Laser Vs. Water Jet?

[FanucGuru]

hi guys,

Can someone please tell me what are the major differences between laser and waterjet when it comes to cutting material under 1 inch? Can someone please give ideas about speed, cost of running both? which cost more to maintain? If a person is trying to plan on cutting only mild-steel and maybe stell under 1 inch? what should one consider buying?? I would appreicate your help.

[zax15uk]

There are a few differentiators between laser and abrasive waterjet, but they basically achieve the same result. If you were talking about cutting thinner sheet metal or softer materials I would suggest laser - but for your application a waterjet would probably win.

The initial purchase cost for laser may be slightly cheaper and the running costs can be significantly lower (waterjet nozzles, abrasive compound and high pressure components are all considered consumables).

Laser typically has a smaller spot size, and higher accuracy but this does not always transfer to the material.

Waterjet does not cause any heating to the edge of the material, which can cause deformation or structural damage. It also leaves a better edge quality (in most cases) compared to the 'ribbed' edge from laser cutting but the high forces may cause damage to small detail.

Laser wins on noise and cleanliness - this is probably one of the more significant differences.

Have you already discounted plasma cutting? It is likely the cheapest option, for both purchase and running costs. The latest techniques achieve cut quality close to that of a laser with an even smaller spot size.

Zax.

[Litografa]

I love waterjet ! But I hate price of waterjet equipment
I have box of different materials cut with water jet - stone, 5 mm steel, glass, wood - super!
But agree with zax - you need plasma.

[FanucGuru]

Thanks a lot for the information Zax.

[underthetire]

We have both here. To get a laser to cut 1" thick steel is gonna be more than the water jet. We use the water jet for 1/4 and above. Plasma is by far the cheapest and dirtiest.

[FanucGuru]

how expensive are the waterjet systems?? Speically a waterjet that can cut using DXF files. I'd also appreicate if someone can tell me cut feedrates for waterjet system on 0.25" Mild steel materils? How much does it cost to maintain these things i.e. how often you have to replace the consumeable parts etc? Thanks again all of you guys

[Bryden]

We have all 3 here, plazma water and laser. Waterjet is definatly going to cost you more, just because of consumables, tips and jewels are steep. Like everyone is saying tho for the thicknesses you're after plazma would probably be the way, we have a 2 and a half and 3 kilowatt laser and generally only cut upto a maximum of 8 or 10mm, just to keep the quality standards high, anything thicker goes to the plazma and/or waterjet. If you really want cut speeds for thicknesses pm me with a more detailed request and I'll fix you up, again its also down to the quality factor.