It is quite common to know what material we want to cut and what shape we want to achieve but we do not know which machine is the most suitable to do it. In fact, we offer free consultation for those people who have doubts about which machine is the one that will give them the best results, both economically and in terms of quality.
In this case we want to present you the comparison between a CNC punching machine and a fibre laser machine, two very different types of machines in terms of cutting methodology. When is one or the other better for you? Let's find out!
A CNC punching machine bases its automated mechanical operation on the use of special tools called punches. The cutting is performed in the selected area to make multiple holes in the sheets, obtaining a previously stipulated silhouette or figure.
The operation of a fibre laser can be a little more complex to imagine. In this case there is an optical fiber doped with elements such as erbium, neodymium, ytterbium, dysprosium, holmium, praseodymium and thulium which serve as an amplifying medium for the light beam. For pumping, one or several laser diodes are used, which is why most fibre lasers are pumped diode lasers.
In this video they explain in a very visual way how a fibre laser works, we recommend you to take a look at it:
The CNC punching machine is mainly used for steel, aluminium and galvanised steell. It is a fast, precise and clean system with good cutting quality in thin thicknesse.
The maximum recommended cutting capacity on steels is up to 4 mm. The cutting speed in holes and in straight cuts are totally different, but it can be confirmed that it is the fastest cutting system..
The smallest hole that can be cut with quality carbon steel is by one to the thickness to be cut and with stainless steel it is by two to the thickness.
set-up process of the machine is one of the most complicated of all the machines available for cutting materials, making it difficult to work with a wide range of shapes, materials and thicknesses.
The Maintenance costs are average, while consumable costs are high and energy consumption is medium/high.
Punch cutting far outperforms other systems in terms of speed, performance and productivity. It is highly recommended whenever we are working with thin thicknesses and the production is very repetitive. For example, this machine is recommended for white goods manufacturers..
It is the best choice for cutting metal, steel, aluminium, brass and copper. Laser cutting is the the fastest and most accurate system compared to other cutting systems, even faster than CNC punching
The cutting quality is good in thin thicknesse and suitable for medium thickness. The smallest hole it can cut, with high quality, is for one thickness.
The set-up process of the machine is easier, allowing different shapes and thicknesses to be cut quickly and easily.
The Maintenance and consumable costs are, while energy consumption is low/medium, depending on the laser power.
The machine's operating costs are medium, but its high cutting speed reduces these costs per part, making this the most productive on the market.
The maximum recommended cutting capacity in steel is up to 25 mm. The average cutting speed for steel:
It not only machines plates, but also metal tubes. It is a recommended technology for any customer looking for versatility and. Boilermaking, machinery manufacturers, etc...
If you want to know even more about the advantages of the fibre laser and compare it with other types of lasers, click on this link..
