Difference Between Laser Cutting and CNC Cutting: A beginner’s Guide

Laser cutting and CNC cutting machines both make use of high powered computer guided technology to precisely cut materials. However, the two machines differ in their cutting methods.  One machine the laser, cuts by use of a laser beam while the other, the CNC uses a rotating tool or bit to cut.

Both CNC and Laser cutters are computer controlled, this makes for highly accurate cuts enabling the cutting of intricate shapes with clean cut edges. Laser cutters and CNC’s combined can cut a myriad of materials including Acrylic, Paper, MDF, Forex, Rubber, Cloth and Cheluka PVC to name just a few.  In addition to quick materials cutting, laser cutters and CNC machines also handle quick and accurate engraving, marking and etching tasks enabling professionals to complete their projects in a timely manner.

Both machines are perfect when working on large orders as the computer commands and artwork used to produce an approved sample is repeatable for consistent dependable results.

Laser cutters

Laser cutters make use of a small laser beam pointed on the material and works without ever touching the material being cut and therefore, the material does not need to be fastened down.

Laser cutters use a tube filled with liquid gas typically carbon dioxide or other gas that is produced as a high powered laser beam that is targeted on the material surface that then melts the material hence producing a precise cut. The gas in this tube slowly gets depleted as the machine is in operation and eventually requires that a new laser tube be installed for the machine to continue operation. This tube is generally the most expensive perishable in a laser cutter machine. Normally, a laser machine will require a new tube every few years.

Laser cutters also have a cooling system which uses water or other liquid cooling agents to cool it while in operation to prevent overheating and maintain optimal working temperatures. This overheating can affect the quality of the cuts and cause damage to the machine.

Laser cutters produce high-quality clean cuttings with speed and precision, with clean cut edges that do not require any finishing. Laser cutters can cut a myriad of thin and softer materials including Acrylic, Rubber, Paper, Cloth and Plywood to name just a few with varying material thickness and intricate designs.

CNC cutters

A CNC machine on the other hand, while also being controlled by software on the computer, has a sharp rotating cutting tool or bit that plunges into the material and cuts it as it moves, removing the unwanted material around your desired shape. Because of this, cutting on the CNC requires that you first fasten the material onto the bed of the machine so it does not move while being cut and cause damage to the design or pattern being cut. Some modern CNC machines have a vacuum system installed beneath that holds the material tightly on the CNC bed as you cut so you do not have to fasten it.

CNC machines make use of a spoil board, usually a sheet of MDF or Cheluka PVC board placed on the bed of the CNC to protect the actual metallic bed from bit damage as the machine cuts. Some CNC operators nail the material onto the spoil board placed on the CNC bed so that it does not move during cutting.

CNC bits can be changed to different sizes and thicknesses depending on the type of material and thickness you want to cut and the type of job you want to do. For example, CNC cutting bits are differently shaped in comparison to CNC grooving bits. Using the wrong bit for the job usually results in damaged work piece or a broken bit or both. CNCs are generally known as low maintenance machines as these bits are usually the only perishable part of the machine.

The spindle, which holds the bit, is also responsible for rotating the bit. It is one of the most expensive parts of the CNC machine. CNC Spindles usually use water or air to cool them as they tend to overheat during machining process. Hence, there are water cooled spindles or air cooled spindles.

CNC machines produce high-quality clean cuttings with speed and precision, with edges that might require some finishing. CNC machines can cut a myriad of thicker and harder materials including Acrylic, MDF, Alucobond, Forex or form board and Cheluka PVC to name just a few.  CNC cutters are also used in milling to make 3D shapes.

Advantages of CNC’s and Laser Cutters

Laser cutters and CNC machines allow you to produce high-quality cuttings with speed and precision whether you are working on a complicated one-off display stand or three hundred pieces of a bespoke custom product.

Other Benefits of laser & CNC machines include the ability to quickly make drill holes and mark bend lines on a work piece thus saving the fabrication technician some measuring and drilling work later on.

Uses of CNC’s and Laser Cutters

Laser cutters and CNC machines serve professionals from the most diverse industries including but not limited to interior design, architecture, manufacturing, art & design, medical industry, Aerospace, branding and signage as well as the building and construction industries. For example, using a laser cutter & CNC router, you can make interior design components and point of sale repeat items to thousands of customers.

CNC machining & Laser cutting designs

To cut on the laser cutter or CNC router you need your design created in a vector format. Although many laser and CNC machine operators work and prefer to work with vector files, they also accept and work with other CAD drawing file formats including .DWG, .DXF, .CDR. Ai, .PDF and even 3D Sketch – Up files. They can amend existing files in any of these formats and can assist with technical drawings. Most laser cutting and CNC router services companies have graphic & CAD designers to help work on your design to convert it to vector and other suitable formats for use with CAD machines.

In addition to amending your design, most CAD machine operators also work from sketches and drawings, scanned photos and even physical sample objects. Most CAD designers can create a design from scratch and if needed, can provide you with both 2D and 3D renders of your product for your approval prior to physical production. For large production jobs, it is safer to make a physical sample so you can look and fell and see that everything is in order before you continue with the rest of the production.

A range of materials: MDF, Wood & Acrylic sheets cutting to size.

CNC machine and laser cutters have the ability to cut the most common materials including but not limited to Acrylic or Perspex, Form Board or Forex, ACM or Aluminium Composite Material commonly known as Alucobond, MDF, PVC Polycarbonate sheets, Cheluka PVC board and Plywood materials. Laser cutters and CNC cutters are capable of cutting small intricate shapes that cannot be cut by hand or other tools.  You can also use the machines engraving and etching ability to personalise your cut items with your own unique logo or branding.

It does not matter whether you want to cut simple or complex shapes, CNC machine and laser cutter service providers can do the necessary profiling, routing and cutting on a wide range of materials either on a small scale basis or on a large order and save the necessary files for repeat runs. Whether you want to cut a single sheet of MDF, or want to create whole kitchen cabinets, CNC machine and laser cutter service providers have the capabilities and have you covered.

The best laser & CNC cutting service providers are always at hand to offer advice on the most suitable materials to use on your project so it can be a success. You can trust them to handle your next project from drawings, cutting and assembly and even installation if you so require which will save you money and time while ensuring you get the best in quality each and every time.

Conclusion

By understanding the differences between laser cutting and CNC machining, you can select the most suitable technology for your specific project requirements.