CNC Cutting Effective Using Both Laser and Water Jet Machines
Laser and water jet cutting are two of the fastest and most accurate ways 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 some of the more traditional cutting methods. They are often used with a range of materials besides sheet metal, such as for example marble, glass, plastics and acrylic. Also, they are much more efficient than traditional machine tool cutting when it comes to 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 move along a design path with the purpose of cutting out a piece or part exactly as it was drawn up. There is no better tool for executing the precise cutting of a programmed pattern than a laser cutting machine. When combined with quality CNC laser software, lasers is capable of doing very detailed cutting functions that include holes, slots and complex design patterns.
However, laser machines do have their limitations. When using 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 can be used, "heat zones" can develop that 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 harm to the material, but since it is more costly. If heat zones or hot spots occur from overexposing the metal to the laser, extra work such as grinding the part may become necessary. This can increase labor and material expenses, in addition to the higher costs associated with more energy usage.
Water Jet Cutting
But not as precise as laser cutting, water jet cutting is 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 breakdown the material being cut.
Though there may still be some sanding or finishing involved after processing a piece, water jetting tools are much more acceptable to be utilized with thicker materials and also the ones that are sensitive and susceptible to damage under extreme heat.
However, precautions must 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 working with a laser, the edges of the cut usually need to be sanded or grinded. https://djhillengineering.uk/best-cnc-cutting-gwent/ must 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 often less expensive, but that can also depend on how big is the job and the thickness of the material used. When applied to thinner, more detailed parts from sheet metal, a variety of top-line fabrication software and a good laser cutting machine is the optimal scenario for producing quality parts at a fast rate.