When it comes to cutting accuracy, there is no doubt that laser cutting will be much more precise than plasma cutting. However, the choice between laser and plasma depends on the effect we want to achieve and the material we intend to process. Both technologies have advantages and disadvantages in various applications, so we should take into account, among others:
| LASER | PLASMA |
|---|---|
| COSTS | |
| More expensive to purchase and operate. Costs can be higher, especially with fiber lasers. | A cheaper option both to purchase and maintain. May be more economical when cutting thicker materials. |
| CUTTING SPEED | |
| Faster with thinner materials. | Better at cutting thicker materials (carbon steel, alloys). |
| CUTTING QUALITY | |
| Precise cutting and high quality of edges, which is important in the processing of elements requiring precise finishing. | Less precision when cutting thin materials, while the quality is acceptable when cutting thick materials. |
| Very precise finishes with minimal waste. | Can cut electrically conductive materials very effectively. |
| APPLICATION | |
| Better for work in the automotive industry, electronics and in the production of high-precision parts. | Better in the construction, steel production and construction industries. |
| MATERIALS | |
| Non-ferrous metals, aluminum, stainless steel, carbon steel. | Black steel, sheets, profiles. |
Plasma and laser, in addition to technological differences, differ primarily in cutting capabilities depending on the type of material, its thickness and physical properties. With this in mind, it can be summarized that:
- plasma, such as the 1530 120 HD plasma cutter, cuts thick metal materials using hot, ionized gas. It is fast and economical for thick metal, but less precise.
- a laser, such as the 1530 fiber laser, cuts thinner materials with high precision, including metals and non-metals. It is ideal for precision work, but more expensive to run.
If you need precise cuts in thin steel, choose a laser, but if you need to cut thick steel and expect speed and lower costs, choose plasma. You need to know that the choice between plasma and laser cutting should be preceded by a thorough analysis, which should take into account the type of materials being processed and the expected cutting quality. It is worth keeping up to date with the development of technologies such as fiber lasers, because they are currently experiencing very dynamic development and are being improved year by year.
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