Today, laser cutting has largely replaced plasma cutting, based on the fact that laser processing is more efficient and accurate, and that these two elements are essential for industrial manufacturing.
Reasons why laser cutting is more advantageous than plasma cutting:
1.Working Principle
1.1 Laser cutting
Laser cutting uses a precisely focused, high-power laser beam to melt material at contact points. The process is controlled by a computer CNC system, which guides the laser according to detailed design documents, thereby achieving high-precision complex cutting. Laser cutting also uses assist gas to help clean the cut and cool the material.
1.2 Plasma cutting
Plasma cutting works by sending an arc through gas through a narrow opening. The gas is ionized in the process, turning into plasma. The hot plasma is then used to melt the metal being cut as it is blown over the metal to complete the cut.
2.Advantages of laser cutting compared to plasma cutting
2.1 Higher machining accuracy
Laser cutting machines offer greater precision. The laser produces a much finer beam, typically 0.1mm-0.3mm, and is able to achieve complex shapes and details that plasma cutting cannot.
2.2 Higher edge quality
Laser cutting produces a smoother and cleaner edge that does not require secondary processing. However, plasma cutting produces a rougher edge on the sheet, which needs to be refined again.
2.3 Less heat distortion
Lasers produce less thermal distortion because their HAZ is smaller than that of plasma cutters. The laser beam is able to cut quickly and spread less heat, resulting in less warping or deformation of the material.
2.4 Wide range of processing
Laser cutting machines can process metals, wood, composites, and certain fabrics; plasma cutting is mainly used for conductive metals. So laser cutting is more versatile in terms of materials.
2.5 Thin materials can be processed
Laser cutting machines are capable of processing very thin materials