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Five precision CNC cutting technologies for machining parts

Laser cutting.

Laser cutting is a cutting process that uses the energy of a laser beam to irradiate the surface of a steel plate or aluminum plate to melt and vaporize stainless steel. Although now best known for its medical applications, CO2 lasers are often used for industrial cutting and welding of CNC machined parts.

Apart from this, other laser applications in metal processing include engraving, scribing, drilling, heat treating, cladding and alloying. For example, laser heat treatment can be used to harden, seal and rework metal surfaces. And while maintaining precision, it can effectively eliminate warping and smoke through paint coating

Water jet processing

Waterjet processing technology requires water to be mixed with an abrasive material such as garnet, so the overall cost varies depending on the amount of water and material used and the degree of cleanup required.

In general, water jet machining is often preferred over laser machining when the material does not respond well to heat. However, waterjet machining has lower tolerance requirements than laser cutting (0.002” and above) when cutting materials or superalloys. The two technologies have significant differences in finish and price.

Plasma cutting

Plasma cutting is another cutting technique. It allows high-precision sectioning of metal sheets or plates without chipping and multi-axis cutting.

Plasma can also cut thicker metal materials, but the tolerance accuracy is lower than laser cutting. Currently, plasma is commonly used in complex piping systems. Tube cutting, outdoor signage, artwork and more. Laser and plasma have slightly different "cost per cut". But more importantly, it depends on the size and material of the part you are trying to create.

Oxy-fuel cutting

It is mainly for cutting some gas materials. Such as oxygen, propane, hydrogen, etc.) mixed together to form a very hot flame. Oxy-fuel cutting is primarily used on mild steels and alloys. It cannot be used to cut stainless steel or aluminum.

EDM

EDM is a unique cutting technique - the electrode and cutting blade never touch each other.

Whether to use EMD mainly depends on the cutting length, depth and necessary continuity. When your thermal cutting temperature is as high as 8000-12000 degrees. It can penetrate materials, including carbides that are several times stronger than steel. At the same time, the price is higher than other cutting technologies.

Cost, metal type, cut thickness and precision help determine which precision CNC cutting technique we will use. If you have any parts or projects that need to be cut, welcome to contact us anytime.