Laser, waterjet and plasma are the three main CNC cutting methods — focused light, high-pressure abrasive water, and an ionized arc, respectively.
Three-Way Comparison
| Factor | Laser | Waterjet | Plasma |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precision | Highest | High | Medium |
| Heat-affected zone | Small | None | Larger |
| Materials | Mainly metal | Almost any | Conductive metal |
| Speed (thin–medium metal) | Fastest | Slower | Fast |
| Edge finish | Clean | Clean | Rougher |
| Running cost | Low (fiber) | Higher (abrasive) | Low |
Choosing for Your Work
Choose laser for fast, precise, clean metal cutting; waterjet when you need no heat or non-metal materials; plasma for very thick conductive plate at low cost. For laser machines, see metal laser cutting.
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