How to Choose Between Plasma Cutting and Laser Cutting?

Material cutting is a common practice used in many industrial projects. On the market, two techniques dominate: plasma cutting and laser cutting. Each has its own characteristics, advantages, and drawbacks.

At Omnifab, we have mastered this process to perfection, offering it to numerous clients for whom we deliver tailor-made projects.

What is Plasma Cutting?

Plasma cutting uses a high-temperature plasma jet to melt and eject material from the workpiece. This method is ideal for cutting thick metals, such as steel or stainless steel. Its speed and versatility make it a preferred option for many industrial projects.

How Does It Work?

1. Plasma is formed by blowing an inert gas through a nozzle at high speed. An electrical discharge is then generated between the nozzle and the material surface being cut.
2. The electrical discharge heats the inert gas to extremely high temperatures, turning it into an ionized state, which is plasma.
3. The plasma, at high temperature, is expelled from the nozzle at high speed, forming a concentrated plasma jet.
4. It then contacts the surface of the material being cut. At this point, the heat from the plasma melts the metal on the material’s surface.
5. The plasma jet also blows the melted material out of the cut, creating a slit or cut through the material.

What is Laser Cutting?

Laser cutting, on the other hand, uses a focused laser beam to heat and melt the material. This technique is known for its unmatched precision, enabling very fine and complex cuts. It is particularly suited for thin metals and delicate materials.

How Does It Work?

1. Laser cutting begins with generating a laser beam from a laser source.
2. The laser beam is then directed through a lens system that focuses it to concentrate the energy on a small area, creating high light intensity.
3. The beam is then directed onto the material surface to be cut. When the laser beam contacts the material, it generates heat.
4. The generated heat can cause the material to melt (preferred for clean cuts) or vaporize (preferred for creating a slit or cut).
5. To make the cut along the desired path, the laser beam is moved through the material using a positioning system, typically a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) system.

How to Choose Between These Two Cutting Methods?

The choice between plasma cutting and laser cutting depends on several factors and elements to consider.

Type of Material

Plasma cutting is ideal for conductive metals, especially carbon steels, stainless steels, and aluminum. Laser cutting, on the other hand, can accommodate a broader range of materials, whether conductive or non-conductive.

Material Thickness

Plasma cutting is more suitable for materials thicker than six millimeters. Laser cutting, however, excels at cutting thinner materials, such as sheet metal, though it can also handle thicker materials depending on the power of the laser.

Precision

Laser cutting is preferred when fine cuts with complex details are required. Plasma cutting is more suited for applications where a lower precision is acceptable.

Work Environment

Plasma cutting typically generates more heat, fumes, and material spatter than laser cutting. However, at Omnifab, this is not a major concern, as we are equipped to handle both methods without issue.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages?

In summary, both types of cutting have their advantages and disadvantages depending on the project you wish to carry out.

Plasma Cutting:

• Advantages: Speed, effectiveness on thick metals, moderate cost.
• Disadvantages: Less precise than laser cutting, edge quality sometimes inferior.

Laser Cutting: 

• Advantages: Extreme precision, superior cutting quality, versatility across various materials.
• Disadvantages: Higher cost, less effective on very thick metals.

Choose the Best Option by Trusting Your Project to Omnifab’s Cutting Service

The decision between plasma cutting and laser cutting depends on your specific needs. Consider material thickness, required precision, and budget. Don’t hesitate to consult experts to guide you toward the best solution for your project.

At Omnifab, you won’t have to worry because we know exactly which metal cutting method is best suited for your project. Whether it’s plasma cutting service or laser cutting service, you’ll get results that meet your expectations and precisely align with your needs.

Simply get in touch with us to start the process.