The Plasma ADVANTAGE Vs. Fiber Laser
We understand the importance of choosing the right CNC cutting machine for your workshop. With numerous technologies available, it’s essential to understand the benefits of each one, and how those benefits could make a positive impact on the type and nature of work you plan to do. In this article we look at some of the fantastic benefits High-Definition plasma has over fiber laser systems.
Cut Quality
It’s good enough for most
- Rivals fiber laser cut quality, exceeds most customer requirements
- Cut edges are smooth, straight
- Yields minimal oxide layers and dross
- Superior cut surface finish as thicknesses increase over 12-16mm
Laser – 15mm M/S 6kw
Plasma – 15mm M/S 130A
Versatility
Outperforms laser cutting on a wider variety/quality of material
- Greater stand off distance means less interference with the cutting process
- Can cut warped sheet without issues
- Cuts material that is imperfect, painted, rusty, oily or coated. Cut quality remains the same
- Does not require speciality-grade materials, manual cleaning or pre-cut vaporisation process, which all reduce productivity and increase costs
- Can cut copper and brass without causing damage to the cutting head
Versatility – WMS on the XP
WMS (Water Mist Secondary)
- Plasma cutting using water (WMS technology) can be as productive as laser for a fraction of the cost
- Using nitrogen as plasma gas (at low pressure) and water as a shield, the process can be up to 6 times cheaper on 12mm stainless steel than a 4kw laser
- Dross-free cutting is easy to achieve and has a large operating window
- Low thermal input minimises distortion which can be an issue on thin plate
- The cut edge is smoother than laser, with minimum angularity
Cost
Delivers faster payback
- Lower initial investment. Often has an ROI of 2 years or less (laser 4-10 years) and more affordable consumables
- Minimal post processing
- Depending on process selected, typically much lower operating costs when cutting materials thicker than 12mm (1/2 in.) Low gas usage
- Plasma uses 2x less electricity and gas than laser for thicknesses above 12mm (two items that require power are the table and plasma power source. Laser has table,
power source and chiller) - Water table (WT) options available which bring the initial cost down further. Laser must always have fume extraction
Safety
Workshop safety is key
Only eye protection required for extended viewing of the plasma arc. Laser cutting requires enclosures and material handling for safety concerns (This dramatically increases footprint which is often a limiting factor with smaller businesses)
Time Savings / Automation
Easy to learn, easy to operate
- Excellent choice for high-volume production and cut speeds on thicker material (P130 is 30% faster on 15mm MS vs 6kw laser).
- Can be easily integrated with CNC systems for
automated cutting of complex shapes and patterns - Great for smaller runs and customised components
- Parts cut from thicker plates are still easy to remove from the skeleton without having to use force
- Ease of training (normally 2-3 hours), and ease of use
Durability
Low-cost running
- Simple in-house maintenance (less frequent than laser)
- Swift-Cut machines can be serviced by the owner (support available remotely if required)
- Annual maintenance cost for a Swift-Cut XP is circa €950* (many customers don’t service their machines every year)
- Machines can operate in dirty environments without issue (Lasers are more sensitive)
- Swift-Cut machines engineered to work effectively for 7-10 years. Plasma performance does not diminish (Laser diodes fail over time and require speed and process changes to compensate or expensive replacement
*varies by location and usage levels
Take control of your cutting with a Swift-Cut CNC machine
Whether you’re ready to buy, would like a demonstration in our customer experience centre, or just have some questions regarding our machines or software, please feel free to leave an enquiry and one of our team will be in touch.
- Easy to use & Affordable
- Heavy-duty design & Proven reliability
- Fantastic support
- Superb cut quality
- Quick setup & Feature rich