CNC vs Laser Cutter Which Is Right for You?

Are you looking for a suitable cutting machine for your business? Your research may have led you to two contenders in the cutting field: the CNC machine and the laser cutter. But which one best meets your needs? Which machine should you choose? At first glance, CNC machines and laser cutters may seem to play the same role, but when you dig deeper you'll find that they operate and specialize in very different areas. So, if you're struggling with the choice between a CNC machine and a laser cutting machine and need someone to provide you with expert advice, then read on. In this article, we'll break down the operational dynamics of both and shed light on their respective capabilities to help you find the machine that meets your individual needs.

1. What is a CNC milling/cutting machine?

2. What is a laser cutter/engraver?

3. The main difference between CNC milling machine and laser cutting machine

4. CNC machine vs. laser cutting machine, which is better for you?

1. What is a CNC milling/cutting machine?

A Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling machine is a type of cutting machine whose operating motion is controlled by a computer numerical control. A CNC milling machine has a tool called a cutter. This sharp tool rotates quickly and can cut, carve or engrave materials such as wood, metal or plastic. You can create a design on a computer through 2D or 3D design software, depending on the nature of the product. The computer translates your design into a language that the CNC milling machine understands, called G-codes. These G-codes guide every movement of the milling tool. The settings and codes are configured for the operation or type of cutter head you are using.

2. What is a laser cutter/engraver?

A laser cutter is a type of cutting machine that uses an ultra-focused beam of light to burn or melt material for cutting or engraving. Laser machines come with laser cutting documentation that contains all the necessary instructions for the laser head and the cutting path. Technically, a laser cutting machine is a CNC machine because it is also programmed to cut through a guided path. This is why sometimes we refer to industrial laser cutting machines as CNC laser cutting machines.

3. The main difference between CNC milling machine and laser cutting machine

Cutting method

CNC machines and laser cutting machines have different ways of working. A CNC is like a rotary drill. It physically touches and engraves into the material, moving up, down, left, and right. This movement in all three directions allows it to engrave 3D designs and handle thick materials.

Laser cutting machines work in a very different way than CNC machines. Laser cutters do not touch the material directly at all; they use a powerful beam of light to burn and melt the material. The laser moves along a plane (x- and y-axis), but it controls the depth by adjusting the power. As a result, most lasers stick to a 2D design, but there are some advanced lasers that can engrave in 3D on a variety of materials.

Precision and accuracy

For CNC machines, the size of the rotary drill determines how fine it is. These cutting heads can be as small as 1/4 inch. But there's a catch: the smaller the drill, the less power it has, making it difficult to cut thick materials. Laser beams, by contrast, are much more precise. They can focus on tiny spots as small as 0.08 millimeters. Even better, the size of the laser spot does not limit the depth it can cut, because the depth of a laser cut depends on the energy it contains.

Cutting and Engraving Speed

A CNC machine is like engraving with a knife. As the tool touches the material, friction occurs and it may take longer to cut through. Sometimes, you may need multiple passes to complete the cut. In contrast, lasers are fast. They can usually cut through material in one pass. A CNC machine can cut 1/8-inch plywood at 70 inches per minute (ipm). A laser cutter can do the same task as fast as 120 ipm. But the thicker the material, the slower and less effective the laser is.

Material compatibility

CNC machines are versatile in the cutting field. They can handle a wide range of materials from metal and wood to fibers and plastics. Plus, they can cut thicker materials. Laser cutters are great for cutting wood, rubber, leather and acrylic. However, there are some materials they are not suitable for cutting. For example, materials that reflect laser light (such as metal) are not suitable for diode lasers (although fiber lasers can cut metal). And you need to avoid materials such as vinyl, which emit unpleasant fumes when exposed to laser light.

Learning Curve

CNC machines behave like manual cars in the cutting world. They are CNC controlled and programmed, so you will need to familiarize yourself with CAD CAM software, G-code, M-code, and more. With a wide range of router bits available, you'll have to set the cutting parameters manually. This can be a bit of a challenge for beginners, but UTECH machines are easy to learn, and often you can master UTECH CNC machines after a brief training session. Laser cutting machines are similar to self-driving cars. They are equipped with user-friendly design software that has preset settings for different materials. In addition, with ready-made shapes and templates, designing becomes a breeze. So for those just starting out, the laser will feel more approachable.

Material waste

CNC machines essentially engrave and cut materials. This means that they produce shavings, dust, and debris, especially from materials such as wood or plastic. This can lead to a dusty environment. As a result, you often need to clean up your work area after each operation.

Laser cutters operate by burning or melting material. When cutting materials such as acrylic or certain plastics, this process can produce fumes. In most cases, the machine is equipped with a smoke cleaning system that filters the smoke before it is released. Generally, they produce much less physical debris than CNC machines.

Safety considerations

CNC machines have fast rotating cutters and moving parts. As a result, you need to keep your hands, clothing and hair away to avoid tangles or injuries. Tight clothing, goggles and hearing protection are always recommended. Most laser cutters are enclosed, so the risk of accidental exposure is very unlikely. However, for some open CNC laser machines that do not have these enclosures, wearing safety glasses is critical for eye protection.

Noise

The sound of a CNC machine basically comes from the rotation of the milling cutters and drills, the movement of machine parts, and the actual cutting or engraving of the material. Harder materials such as metals amplify this noise. The main noise of a laser cutter is the hum of the machine and the exhaust or cooling fan. The actual process of laser cutting or engraving is relatively quiet compared to CNC.

4. CNC machine vs. laser cutting machine, which is better for you?

We've already detailed the differences between CNC machines and laser cutting machines. Now, let's see which machine is better for you. There isn't really a straight answer to this because which machine is better for you depends on the nature of the job, the material, and your skills in operating the machine.

Nature of the job

If your main task is simple cutting, especially on flat surfaces, then the laser cutter will dominate. It offers unrivaled precision, high quality finishes and fast cutting speeds. In this case, the laser cutter should be your first choice. But when your work involves complex 3D engraving or designs that require depth, a CNC machine shows his strengths. Their ability to move in three axes allows them to make detailed and three-dimensional designs, making them the first choice for such tasks. For precise engraving, whether on flat or rotating objects, the accuracy and fineness of laser cutting machines make them the most suitable choice.

Depth of material

Although laser cutters are known for their speed and precision, their depth of cut is limited to a few millimeters. This makes them ideal for thinner materials or situations where only surface etching is required. CNC machines, on the other hand, can handle much greater depths of material because they are equipped with penetrating cutters, which allow them to engrave materials of varying depths depending on the size of the cutter and the power of the machine. This makes them the first choice for jobs that require a lot of material removal or depth.

Technology Awareness

Laser cutting machines are relatively user-friendly. Most settings and adjustments are integrated into the included software. In essence, it is a more "plug and play" operation, allowing even novice users to achieve high quality results with minimal technical understanding. In contrast, CNC machines require a deeper grasp of the complexities involved. From understanding the different router bits and their applications to adjusting various parameters for optimal results, there's a bit of a harder learning curve. If you're considering a CNC machine, be prepared to invest the time to learn about the tool and its nuances.

Both laser cutting machines and CNC machines bring unique features and excel in different areas. For small businesses or beginners who are just starting out with DIY cutting, a laser cutter is the preferred choice. It's easy to use, quick to operate, and provides excellent results on a variety of surfaces. However, for those with a background in machining or a desire to delve into the technical details, a CNC machine is the best choice. It is ideal for more intensive cutting and complex engraving tasks. Shandong U-May Cnc Technology Co., Ltd. can provide you with professional CNC machine tools and laser cutting machines. Our machines are composed of well-known parts for long service life, and the machine beds are sturdy and durable without deformation. If you need professional advice, welcome to consult UTECH team, we can provide you with professional advice!