Laser cutting uses a focused light beam; plasma cutting uses an ionized electric arc. Both cut metal, but they differ on precision, edge and cost.
How They Compare
| Factor | Laser | Plasma |
|---|---|---|
| Precision | Higher, fine detail | Lower |
| Kerf | Narrow (~0.1 mm) | Wider |
| Edge quality | Clean, little rework | Rougher, more dross |
| Thin–medium metal | Excellent | Good |
| Very thick plate | High power needed | Very capable, fast |
| Capital cost | Higher | Lower |
When to Choose Each
Choose laser for precision, clean edges and thin-to-medium metal; plasma can be cost-effective for very thick conductive plate where edge finish matters less. For laser capacity, see metal laser cutting.
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