When you’ve got a lot of cutting to do, it’s perfect to stock up correct info on the best method to use. Getting the best cut for your operations will ensure you get work done in time.
And right now there’re three powerful ways you can get through tough stuff easily, and they’re Plasma Cutting Vs Laser Cutting Vs Waterjet. Whether you’re a home cutter or part of an industrial team, you need the correct cut power in your inventory.
But right now, you could be among choices which could result in a selection headache. If you’re not tied to a particular method just yet, don’t despair! I’ll be providing you correct info on all three methods, and it’s a sure thing you’ll be equipped with more info.
You won’t need to send any email or DM seeking info on a top cutter when you’re through with this blog.
Also, vital tips that’ll ensure other aspects of your pre- and post-purchase decisions are spot-on will be looked at in detail. With all these, you’ll make a natural choice and be more content with your machine’s cutting power!
Plasma Cutting
Cutting with plasma relies on a great amount of heat generated from a nozzle which controls gas flow. This process reacts with the electrode and melts off metal it comes in contact with.
Also, this cut removes molten metal through the gas nozzle’s cutting force creating a divide between two metals. If you’ve got a molao plasma cutter or 110v plasma cutter, it’s a perfect choice for getting through the thick stuff.
Laser Cutting
This cutting process works with a high-powered beam focused on the material, melting it off and creating an incision in-between.
With computer-guided technology, these cutters could slice through a range of objects, producing a lot of tricky shapes. It’s also ideal for cutting through mild steel with no hassle.
Waterjet
Cutting with a waterjet involves making use of highly-pressurized water mixed with a mineral to enhance abrasion. Most operators call this tool a water knife. It works mostly with computer-guided software in getting through a range of thick materials with ease.
It’s a preferred method for a lot of cutters with a need for cutting through thick objects with little resistance. There’re basically two types of cnc waterjets – sand (abrasive mineral included) cutting, and non-sand (no abrasive material included) cutting.
The choice among water cutting types largely depends on the density of the objects to be cut. Cutting with a waterjet requires skill and a decent amount of ear protection. Significant noise is experienced when cutting with a waterjet.
Waterjets are capable of comfortably cutting through ceramics, aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, and other high-temperature sensitive metals.
Main Assessment Points of Plasma, Laser, and Waterjet
Market Cost
When you’re in the market for a quality choice, the machine you’d spend much less on is a plasma cutter. Plasma cutters range within ten thousand to about three hundred thousand bucks.
But when it comes to waterjet machines, prices tend to go a bit higher. One reason why a waterjet costs more is based on its need for additional equipment.
Without a pressure intensifier, a waterjet cutter won’t function. So expect to get waterjet cutters from a hundred to three hundred thousand dollars.
The cutting laser remains costly and out of reach for many cutters. It’s no secret a full-fledged laser cutter starts from several hundred thousand dollars. There’re also some cutters that could start off over a million bucks!
Winner: Plasma Cutter
Runner Up: Waterjet
Loser: Laser Cutter
Running Expenses
When you need to cut materials for long periods, you’ve got to take a look at running costs. What you should look at borders on maintenance, fuelling, lubrication, and other costs.
The cheapest cutter to run is the plasma. Based on its low requirements for operation and minimal maintenance costs, it’ll save you more money and offer you correct services every time!
After the plasma, laser running costs are also on the lower side. Based on the automated design of laser cutter and fewer mechanical parts, it’s easier and cheaper to run and maintain.
Finally, the costliest cutter to maintain is the waterjet. In some cutting operations, waterjets could require running costs totaling almost fifty dollars per hour.
Winner: Plasma
Runner Up: Laser
Loser: Waterjet
High Operating Performance
How your cutter performs is a major point to consider as it tells whether you’ll get work done tin time or not. Operating performance largely borders on cutting speed and object thickness.
Plasma is the top performer when it comes to cutting speeds (in inch per minute) across varying thicknesses. This machine could cheaply get through materials up to hundreds of inches per minute.
The next best performer is the laser, as it could also provide decent cutting on thinner objects. But laser falls short when thicker objects need to be cut.
The lowest performing cutter is the waterjet. This machine is only ideal for cutting lighter objects as it could take a while to get through thick stuff.
Winner: Plasma
Runner Up: Laser
Loser: Waterjet
Cutting Smoothness
For the smoothest cut through tough objects, a waterjet is your best bet for greater precision. It leaves no splatter behind and doesn’t need any sanding. Its smoothness is based on its non-heat generation cutting power.
Laser is the second best when it comes to leaving finer edges around cut objects. This is based on its limited heat generation, while plasma generates heat, except it’s used with a shielding agent.
Winner: Waterjet
Runner Up: Laser
Loser: Plasma
Power Consumption
A cutting machine which saves energy during operation could be what you prefer. If that’s the case, the top choice cutter to set your sights on is a waterjet. Coming in second place, a laser cutter spends much lower electricity than a plasma cutter which comes in third.
Winner: Waterjet
Runner Up: Laser Cutter
Loser: Plasma Cutter
Here’re The Winners and Losers
| S/N | Point | Winner | Runner-Up | Loser |
| 1 | Low Market Price | Plasma | Waterjet | Laser |
| 2 | Low Running Expenses | Plasma | Laser | Waterjet |
| 3 | High Operating Performance | Plasma | Laser | Waterjet |
| 4 | Cutting Smoothness | Waterjet | Laser | Plasma |
| 5 | Low Power Consumption | Waterjet | Laser | Plasma |
Wrap
With the info above relating to Plasma Cutting Vs Laser Cutting Vs Waterjet, it’s apparent there’re clear winners. When it comes to low operating and purchasing costs with high performance, plasma cutters have the day.
But with regard to cutting smoothness and energy-saving potential, your best bet is a waterjet cutter. Make a choice for the perfect cutter for your business, and maximize your opportunities!