Are you looking to add or replace parts of your manual machines? If yes, you have probably come across CNC cutting vs Laser cutting during your search. Both techniques are highly sought by modern-day manufacturers, aiming to cut parts with intricate shapes without compromising on speed.
Now, if you are new to the manufacturing industry, it’s easy to assume that these two cutting machines play the same role. However, there are a lot of differences, especially when it comes to how they both operate and their areas of expertise. Lucky for you, we are here to help you make the right decision when choosing between the two machining.
This article by Sunrise Metal is strategically curated to help you assess the most critical differences between CNC cutting and laser cutting. In addition, you’ll also learn about some crucial things to consider before making the final decision – continue reading to learn more.
What is Laser Cutting and How Does it Work?
Laser cutting involves using a thin, focused laser beam to cut, melt, burn, or vaporize different materials, creating the cut or etch you want. Like CNC milling, laser cutting is also programmed or computerized to direct the beam material to the section that needs to be cut. This process uses a motion control system to follow a G-code of the pattern.
So, how is the laser beam created? Well, it is made by stimulating laser material using electrical discharges or lamps inside a closed container. The stimulated laser material is then amplified to the point that it can escape a stream of coherent monochromatic lights. This is done by reflecting it internally via a partial mirror.
What is CNC Cutting and How Does it Work?
CNC, or, in other words, Computer Numeric Control, is a popular and versatile manufacturing process. It is leveraged by several industries to produce precise shapes and sizes of metal parts. The technique begins with the designer drawing the desired final products using computer software such as CorelDRAW or AutoCAD.
Once the computerized drawing is complete, a CNC programmer translates it into a workpiece. From there, a Computer-aided manufacturing software program formulates a G-code that guides the CNC machine to replicate the input design. Most manufacturers use multi-axis CNC machining to produce more intricate features and complex geometries. Traditional CNC cutting machines are only limited to simple design parts.
CNC Cutting versus Laser Cutting
CNC cutting Vs. Laser cutting has a significant difference in the tools they employ to do the cutting. In Laser cutting, the manufacturing technique utilizes beams stimulated using electrical charges to cut through a workpiece. Unlike the CNC, laser cutting has nothing to do with physical contact with the tool.
CNC cutting, conversely, utilizes drills and mills to carve out the design of the desired product. It’s more like what you may do when drawing something with your hand. There are many types of drills and mills that perform different functions depending on the type of cutting needed. Thus, every manufacturer should choose one based on the design and industry’s application.
Tips to Decide Which Cutting Machine is Suitable for Your Needs
Before you even hire a manufacturing company to get the job done. Here are some things you should consider to ensure you use a suitable cutting machine.
Consider the Cutting Methods
Do you need simple cutting or 3D carving in your next manufacturing project? By answering this question, you can determine whether CNC cutting is the best choice for you compared to laser cutting. For example, if you have flat services that need simple cutting, laser cutting will be your fastest path to achieving accurate and high-quality finishes within a short period.
However, in case you want to manufacture workpieces in a 3D dimension that too with finer details, it’s wise to use CNC cutting. Here is why: Unlike laser cutting, where there is no physical contact with the workpiece, CNC utilizes rotational axes to come into contact with the workpiece. This, in turn, makes it easy to make deep cuts and curves at different angles.
Analyze Your Precision Expectations
When it comes to CNC cutting, the size of the spinning bit acts as the deciding factor for accuracy.
Let’s get technical here for a minute – the smallest cutting bit is usually ¼ inch or 0.03265mm. Now, you probably think this is a good thing, but it’s actually not. Smaller bit size means less force, which makes it fairly difficult (or sometimes impossible) to penetrate thicker materials. With this, producing higher precision parts using CNC cutting is not your best shot.
However, when it comes to laser cutting, you can rest assured you will produce high-precision parts. This is because lasers can focus down to a tiny spot of 0.08mm without the size impacting how deep it can cut through. So long as the lasers have enough energy within them, precision shouldn’t be a concern.
Pay Attention to Cutting Speed
Imagine carving letters on a metal or wood surface using a knife. It would take an eternity to get the job done right. While CNC cutting doesn’t necessarily rely on a knife to put the carvings, it takes a lot of time before it cuts, especially on a thicker material. Laser cutting, on the other hand, is pretty speedy since there is no physical contact with the workpiece.
Before you jump into using laser cutting due to its fast speed, it’s essential to acknowledge that it works best on flat and thin surfaces. So, if you use the laser beams on a thick surface, the efficacy will automatically drop. The question remains: what are you willing to compromise?
Assess Your Material Compatibility Needs
As mentioned above, CNC cutting vs. Laser cutting depends on the type of material. Laser machines work well with flat, thinner surfaces, including wood, rubber, leather, and acrylic. That’s not all! There are also some materials that are not compatible with the laser beams. By compatible, we mean they can bounce back lasers or release harmful chemicals. They include metals or vinyl.
CNC cutting, conversely, is one of any type of material. Be it metals, wood, fibers, or plastics, you can manufacture these parts worry-free. Also, CNC cutting doesn’t discriminate against thick materials. In fact, it works best on them.
Consider the Operational Costs Involved
The upfront costs of laser and CNC cutting machines are high. Let’s do some math here. If you are searching for a heavy-duty machine, lasers can be pretty pricey. The same applies to CNC cutting. Once you buy the machine itself, you have to buy bits and routers so that the machine can perfectly suit your industry’s needs.
When it comes to running costs, CNC machines call for more finances compared to Laser machines. With CNC, you must replace the bits and the routes once they wear out. Laser machines, however, call for a swap after whooping workpieces for 50,000 hours. So, if you are looking for a long-term investment, the laser machine is your best fit. Keep in mind that if you are dealing with thicker materials, there will be more time spent; thus, you may need a laser swap sooner than expected.
Target Industrial Applications
Again, laser-cutting machines are the best option if you work in an industry that calls for high-precision parts. Shipping industries that use steel as the primary raw material are recommended to use the laser cutting machine. This is because, with a laser, there is a small thermal deformation and reduced secondary processing. Other industries that can leverage laser cutting include the military, medical equipment, and construction industries.
CNC cutting is best used in industries that call for complex design parts. The multiple axes make it possible to produce such designs in high volume. CNC cutting is mainly used in the automotive and aerospace industries to create engine components as well as metal parts.
Now that you understand the concept of CNC cutting vs laser cutting, you can make the final decision on which will work best for your industry. If you still don’t know where to start, it’s essential to look for a reputable company to guide you through the process.
At Sunrise Metal, we are dedicated to providing the best services to manufacturers worldwide. Whether you have inquiries about CNC or laser-cutting machines, we are here to make the process easy for you. Contact us today, and let’s begin this journey together!