Top alternatives to laser cutting
Laser cutting is widely used by construction, manufacturing and design companies in the UK, but many are increasingly turning to alternative cutting technologies to save money and time. Depending on the type of material, heat sensitivity, thickness, budget and the type of finish required, there are a number of non-laser methods of cutting which can be used.
Waterjet cutting
This involves using high-pressure water to cut through a material and it works in a similar way to how sea water erodes earth’s materials from coastal surfaces. Sometimes the water is mixed with abrasive particles such as garnet to help the cutting process, which happens at high speed using a pump which pushes the water out of a diamond or ruby nozzle at high pressure.
Mechanical cutting
This uses mechanical motion or the application of abrasive force to cut materials. With this method, materials are removed through a slicing or shearing action. This technology can be used on a wide variety of materials including metals, plastics, wood and composites and is often more affordable than laser cutting. The machine shown at www.cotswold-machinery-sales.co.uk/roscamat-tapping-machines/electric-tapping-machines/roscamat-tiger-electric-tapping-machine is a great example of a tapping machine. Roscamat electric tapping machines make precision in tapping operations easy.
Plasma cutting
Plasma cutting works by using heat to cut metals. The process of thermal cutting creates electrical ionised gas, which is known as plasma. This gas goes through a nozzle while being subjected to high voltage, which creates an arc of electricity that hits the metal. For carving perfect sheets of metal quickly and accurately, plasma cutters are ideal. They can reach up to 40,000°F in temperature.
Flame cutting
Like plasma cutting, this also uses heat, which uses a mix of gases like oxygen, propane and acetylene to cut through low alloy or mild steel. It is also known as oxy-fuel gas cutting and uses a cutting torch which is applied to the metal surface. It can reach temperatures of around 1,800°F. This type of cutting is considered more cost-effective than laser cutting, particularly for thicker materials.