In manufacturing industries, we use CNC or Laser cutters to shape or cut material to get the desired shape. Both technologies have their unique advantages and disadvantages, but the question remains: CNC VS Laser Cutting, which one is better?
CNC uses computer-controlled tools to shape or cut materials, while laser-cutting uses beams of lasers.
In this article, we will examine both technologies in detail. With this comparison, we can determine which technology may be more suitable for different applications and industries.
What is CNC Cutting Technology?
CNC cutters are a technology that uses computer-controlled cutting tools to shape or cut materials to get the desired shape. Usually, in the manufacturing, woodworking, and metalworking industries, we use these computer numerical control cutters for milling, drilling, cutting, and turning purposes.
Machines like these give high-precision, highly repeatable parts and are easy to operate with minimum human interactions.
The cutting tool on a CNC machine can be a milling cutter, a drill, a router, or a plasma cutter. These cutter machines can cut various materials, such as wood, plastic, and metal.
How Do CNC Cutters Works?
These cutters work by controlled computer instructions to produce the desired shape of the product. It takes several steps to achieve it, which are
- The first step is to create the design using computer-aided design CAD (Computer-Aided-Design) software and CAM (Computer-Manufacturing) software.
- CAM software converts the design into a computer numerical control (CNC) program.
- Then generate G-Code by CAM software to define the tool path.
- Send this G-code to the CNC cutter to control the machine according to G-code coding.
- Then place an object in the machine and allows it to start.
- In the end, as per our instructions, the machine generates the desired shape of the object.
Advantages
These machines have several advantages that make them widely used in the manufacturing, woodworking, and metalworking industries. Which are
- Produce high-precision parts with tight tolerances.
- Use for mass production to produce multiple identical parts with precision and consistency.
- Highly Automated, which means they can operate with minimal human intervention.
- Can cut materials, including wood, plastic, metal, and composites.
- Fast and more efficient than manual machines and can produce parts quickly and with high accuracy.
- Cost-effective over time, as they can produce parts quickly and with minimal human intervention, which reduces labor costs.
- These machines are safe to operate.
What is Laser Cutting Technology?
Laser-cutting technology uses a concentrated beam of light to cut through materials. A laser source generates the beam of light, which is then directed onto the material surface to cut it. The width of this cut is called Kerf. This factor is crucial in designing objects for domestic or for industrial applications.
The laser beam melts, burns, or vaporizes the material, creating a clean, precise cut. Laser-cut technology is widely used in manufacturing, woodworking, and metalworking industries, as well as in cutting and engraving applications.
Read: You can get a detailed blog on this topic with the title What is Laser cutting and its Types?
Comparison Between CNC VS Laser Cutting
Both technologies have unique advantages and disadvantages, but understanding the differences can help determine which technology may be more suitable for different applications and industries. We will compare CNC and laser cutting technology in terms of precision, speed, materials, and cost.
Factor | CNC Machine | Laser Machine |
Precision | Low-Precision | High-Precision |
Complex design | Not Good | Very Good |
| Speed | Fast | Slow |
| Material | No limitations | limitations |
| Cost | cheap | expensive |
Future Developments and Advancements in the Cutter Machines
It is the fourth industrial revolution era. You should know its pioneer pillars that will change the world through Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, Cloud Native, and much more.
These advanced technologies should enable machines in decisions based on product and factory situations by using AI and can be controlled by the cloud.
These advancements will change the whole manufacturing system. It may lead to the elimination of many jobs from the industries. So we should learn these technologies to contribute to the future.
By adopting these technologies, the expected advantages that we can achieve are:
- AI boosts design perfection
- Automation
- Remote control possible
- Minimum losses
- Fast and Precise work
Conclusion:
The comparison between CNC VS Laser cutting should now be clear to you. In conclusion, for shaping and cutting materials, we use these technologies. CNC cutters are computer-controlled machines that use cutting tools to shape or cut materials. They are highly automated, cost-effective, and can produce high-precision parts quickly and efficiently.
On the other hand, laser cutters use a concentrated beam of light to cut materials and offer high-precision results. But these are more expensive and have limitations in terms of materials.
In the future, advancements in technology, such as AI and cloud control, are expected to improve the efficiency and precision of cutter machines. The choice of which technology to use depends on the specific needs of a given application or industry. Both of which have unique advantages and disadvantages.
FAQs (CNC VS Laser Cutting)
1. Do laser cutters use different types of lasers?
Yes, laser cutters use different types of lasers such as CO2, Fiber, Nd: YAG, and more, each with unique properties for cutting specific materials.
2. What is the main difference between CNC VS Laser Cutting?
CNC uses computer-controlled tools to cut materials, while laser cutters use a beam of laser light to cut the materials.
Laser cutting is precise in cutting, while CNC is fast.
3. Is CNC cheaper than laser? CNC VS Laser Cutting
Yes, CNC machines are cheaper
4. What is G-Code?
G-Code is a programming language used in CNC machines to control machine actions and movements to produce the desired shape of a product.
5. What is the Kerf?
In cuttings, kerf refers to the width of the cut.