Choosing the right cutting machine for your requirements starts with the main characteristics of the material to be cut. You also need to make a selection based on the thickness to be cut, as well as choosing a table with dimensions appropriate to the part to be cut. Finally, choose the cutting technology according to the precision you need, the quality of the cut and the desired productivity, and the desired cost.
What are the main types of cutting technology?
To cut metal, you can choose from laser cutting, plasma cutting, EDM, oxyacetylene cutting or sawing. For rigid, metallic or other materials, you can use waterjet cutting, which allows you to cut thicker materials. The table below summarizes the compatibility of the different types of technology with the main industrial materials:
| Plasma cutting | Laser cutting | Water jet | EDM cutting | oxyacetylene cutting | Saw blade cutting | |
| Steel | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Stainless steel | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Aluminum | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Copper | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | |
| Brass | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | |
| Glass | √ | √ | ||||
| Ceramics | √ | √ |
When to choose a laser cutting machine?
| A laser cutting machine uses heat from a laser beam guided by a reflector or fiber optic. Depending on the type of laser, different types of materials can be cut.
CO2 laser cutting machines are generally used to cut plastics, foam, wood, glass, textiles or soft steel. CO2 lasers cannot cut reflective metals such as copper or brass. Fiber laser cutting machines are specifically used to cut sheet metal, steel, stainless steel, aluminum and some plastics. Laser cutting allows you to cut different materials by simply setting the laser parameters without changing tools. It is a very precise process that allows for complex contours. Depending on the material to be cut, the cutting speed can be very fast. Laser cutting machines are fully automated and require little or no human intervention, which largely limits the risk of accidents. The main limitation of laser cutting is that it has a shallow cutting depth of about 25 mm. The main applications for laser cutting are therefore the manufacture of sheet metal (especially in the automotive industry) and frames (for electrical cabinets, computers, etc.). For workpieces thicker than 25 mm, plasma cutting is the most suitable method. The area heated by the laser beam is not very large, but it is subject to large deformations as the temperature rises dramatically. Laser cutting produces gas emissions, so it is important to ensure that the room in which the cutting machine is located is well ventilated. |
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Key Strengths:
High cutting accuracy High speed Good cutting quality Low noise Low vibration |
When to choose a plasma cutting machine?
| Plasma cutting machines are only suitable for ferrous metals (steel, stainless steel, etc.) and non-ferrous metals (brass, copper, aluminum, etc.) up to a maximum thickness of 160 mm.
For thicker plates, plasma cutting is faster than laser cutting, and for medium-thick plates, plasma cutting is faster than oxyacetylene cutting. In general, plasma cutting is suitable for cutting thick metal plates. The principle of plasma cutting is relatively close to that of TIG welding: an electric arc can be generated that ionizes a gas that is injected through a nozzle between the electrode and the workpiece to be cut. Plasma cutting usually uses air, gaseous, nitrogen, oxygen or hydrogen. Regardless of which gas is used, the nozzle and electrode need to be replaced periodically. Portable plasma cutting machines are available for field use. Plasma cutting should only be done in a well-ventilated area or outdoors due to the heat generated and the fumes from vaporizing the metal. |
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Key Features:
Thick metal cutting (up to 160 mm) High speed Good ventilation required Frequent nozzle and electrode changes |
When to choose a waterjet cutting machine?
| Waterjet cutting machines use water pressure to cut all types of materials (except tempered glass, which breaks under pressure) up to 600 mm thick. However, we recommend limiting yourself to cutting pieces up to 200 mm thick in order to maintain the correct cutting speed and accuracy with this method. For soft materials, pure water can be used. However, for harder materials, a liquid made from water containing abrasives is required. For softer materials, the absence of abrasives can extend tool life. Water jet cutting does not deform the workpiece (it does not deform due to increased temperature) and the cut edges are soft and shiny. However, the cutting process is noisy. Cutting can be relatively fast in a straight line, but when the direction changes, the cutting speed drops dramatically. Optional waterjet cutting machines are more costly, but still cheaper than laser cutting machines. |  |
Key Features:
Versatile, cutting all types of materials No deformation of workpiece High noise level Low speed when cutting is not straight |
When to choose an oxyacetylene cutting machine?
| Oxyacetylene cutting machines cut by spraying pure oxygen onto molten metal. This technique can only be used for certain types of steel, but it has the advantage of being able to cut steel plates up to 400mm thick. It is a relatively slow process, but there are some machines that incorporate multiple oxy-acetylene cutting torches which can be run in parallel to increase productivity. |  |
Key Features:
Only for steel Cutting thickness up to 400 mm Low cutting speed |
When to choose EDM cutting machine?
| EDM cutting machines, also known as EDM erosion machines, are used to process electrically conductive materials. They can cut parts up to a maximum thickness of 300 millimeters very precisely. The principle is to remove material from the workpiece by means of an electric shock. This process is recommended for cutting very hard metals, such as hardened steel. EDM cutting machines are uniquely suited for machining high hardness, complex shapes, high precision requirements and avoiding material deformation for specific parts in mold and die making, aerospace, electronics, medical and other fields. |  |
Key Features:
High cutting accuracy Can only be used on metal Very hard metals can be cut
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When to choose a sawing machine?
| The method of dividing a workpiece or material by cutting slots in it with a saw blade is called sawing. Sawing is carried out by means of a metal band saw machine. Cutting off the material is the most basic need for metal processing, so sawing machines are standard in the machining industry. The process of using a sawmill involves choosing the right blade for the hardness of the material and adjusting the optimal sawing speed. The mechanical structure of a sawmill is usually uncomplicated, consisting of a bed, a saw frame, a saw blade, and a transmission mechanism, which makes it relatively easy to operate and maintain. Capable of cutting many types of materials, sawmills are primarily designed to cut materials with a certain degree of ductility and toughness, such as metals. This includes metal materials such as steel, aluminum, and copper. Suitable for cutting larger sized workpieces such as long bars, large pipes and profiles. Mainly for straight line cutting, more convenient for simple geometric shape processing. Compared with some advanced cutting equipment such as laser cutting equipment, the acquisition cost of sawing machine is relatively low. |  |
Key Features:
Relatively simple structure Large cutting size Cutting straight lines predominantly Average cut quality |
To summarize, if your processing needs are for high precision, complex shapes, diverse materials with high speed requirements and a good budget, laser cutting may be a better choice. If you mainly deal with larger sizes, simple shapes, higher hardness materials, less demanding on precision, and limited budget, sawing machine may be more suitable for you.
You can make your decision based on your specific production needs and the actual situation. If you have the need to cut metal, you can contact Antishi CNC team, we have 18 years of experience in the field of metal cutting, we will have professional people to answer your questions.
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