Laser cutting

Laser cutting is a technique that uses a laser to cut materials, typically for industrial manufacturing applications. Laser cutting generally works by directing high power laser output through optics. The laser beam is focused and aimed at the material, which then melts, burns, evaporates, or is blown away by a jet of gas, leaving an edge with a high quality surface finish.

The advantage of laser cutting

Laser cutting is a technique that uses a laser to cut materials, typically for industrial manufacturing applications. Laser cutting generally works by directing high power laser output through optics. The laser beam is focused and aimed at the material, which then melts, burns, evaporates, or is blown away by a jet of gas, leaving an edge with a high quality surface finish.

The advantage of laser cutting

Stress-free cutting. Different from a stamping machine or press brake, a laser cutter does not rely on mechanical force to penetrate the metal. This eliminates many of the tiny cracks and stress marks that can weaken a mechanically bent sheet of metal. Also, because laser cutting does not create stress, the shapes of steel can be cut very tightly. This results in extremely high material utilization when making metal cutouts, allowing more metal shapes to be made from a single sheet of steel.
Another benefit of using a laser to cut sheet metal is that the laser leaves a smooth and shiny surface. This helps to reduce the risk of leaving burrs on the laser-cut object. The edges of the cut are smooth, so there is no need for secondary processing, which can increase efficiency.
Since the laser cutter does not need to be in physical contact with the workpiece, the wear and tear on a laser cutter is far less than that of a bending machine or press brake. This helps to extend the life of the laser cutter while reducing maintenance costs.

The disadvantage of laser cutting

Laser cutting may alter the properties of metal. Certain types of metal may change their chemical properties after exposure to extreme temperatures, such as those involved in the laser cutting process.
Laser cutters cannot bend, if the metal needs to be bent or curved, a metal stamping or bending machine is required.

Metal stamping

Metal stamping is a manufacturing process that uses a metal stamping die or a series of metal stamping dies to form a sheet of metal into a workpiece with three-dimensional dimensions and shapes.

The advantage of metal stamping

More than just flat cuts. The biggest advantage of metal stamping and bending is that these machines can do more than just cut the desired shape into metal. For example, a metal stamping machine can flatten, forge or die cast metal into a specific shape to meet a requirement. Meanwhile, a press brake can bend sheet metal or wire at specific angles to create complex shapes for specific applications.

Process thicker sheet metal. Press brakes and metal stamping machines are primarily limited by the amount of force they can apply to the workpiece and the condition of the die. This allows high-tonnage presses to form and cut thicker metal shapes than some laser cutters.

Form a wider variety of metal alloys. High temperature metal alloys are difficult to cut with lasers because of their high melting points. Press brakes and metal stamping machines can form and cut these metals more easily than laser cutters. This makes press brakes and punch presses the preferred choice for certain metal forming applications.

The disadvantage of metal stamping

High maintenance frequency. In order to keep metal stamping and bending machines in top working order, frequent maintenance is required. Tools and dies wear out quickly, especially if they are often used to form hard metals. This means more time and money spent on mechanical maintenance.

Some bends can cause structural weaknesses. Bending or cutting metal can create structural weaknesses if not handled properly. For example, if the bend is too deep beyond the limits of the metal’s internal radius, or if some improper movement occurs during the cutting process, the metal can become brittle and prone to fracture.

Conclusion

In general, laser cutting is suitable for the production of small quantities of high-precision workpieces, while metal stamping is more suitable for the production of large quantities of standardized workpieces.

Laser cutting and metal stamping have different advantage and disadvantage.When choosing a processing machine, you should consider the metal material and the specific application.Of course, the economic benefits should also be considered.So which is suitable for you?