This type of plasma discussed here simply means that some electrons are stripped from each atom in the solid. Both cut hard materials by tearing it apart to create a plasma at the kerf. Plasma cutters start with the plasma and cut by passing a powerful high-voltage current through a small spot in the material. Laser cutting machines cut through a small spot by a powerful laser source. Plasma cutting machines require the plasma source to be in close contact with the material being cut. Advanced optical technology provides a means to produce remote laser welding and cutting by focusing the beam to a small point at a certain distance away. Focused beams are used in the precision thermal cutting technique known as laser cutting. Plasma cutters, plasma cutting uses a combination of gases to make the cut.
Differences between laser cutters and plasma cutters
- Laser cutters are far more accurate than plasma cutters, but the initial outlay for laser cutters is much higher.
- For cutting thin metal sheets, fiber laser cutters work best because they can handle a wide range of metals. Copper, brass, and aluminum cannot be cut with CO2 laser cutters as they are not effective on reflective surfaces.
- Laser cutters can cut, etch and weld; plasma cutters can only cut, although they can cut many types of metal.
- Laser cutters are a more environmentally responsible solution for cutting metal as they typically consume less energy and cut metal faster than plasma cutters.
Plastic cutting through plasma cutters and laser cutters Wood, glass, plastics, and poorly conductive metals such as manganese, lead, tungsten, and tin cannot be cut with plasma cutters. Plasma cutting cannot be used to process non-conductive materials because the substance needs to be electrically conductive in order to react to the ionizing gas from the torch.
The CO2 laser system is the best tool for processing plastics because of its incredibly high precision and contact-free cutting. The workpiece does not need to be clamped, unlike when machining with a saw or milling machine. This allows even filigree details to be cut while minimizing waste and breakage.
Which cutter can produce higher cutting temperatures: plasma or laser?
I feel I should mention that laser cutters can actually produce plasma balls under certain conditions. For CO2 lasers, the wavelengths of light cannot penetrate the plasma, so on CO2 lasers, plasma is generally considered undesirable.
On fiber lasers, the wavelengths of light can actually penetrate the plasma, so for some thick material cutting, some application engineers have been working hard to intentionally generate plasma spheres so that the energy of the plasma sphere and the laser can work in concert to maximize productivity. I would say that this combination is the hottest.
Plasma typically dumps more heat onto a wider range of materials, creating a larger heat-affected zone. For a laser, the energy of the beam (e.g., 6 kW) is focused on a point as small as possible (e.g., 0.1 mm in diameter). This produces a very high energy density in a very small area, which results in faster cutting speeds, narrower cutting paths, and a smaller heat-affected zone.
As a result, the plasma is generally hotter, but the laser energy is more concentrated. When laser cutting is performed with a fiber laser and nitrogen-assisted gas, the part is within reach almost as soon as it is finished cutting, while plasma cut parts take time to cool.
Fiber laser cutting machine features
- The welded structure body, after high-temperature annealing, roughing is performed, and secondary vibration is processed after aging treatment.
Cast aluminum beam: heavy-duty steel die pressure casting ensures the strength, precision, and service life of the machine body;
- Imported planetary helical gear reducer, high precision rack, and pinion and linear guide ensure stable, high noise, and reliable performance in high-speed operation;
- With servo drive control, the torque is stronger, the running speed is faster and more stable;
- Automatic follow smoke exhaust system, good smoke extraction effect, saving energy;
- Adopting high-quality laser cutting head and laser lens, the focusing spot is smaller, the cutting line is finer, the work efficiency is higher, and the processing quality is better;
- Professional laser cutting CNC control system with intelligent layout function, simpler operation, and higher efficiency.
What materials and industries are laser cutting machines suitable for?
Fiber laser cutting machine application Materials:
Fiber Laser Cutting Equipment is suitable for metal cutting like Stainless Steel Sheet, Mild Steel Plate,
Carbon Steel Sheet, Alloy Steel Plate, Spring steel Sheet, Iron Plate, Galvanized Iron, Galvanized Sheet, Aluminum Plate, Copper Sheet, Brass Sheet, Bronze Plate, Gold Plate, Silver Plate, Titanium Plate, Metal Sheet, If you are equipped with the rotary axis, Metal Plate, Tubes and Pipes, all ok.
Fiber laser cutting machine application：
Widely used in kitchen utensils, advertising signs, lighting hardware, electrical cabinets, auto parts, machinery and equipment, electrical equipment, aerospace, shipbuilding, elevator manufacturing, rail transit, textile machinery, precision parts, sheet metal processing, and other metals processing industry.
FAQ of the fiber laser cutting machine
Q: Do you have the CE document and other documents for customs clearance?
A: Yes, we have CE, Provide you with a one-stop service. First, we will show you and after shipment, we will give you the CE/Packing list/Commercial Invoice/ Sales contract for customs clearance.
Q: Why the machine price does not include a fiber source?
Different customers, different requirements, and many different laser power can be optional, that’s why we list the price not including fiber source parts.
Q: If we are interested in your machine, how to choose the proper power?
Please tell us the following answer, our professional seller will recommend you proper power.
- What material do you want to cut, stainless steel, carbon steel, or other?
- What thickness do you want to cut?
Q: How about a warranty?
A: 3 years quality guarantee, the machine with main parts(excluding the consumables) shall be changed free of charge(some parts will be maintained) when if any problem during the warranty period.
Q: Do you have after-sales support?
A: Yes, we are happy to give advice and we also have skilled technicians available across the
world, We need your machines running in order to keep your business running.