CNC Cutting and Laser Cutting: Everything You Need To Know

You have probably heard of CNC cutting and laser cutting machines, right? Chances are that you have also been wondering just which of the two may be better suited for your cutting needs. If you nodded to either or both questions, you landed on the right page.

What's the difference between CNC cutting and laser cutting? In a nutshell, these two methods of cutting items differ mainly in the way the actual cutting is done. CNC makes use of a router bit or blade to do the cutting. Laser on the other hand relies on high heat to ‘burn’ through different types of materials in order to cut them.

Comparing and contrasting the difference between CNC cutting and laser cutting

CNC cutting and laser cutting

Here’s a detailed comparison of CNC cutting and laser cutting:

1. Cutting Mechanism

  • CNC Cutting: CNC machines use mechanical tools like drills, routers, or blades to cut through materials. The cutting tool physically touches and removes material layer by layer. This can involve milling, drilling, or turning processes, depending on the machine used.
  • Laser Cutting: Laser cutting uses a high-powered laser beam to melt, burn, or vaporize material, making it a contactless process. The laser beam is directed by mirrors or fiber optics, and the heat from the beam is what makes the cut.

Key Difference: CNC cutting is a mechanical process that involves direct contact with the material, while laser cutting is a non-contact process relying on thermal energy.

2. Material Compatibility

  • CNC Cutting: CNC machines are versatile and can cut through a wide variety of materials, including metals, plastics, wood, foam, and composite materials. It is especially effective for thicker and harder materials.
  • Laser Cutting: Laser cutting is also compatible with a variety of materials such as metals, plastics, wood, acrylic, glass, and textiles. However, laser cutting is often preferred for thin materials, as thicker materials can lead to slower cuts or less precision with some lasers.

Key Difference: CNC cutting handles thicker and harder materials better, whereas laser cutting excels at cutting through thinner, softer, or more intricate designs.

Choose CNC if you’re working with thick metals, wood, or foam. Choose Laser Cutter if your project involves thin, delicate, or detailed materials.

3. Cutting Precision

  • CNC Cutting: CNC machines provide excellent precision and repeatability, but because of the mechanical nature of the tools used, there is always some tool wear over time, which can affect precision slightly. Also, the mechanical tool limits how fine or intricate the cuts can be.
  • Laser Cutting: Laser cutting offers extreme precision, often in the range of microns, and the laser’s thin beam allows for very fine, intricate, and complex designs. There is no tool wear in laser cutting since it’s a contactless process.

Key Difference: Laser cutting provides higher precision and can handle more intricate designs compared to CNC cutting.

Choose CNC for simpler designs or large, straightforward cuts. Choose Laser Cutter for highly detailed, intricate designs and when sharp precision is needed.

4. Speed

  • CNC Cutting: CNC cutting tends to be slower, especially when cutting thicker materials or performing complex designs that require multiple tool passes. It is also limited by the cutting speed of the mechanical tool.
  • Laser Cutting: Laser cutting is generally faster than CNC cutting, especially when dealing with thin materials. The high-powered laser beam can cut through materials quickly and accurately, making it ideal for high-volume or rapid production.

Key Difference: Laser cutting is usually faster, particularly for thinner materials and detailed designs, whereas CNC cutting might take longer depending on the material thickness and complexity.

Choose CNC for more heavy-duty cutting, where speed is less of a concern. Choose Laser Cutter for faster production and thin material processing.

5. Edge Quality

  • CNC Cutting: CNC cutting tools can leave behind burrs or rough edges, particularly when cutting metals. These rough edges may require post-processing, such as sanding or deburring, to achieve a clean finish.
  • Laser Cutting: Laser cutting leaves smooth, clean edges with minimal to no post-processing required. The thermal process often results in sharp, precise edges, especially on non-metal materials like acrylic or wood.

Key Difference: Laser cutting typically provides smoother edges with minimal post-processing, whereas CNC cutting might require additional steps to clean up rough edges.

Choose CNC if post-processing is not a concern or you’re working with materials that will be finished later. Choose Laser Cutter if you want a smooth, polished finish straight from the machine.

6. Complexity of Designs

  • CNC Cutting: CNC machines are excellent for cutting simple shapes, contours, or large-scale objects. However, they may struggle with highly intricate or detailed designs due to the limitations of the physical tools.
  • Laser Cutting: Laser cutters can produce highly intricate and complex designs due to the precision and flexibility of the laser beam. It can make sharp corners, small holes, and other fine details with ease.

Key Difference: Laser cutting is superior for intricate and detailed designs, while CNC cutting is better suited for simple, large-scale projects.

Choose CNC for large-scale industrial projects or manufacturing. Choose Laser Cutter for detailed, delicate, or artistic projects.

7. Cost

  • CNC Cutting: The cost of CNC cutting depends on the complexity of the job, material used, and tool wear. Initial setup costs can be higher, and post-processing can add additional costs.
  • Laser Cutting: Laser cutting machines can be more expensive upfront, especially for high-powered lasers. However, they generally have lower operational costs due to reduced tool wear and minimal need for post-processing.

Key Difference: Both methods can have significant costs depending on the project, but laser cutting often has lower long-term maintenance costs due to the non-contact nature of the process.

Choose CNC if you have a lower budget for initial investment and can manage regular maintenance. Choose Laser Cutter if you’re willing to invest more upfront for long-term savings on maintenance.

Have a look at our Buying Guides Here:

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FAQS

What's the difference between CNC cutting and laser cutting

Which is better CNC or laser cutter?

It all depends on what type of cutting you want. Go for laser if the material is thin and light. A CNC cutter on the other hand comes in handy when the material is thicker and stronger. CNC would be the best option for cutting of thick materials like MDF, aluminum, wood, acrylic, etc.

Is a CNC machine the same as a laser cutter?

Not at all. CNC cutting machines rely on cutting bits and blades for physical contact to do the cutting. Laser cutters on the other hand rely on high heat to achieve the same objective.

What is the difference between a laser cutter and a laser engraver?

A laser cutter separates two portions of the same material using high heat from a laser. An engraver imprints patterns, pictures, and logos on the surface of a given material using high heat from a laser beam. So even though the results are different, the technique is somewhat similar.

Can a laser engraver cut wood?

A laser engraver can cut wood but would entirely depend on the power of the laser. Even most low-power diode lasers can cut some thin materials. A good quality 10 Watt Diode Laser can cut up to 5 – 8mm wood in a single pass. Check out this article for more info on the best laser engraver for wood.

How thick can a 100-watt laser cut?

A 100-watt laser machine can cut a non-metallic material with a thickness of 3 mm to 12 mm. However, it is a good idea to use transfer tape to guard against any forms of scorching that may arise in the course of inflicting cuts on the surfaces. Also read this article I wrote on the subject for detailed information.

Final thoughts

So in a nutshell, laser cutters are more versatile and practical owing to their flexibility with material use, speed, and the other advantages we have identified. if you are looking to start a home-based laser cutting business, laser cutters would be the way to go.