English 
Français 
In any metal fabrication shop, the question inevitably arises: Which cutting technology is best suited to my business needs — laser cutting or plasma cutting? The answer largely depends on the specific demands of the operation. Each machine has distinct advantages and excels in areas where the other may not be as effective. Understanding these differences is key to selecting the right tool for the job, ensuring both efficiency and quality in production.
Understand the basics differences
What is plasma?
We all know the 3 states of matter: Solid, Liquid and Gas. They all change based on the addition or removal of heat. Plasma is the 4th state of matter. In this application, simply put superheated ionized gas travelling near the speed of sound, mixed with electricity to cut off ferrous and non-ferrous materials at an exponentially high rate.
What is fiber laser?
Fiber Laser is concentrated light from a multitude of industrial light emitting diodes, delivered through a rare earth element clad cable (to prevent light from escaping), then focused and intensified into a high-energy beam for cutting ferrous and non-ferrous materials. To simplify it, it would be just like the experience kids do with a magnifying lens outside and try to burn leaves (or even insects!) but on steroids.
Which to choose
Choosing Plasma
Plasma, and by plasma we are referring only to high-definition plasma, is a great all-around choice for all ferrous and non-ferrous materials. Plasma typically has a gas setup/amperage combination that gives you the best possible outcome it can achieve. The cut finish is smooth throughout its entire cutting range with the possibility of some dross in corners and internal drops. Typical plasma systems will achieve higher production feedrates ≥5/8” thick steel vs fiber laser, creating higher productivity. Plasma typically has a lower gas cost and most likely a considerably lower purchase price point.
If you store your steel outside and it has rust, corrosion or scale, it doesn’t care and will cut like it’s not even there. The same goes for most fabrication shops that try to source materials that are lower cost and can come from areas around the world that have different metallurgical makeups.
Choosing fiber laser?
Fiber laser is an excellent choice for high speed, high precision “machining” of your materials. Higher kW classes are available to allow you to achieve higher production cutting speeds and thicker processing of materials up to 4″ material in both ferrous and non-ferrous, however that can be cost prohibitive to some people. With the increased availability of higher kW class fiber laser, the landscape of cutting thicker materials has now migrated from that 5/8″ threshold to what is most likely a 1″ threshold for most people.
Also, with higher kW classes of fiber laser you we can now realize that ability to cut non-laser grade materials, reducing the overall cost of operation, ownership and achieve higher profitability. However, it is always recommended that the materials be free from rust and corrosion, resulting in the need to be stored indoors.
What’s the best choice?
Based on the above, you can now better understand each one and see what fits with your business. However, in many situations, having both machines could be the best decision as they could be complimentary to each other. This is where Machitech comes into action and will find the best solution to your needs.