Laser, Flame, And Plasma Cutting: Important Things You Should Know

The two major factors which contractors put into consideration are product quality and cost management when doing metal fabrication and cutting.

Metal cutting involves using different methods. Flame, plasma, and laser are a more common type of cutting methods for bigger projects of high demand.

Your favorite type of method depends on the class of metal to get cut, your budget, the purpose of that fabricated section, and the precision level.

However, there is a high-quality CNC plasma cutting machine for sale, and you can contact a reputable flame/plasma cutting machine supplier for CNC flame and plasma cutting equipment price.

This article will explain the three common metal cutting methods that will assist you in choosing the best method.

Laser Metal Cutting

Laser cutting entails the utilization of computerized, high-powered laser machine in cutting through metal.

In conjunction with the laser technique, the machines employ oxygen and nitrogen or the use of air that is compressed to cut metal with careful precision.

Also, laser machines are employed in welding, engraving, scribing, and trimming metals.

Plasma Metal Cutting

The plasma cutting technique is a very old method and was build up as a proficient substitute for flame cutting.

In this technique, compressed oxygen and other various gases like hydrogen and oxygen enforced, at very high speed, across a machine with a little opening.

The high pressure and speed with the combined gases create a category of gas termed plasma. The heated ions, electrically charged, of plasma gas help in metal pieces cutting.

Flame Metal Cutting

Flame cutting is also part of the oldest techniques. The metal cutting method process employs the combining of oxygen that is pure and, also, a basis of greater heat in cutting metal.

Firstly, there is a preheating of the metal to a very great temperature, and thereafter, the cutting machine releases oxygen onto the surface that is been heated. The metal is burned by the oxidation process to preferred sizes and shapes.

Flame Metal Cutting vs Laser and plasma Metal Cutting

There are some differences in the three techniques of metal cutting but all of them are still useful today in different applications.

Flame cutting is more appropriate for cutting thick metals. For thin metals, it requires great precision and high-speed methods like laser and plasma cutting.

Preparing a flame cutting machine is fast and easy, and also, the method is very budget-friendly.

Flame cutting is commonly restricted to cutting carbon and several types of steel having low contents of alloys and it is less appropriate in slicing stainless steel and aluminum.

Besides, flame-cutting can yield to great heat-affected zone (HAZ).

The HAZ are places of a metal which are negatively affected due to the exposure of metal to high heat during the process of cutting. These consequences can include brittleness, cracking, and corrosion.

Plasma Cutting vs Laser Cutting

The laser and plasma cutting gives great quality cuts, each technique has its advantage and disadvantages.

Application 

Plasma is broadly applied for cutting stainless steel and aluminum. Also, the plasma cutting method is appropriate for reflective metal cutting, while the laser is appropriate for cutting thin metals.

Cost

The cost of operating, maintaining, and purchasing a CNC plasma cutter is low. Also, the CNC flame and plasma cutting equipment price is very cheap and, averagely, the services of Plasma cutters are inexpensive compare to laser cutting.

Speed 

The amount of production influences the timeline of project completion. Plasma cutters cut metals of various thicknesses faster compare to laser machines.

Cut Quality and Size

The straight alignment of the cut edges is termed the cut quality while the sizes are the wideness at which the cut occurs.

If you prefer a small, properly finished slots or holes on your completed metal product, you should put into consideration a laser cutting. The laser gives a good straight edge and a little cut size.

Nonetheless, both plasma and laser cutters have a great tolerance and can cut, with the lowest distortion, metals properly.

Summary

The common metal cutting methods are flame, plasma, and laser techniques.

Also, there is a high-quality CNC plasma cutting machine for sale when you contact highly experienced CNC plasma cutting machine manufacturers.

In the selection of the most appropriate metal cutting method with the correct metal fabrication, contacting reputable suppliers for the CNC flame and plasma cutting equipment price will be the best way to save your money and stress.