What's the difference between cutting methods for aluminum sheet metal?

Question

Whats the difference between laser cutting, water jet cutting, and plasma cutting? I have an intricate pattern I want to cut into 3003 aluminum sheet (0.1" to .25" thick)

Answer 1

Different costs, capabilities, edge condition.

These kinds of things can be quite expensive. Get a quote for each if possible. Then, ask to look at a sample of what it does to the aluminum. Water will be the cleanest. Laser leaves a little bit of an edge and discoloration. Plasma would be way cheaper if it works for al (it should), but does leave a little more discoloration on the edge. Be sure to ask how the machine is programmed as well; if you can generate a program or maybe a point list they can import, you will save a lot.

Answer 2

laser and plasma generate heat while cutting. This will cause heat discolour and possibly deform the pattern. Plasma is also messy. If i had the choice go for water cutting. It`s very clean, accurate and will cut intricate patterns really well. Also there will be no distortion to your pattern.

Hope this is a little use to you.

Answer 3

Laser edged acetylene. Tungsten inert gas, aluminum welded sheets or straight sheets, cut cleaner using water streamer points. When cutting, angles/formations, using precise edge cutting, such as laser beam is best, but dangerous. Plasma is better used for straight cutting, thicker, industrial, aluminum metal sheets, such as platforms, sidewalls, etc. Good luck.