CNC STEEL CUTTING TYPES

Plasma cutters, water jet cutters, and laser cutters are all commonly used in the engineering industry for cutting various materials. Each type of cutter has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of which one to use will depend on the specific application and the type of material being cut.

Plasma cutters use high-speed jets of ionized gas (plasma) to cut through metal and other conductive materials. Pros of plasma cutting include its ability to cut through thick materials quickly and cleanly, and its relatively low cost. Cons include a limited cutting range and the need for a compressed air supply.

Water jet cutters use a high-pressure stream of water mixed with an abrasive material to cut through a wide variety of materials, including metal, plastic, and ceramics. Pros of water jet cutting include its ability to cut through very thick and hard materials, and its ability to cut delicate and intricate shapes with precision. Cons include the high cost of the equipment and the need for large amounts of water.

Laser cutters use a highly focused beam of light to cut through a wide variety of materials. Pros of laser cutting include its ability to cut very precise and intricate shapes with high accuracy, and its ability to cut through very thin materials with minimal heat affected zone. Cons include the high cost of the equipment, the need for specialized software, and the potential for eye damage if proper safety precautions are not taken.

In terms of cutting power, plasma cutters are considered to be the most powerful, followed by water jet cutters and laser cutters. However, in terms of precision, laser cutters are considered to be the most precise, followed by water jet cutters and plasma cutters.

Plasma cutting works by creating an electrical arc between an electrode and the workpiece. The arc ionizes a gas, such as compressed air, creating a plasma jet. This plasma jet is directed at the workpiece and cuts through it by melting the material. Waterjet cutting works by using a high-pressure pump to force water through a small nozzle, where it is mixed with an abrasive material such as garnet. The high-pressure stream of water and abrasive material cuts through the material by erosion. Laser cutting works by using a highly focused beam of light to melt or vaporize the material. The beam is directed at the workpiece by a computer-controlled mirror system, and the cut is made by the laser beam melting or vaporizing the material.

Overall, the choice of which type of cutter to use will depend on the specific application and the type of material being cut. Plasma cutters are best for cutting thick metal quickly and cleanly, water jet cutters are best for cutting hard and thick materials with precision, and laser cutters are best for cutting thin materials with high accuracy.