If you work in the cutting industry, you've probably heard of laser cutting and CNC cutting, also known as CNC cabling. However, you may not be entirely sure what each cutter is for and which one you should use for your cutting needs.
If this is the case, don't worry, this article will explain everything you need to know about laser cutting machines and CNC cutting machines.
 
CNC Routers
CNC machines or CNC routers are automated cutting tools that follow a set programmed path through computer numerical control. They use a contact-based cutting process to enhance flexibility and versatility. CNC cutting is achieved through friction.

CNC tools (such as our profile cutters) can cut materials such as plastic, foam, wood, composites and acrylic. They are also ideal for cutting steel, aluminum and other sheet metal to specific specifications.

A CNC router is a contact-based cutting process similar in concept to a handheld router, with the distinct advantage of the versatility and flexibility of automated CNC cutting. CNC routers excel at cutting or engraving materials quickly and precisely. Like the laser cutter, it can cut plastic, foam, wood, composites, acrylic and other materials, and is ideal for cutting steel, aluminum and other sheet metal to specification.

The design programmed into the CNC machine signals the router to precisely cut or engrave the material - computer-controlled for precise speed and positioning - back and forth or side-by-side on the axes to meet specifications. Speed, efficiency and ease of use combine to increase productivity and product quality in the manufacturing process.

Subtractive precision cutting via the CNC router process produces much less material waste than other traditional cutting methods. Less waste means lower material costs. Combine this with increased productivity and you can save time and money.

Laser cutting machines
Laser cutting machines are also computer controlled, but use a high power laser beam to cut the material during the actual cutting. Laser cutting is achieved by heating.

As with CNC routers, CNC machines guide the laser cutter. The main difference is how the cut is achieved. It is a non-contact, heat-based process that uses a focused, high-powered laser beam to cut custom shapes and designs from stock materials. There is also no need for custom-designed tooling. Cutting relies on heat to perform precise cuts. Instead of engraving, the high-energy beam burns the material.

The manufacturing process is suitable for a wide range of materials such as metal, glass, foam, gemstones, wood and paper or corrugated. A single laser cutting machine can perform multiple processes.

Because laser cutting is CNC machined, it can repeat and consistently produce more complex designs and shapes, as well as more intricate parts, with high tolerances and exceptionally smooth surfaces, than ordinary drills. In fact, the high-quality cuts produce such smooth edges that no further cleaning, handling or finishing is required.

Lasers can efficiently cut the hardest metals and the toughest gemstones. But they are perfect for rapid prototyping with exceptional levels of detail. This is an extremely fast way to cut designs using wood or various plastic materials. Prototypes, for example, can be made in a matter of minutes. Different versions can be generated almost as quickly as tests.

CNC cutting versus laser cutting
1. Precision

The highly heated beam used by lasers to penetrate an item is typically smaller, narrower and very precise. It is also easier to direct and guide to the desired cutting area with absolute ease. This makes laser cutting machines more precise and capable of delivering truly accurate cutting results.

2. Cutting method

This refers to the way in which the actual cut is made. As mentioned above, the CNC uses a sharp blade to make the cut. The laser, on the other hand, uses high heat to burn the material and separate the components from each other.

3. Cutting Speed

When all factors are considered, the time required for the laser to make the actual cut is relatively short. CNC does drag due to the need to pierce the surface with a sharp blade that cuts through the material. This explains why most hobbyists prefer laser cutting to CNC cutting.

4. Material/Suitability

With a laser cutter, you can usually cut a variety of materials, both metallic and non-metallic. These include but are not limited to leather, textiles, acrylic, paper and wood. CNC cutters, on the other hand, are specifically designed for use with metallic materials. Therefore, CNC cutters are better suited for industrial use where only one type of material is processed. However, a laser cutter is ideal for a home laser cutting business because it provides you with flexibility in material selection.

5. Spot size

Spot size is the width of the space that the material being cut may be affected or covered at any given time. Compared to CNC machines, the spot size of a laser cutting machine is smaller overall. As a result, it is more likely to provide excellent and more accurate cutting results.

6. Energy consumption

Although both cutting machines require a certain amount of electricity to operate, the laser machine requires a higher level of power. This, of course, results in higher utility costs, which drives up the cost of cutting altogether.

7. Intensity

Cutting intensity is the degree of strength and overall efficacy that the cut item exudes as it pierces the surface. Laser cutters are much stronger than CNC cutters due to the extremely high heat used. As a result, they are more likely to pierce thicker and heavier materials with complete ease.

8. Operational expertise

Laser cutting machines are usually more complex than CNC cutting machines. CNC machines are more straightforward and manual though. You don't need too much experience to handle it. That said, most laser cutting machines come with easy-to-follow user guides that contain numerous operating videos to help you get familiar with the machine.

9. Cost implications

The total cost of buying, operating and maintaining a laser cutting machine is higher than that of a CNC cutting machine. Therefore, if you must use it, you should be prepared to dig deeper into your pocket.

CNC cutting and laser cutting are two efficient and versatile methods used to manufacture precision parts and assemblies. Although there are significant differences between the two services, these processes complement each other.