can Count on Cheeron Laser for Your Cutting Needs

Choosing between plasma and laser cutting hinges on your project’s specific requirements. These can be material type, thickness, desired cut quality, complexity, etc. If you don’t want to be left hanging to get what’s best, we here at Cheeron Laser can help you out!

Ambassador’s of laser machine processes and techniques, you can count on us if you need help with tube laser cutters, coil-fed lasers, handheld laser, and many more!

We’re armed with an experienced team, always ready to provide expert guidance and help determine the best cutting solution for your projects and needs.

Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and top-notch machineries and equipment, we can get you the specifics of your project.   

Contact us today to discuss your project and explore our top-notch metal cutting services. Get world-class quality laser cutting machines and services without burning a hole in your pocket! Reach out to us and get the most for your money!