CNC Cutting Effective Using Both Laser and Water Jet Machines

Laser and water jet cutting are two of the fastest & most accurate methods of computer numerical controlled (CNC) cutting in the sheet metal fabrication industry. Both of these cutting tools offer precision and flexibility, minimize waste and are easily programmable with CAD/CAM or nesting software.

Both laser and water jet cutters have distinct advantages over a few of the more traditional cutting methods. They are often 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 might be more specialized or require greater detail.

Laser Cutting

Fabrication software allows a programmer to input information which will direct a cutting tool to go along a design path with the goal of cutting out a piece or part exactly as it was used. 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 can perform very detailed cutting functions that include holes, slots and complex design patterns.

However,  Have a peek here  do have their limitations. When working with a laser cutter, the more wattage the deeper the cutting ability. Lasers are really quick and accurate when used to cut thinner metals. However when thicker metal is used, "heat zones" can form which will sometimes melt more sensitive metals or cause unevenness or rough spots in the material.

Therefore, laser cutting thicker metals is impractical not merely because of possible damage to the material, but because 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, in addition to the higher costs connected with more energy usage.

Water Jet Cutting

But not as precise as laser cutting, water jet cutting will be able to cut thicker material without causing damage. Considered an "abrasive" process, water jet cutting uses an abrasive material coupled with water in an extremely concentrated stream to "erode" or break down the material being cut.

Though there may still be some sanding or finishing involved after processing a bit, water jetting tools are a lot more acceptable to be used with thicker materials and the ones that are sensitive and vunerable to damage under extreme heat.

However, precautions must also be studied when cutting metal with a water jet tool. The material should be dried right away after cutting in order to avoid rusting. Also, since a cut from the water jet machine isn't as even or clean as when using a laser, the edges of the cut usually need to be sanded or grinded. The piece should be "finished" to be able to smooth it out and make it ready for possible welding.

Overall, both water jet cutting and laser cutting have their advantages. Water jet cutting is many times more cost effective, but that can also depend on the size of the work and the thickness of the material used. When used on thinner, more detailed parts from sheet metal, a variety of top-line fabrication software and a good laser cutting machine may be the optimal scenario for producing quality parts at a fast rate.