CNC Laser vs CNC Plasma Cutting - What's the Difference?

The CNC (computer numerical control) plasma arc process is an amazing technology that takes virtually all human error out of shape cutting.  The only limitation in its use is the amount of detail that can be fitted into a given space.

In cutting steel shapes like our bikes, plasma produces a kerf (cut width) of about .050″.   Keeping internal contours and shapes from overlapping requires about .150″ space between them.  This can be seen in the top image.  The yellow circle is .150″ in diameter and is moved around the drawing to ensure that it fits between the lines and shapes.

We had already cut out each bike with our CNC plasma cutter and made sure that the file executed correctly and that any bugs were fixed.    Since the lines seen in the top image would be so narrow as to be invisible if cut with a laser, all lines had to be converted to elongated slots.  These are seen in the bottom image.  Note that the closed shapes in the bottom drawing remain single lines.

The motor shown here is part of an Ariel Square Four drawing.  The CNC plasma cut motorcycles had to be at least 19″ long to include all the detail.  Cut with the laser, a 6″ long version was possible.  While laser could probably cut it even smaller, the detail would become almost invisible due to its size.