A Guide: Plasma vs Laser vs Waterjet vs EDM

[InspirationTool]

I've started a 2D CNC guide... I've filled out the general considerations, but I need major help with the numbers for each type of machine in different thicknesses of steel.

Check out:

http://www.jeffalbro.net/cnc/2d-comparison/

Please post numbers and comments and I will fill in and update.

-Jeff

[Apples]

under plasma consunmables.

Put in TIPS and NOZZELS, you could also put in OXYGEN, NITROGEN, COMPRESSED AIR.




PEter]
Australia

[DanOSB]

good job for takin time to do this.. im sorry i dont have any specs right now im still learning.. but im sure someone will chime in..

and little suggestion.. maybe add picture of each item after cut to show the quality in that chart.

and plasma can be purchased for 2000 depending on which model you want..

unless u were talkin about high defition plasma

[InspirationTool]

Thaks for the tips!

I added the consumeables for the plasma. I LOVE the idea of adding pictures of the edges and will do so if I get some.

As for price for the plasma, does that include the CNC table?

And how much better is high definition plasma? Is it better on edge taper?

-Jeff

[DanOSB]

well i got some sample metal from hypertherm.. to be honest.. i couldnt see that much difference comparing about 5 grand machine to 36 grand machine..


i will try take a pictures and send it to ya later on..

hy peformance or something and the 5000 model

[InspirationTool]

I haven't gotten enough information to do a detailed cost/thickness analysis on steel, so I'm just going with the general comparisons.

I've put up the table I'm pretty happy with here:

http://www.jeffalbro.net/cnc/2d-comparison/

I'm still open to suggestions.

Thanks!

-Jeff

[mxtras]

Nice work, Jeff.

Thanks for taking the time! Good information to have all in one spot.

Scott

[bennett71]

Jeff, you should add optics to the consumable section for lasers. Focusing lenses are replaced the most, & internal optics degrade over time. Tom

[Klox]

Jeff,
You can add consumables at wire edm table: Filters & jigs (sometimes the component needs to be jigged eg. very small parts). Also (wire) guides from time to time....

The prices on the machines vary. From about $80 000 (Chinese/Taiwanese machines) to about $1mil for the (Japanese and Swiss machines). Please note that this figures is not 100% correct as prices might vary from country to country.

[InspirationTool]

Thanks everyone! I've updated the page.

I'm still looking for:

# The performance difference between standard and hi-def plasma

# More information on CNC Punch machines. It seems that these machines are no longer very popular.

# Specific cut cost and taper performance on various thickness steels.

-Jeff

[dday92296]

I found your website on comparisons and really appreciate your efforts. I am considering buying a water jet for my steel shop instead of plasma. I don t know which way to go or if water jet is my choice, what machines are NG it is a big investment an it would sure be easier to eliminate some machines. Do you know any sites that have opinions on machines? And what do you think about plasma compaired to water jet for steel plate material up to 2 inches?

Thanks
Jim Sven

[jimcolt]

I have tons of data that will help with comparing the 3 major types of mechanized plasma systems to each other, and to the other processes such as abrasive water jet, laser and oxy-fuel.

3 types of Plasma:

Low cost, gas cooled air plasma, under 120 Amp
-.030" tolerances
-relatively high consumable consumption
-uses only air or nitrogen.....can cause metalurgical issues on edge
-relatively high chance of dross



Conventional industrial oxygen based plasma, liquid cooled, 100% duty cycle to 1000 Amps

-plus or minus .020" accuracy
-excellent edge metalurgy
-relatively high edge angularityelong consumable life, high cut speeds means lower operating cost
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High Definition industrial multi gas plasma, liquid cooled, 100% duty, to 400 Amps.

-excellent edge angularity traceable to ISO9013 cut quality standards
-excellent hole quality when coupled to a good motion control system
-minimal heat affected zone
-.010" tolerances possible
-cost per foot of cut is less expensive than air plasma due to high speeds and extremely long consumable life

I will look at the site later today and offer my suggestions.

Jim Colt
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