Let s do some quick math.
Laser cutting vs waterjet cost.
Waterjet cutting is much slower and much more costly per hour of use.
Waterjet cutting vs laser cutting.
In thickness of 1 4 and less the laser would be the more cost effective option when cutting metals.
Laser cutters can cut thick materials but a waterjet machine can cut thicker objects the optimal thickness being 0 4 to 2 0 10 to 50 mm while for laser cutting it is 0 12 to 0 4 3 to 10 mm.
Laser cutting cost in terms of operation is not even close.
Combined with the speed and precision of cutting waterjet vs.
Method and the convenience of each method.
Waterjet is usually considered to be the most expensive typically estimated at about 30 hour.
Waterjet is both slow and costly to run making it the least productive system to operate.
The accuracy and quality of the cut.
Thick and brass less than 0 16 in.
Generally though laser will cut faster on aluminum less than 0 20 in.
Type of metal or material you d like to cut cost involved the efficiency of the machine or.
Waterjet will depend on the quality of the outcome.
Waterjet and laser are typically much more expensive to operate requiring specialist gases and other high cost consumables.
It s not possible to say which one is better as each can be more suitable for different materials and applications.
Choosing between laser and waterjet cutting is not as straightforward as it may seem.
Many advertisements for fiber laser tout its ability to cut brass copper and aluminum.
When cutting thin materials with laser very high cutting speeds can be achieved which can help to reduce the cost per part.
Because these materials are quite soft they are also good candidates for an abrasive waterjet.
Say you have a project that adds up to 15 000 in total cuts.
The benefit of the laser cutter is its ability to cut thinner material at a far higher rate of speed than the water jet.
The bottom line the best method to use whether its plasma cutting vs.
The cutting stream of a water jet is typically 030 040 in.
Choosing between laser and waterjet cutting would therefore entirely depend on your specifications.
