Laser and water jet cutting are two of the fastest and most accurate ways of computer numerical controlled (CNC) cutting in the sheet metal fabrication industry. Both of these cutting tools offer precision and flexibility, minimize waste and so are easily programmable with CAD/CAM or nesting software.
Both laser and water jet cutters have distinct advantages over a number of the more traditional cutting methods. They can be used with a number of materials besides sheet metal, such as for example marble, glass, plastics and acrylic. They are also a lot more efficient than traditional machine tool cutting in terms of smaller orders that could be more specialized or require greater detail.
Laser Cutting
Fabrication software allows a programmer to input information that may direct a cutting tool to move along a design path with the goal of cutting out a bit or part exactly as it was drawn up. There is no better tool for executing the complete cutting of a programmed pattern than a laser cutting machine. When coupled with quality CNC laser software, lasers is capable of doing very detailed cutting functions that include holes, slots and complex design patterns.
However, laser machines do have their limitations. When working with a laser cutter, the more wattage the deeper the cutting ability. Lasers are extremely quick and accurate when used to cut thinner metals. However when thicker metal is used, "heat zones" can develop that may sometimes melt more sensitive metals or cause unevenness or rough spots in the material.
Therefore, laser cutting thicker metals is impractical not only because of possible damage to the material, but since it is more expensive. If heat zones or hot spots occur from overexposing the metal to the laser, extra work such as grinding the part could become necessary. This will increase labor and material expenses, as well as the higher costs connected with more energy usage.
Water Jet Cutting
Although not as precise as laser cutting, water jet cutting has the ability to cut thicker material without causing damage. Considered an "abrasive" process, water jet cutting uses an abrasive material combined with water in an extremely concentrated stream to "erode" or breakdown the material being cut.
Though there may still be https://djhillengineering.uk/best-cnc-cutting-gwent/ or finishing involved after processing a piece, water jetting tools are a lot more acceptable to be used with thicker materials as well as those that are sensitive and vunerable to damage under extreme heat.
However, precautions must be studied when cutting metal with a water jet tool. The material must be dried immediately after cutting to avoid rusting. Also, since a cut from the water jet machine isn't as even or clean as when working with a laser, the edges of the cut usually must be sanded or grinded. The piece should be "finished" so as to smooth it out and ensure it is ready for possible welding.
Overall, both water jet cutting and laser cutting have their advantages. Water jet cutting is often more cost effective, but that can also depend on how big is the work and the thickness of the material used. When used on thinner, more detailed parts from sheet metal, a combination of top-line fabrication software and a good laser cutting machine is the optimal scenario for producing quality parts at a fast rate.