The Major Difference Between Laser Cutting And Plasma Cutting

In the world of fabrication, laser cutting has earned a name for itself as one of the best and most efficient cutting technologies in the market. However, many manufacturers also like to opt for plasma cutting in some cases. Clients may get confused about the differences between these two machining methods. 

To Provide Clarity, Here is a Brief Overview of Plasma and Laser Cutting Technology

Laser Cutting

In a laser cutting machine, a very focused beam of light creates the extreme heat and intensity required to cut the raw material. Although there are multiple laser cutting technologies in the market, all of them use light as the major cutting tool. The extreme heat and sharp focus make this technology ideal for cases that require close tolerance finishes. Moreover, since the laser beam can be manoeuvred with ease, laser cutting is also used to machine parts that have a unique or complicated design. Due to the high level of precision, this technology is a staple in the custom metal fabrication industry, used by professional companies such as Baseline Custom Fabricating Ltd, a leading name in the field.

Plasma Cutting

Plasma cutting, also known as plasma arc cutting, uses ionized gases to cut through materials. This gas is heated to a temperature greater than 36,032 degrees Fahrenheit, effectively melting off unwanted sections of the workpiece. Although extremely effective, this method of cutting can’t handle unique design specifications. As a result, plasma cutting is best suited for processing workpieces that have simple shapes and don’t require notching at an intricate level. Due to its uniform cutting efficiency, this technology is often used in automotive repair shops, industrial construction projects, and scrap salvaging operations, apart from the metal fabrication industry. 

Ultimately, what truly separates laser and plasma cutting is the specialization required in a particular project. For a small-scale project with specific requirements, manufacturers opt for laser cutting, whereas for operations where a large number of uniform workpieces have to be machined, they tend to choose plasma cutting.

Serving the Greater Toronto Area and Ontario since 2004, Baseline Custom Fabricating Ltd. has been steadfast in delivering quality metal fabrication services to a wide range of clients. To know more about our machinery, process, and services, contact us today.