Comparison of 2D CNC Machines
This is a rough guide to the capabilites of various 2D CNC technologies.
Notes:
- Numbers quoted are approximate and apply only to standard machines. There are some waterjets out there that are more accurate than some wire EDM machines out there, but they are unusual.
- This guide is a starting off point. If you have an application that falls between two methods, get quotes from job shops that have both machines.
- If you have a suggestion or more data, please e-mail me!
| CNC Punch Press | Plasma (Standard) | Laser | Waterjet | EDM | |
| General Pros | Ability to add bends, louvers and other forming operations, precise hole diameters | Low machine cost | High speed and low cost in thinner stock | No HAZ, burrs, or dross. High thickness capability. The ability to trade off edge quality for cut speed. | Very high accuracy, ability to control taper. |
| General Cons | Burrs | Considerable edge taper | Problems with high reflectivity metals, dross | More costly than laser in thinner metals | Expensive |
| Thickness Capability (In Steel) | 3/16” | 1” | 1/2” - 3/4” | 2-3” effectively, 8”-12” slowly | 24”+ |
| Heat Affected Zone | None | Significant | Significant | None | Very minor |
| Design issues | Allow for deburring and nibbling marks. Keep internal features away from edges. | Allow for significant edge taper | Edges will be glass hard if heat hardenable steel is used. | Minimize internal holes, or allow for etching between holes. | Minimize internal holes |
| New Machine Cost | $7000 & Up | $150,000 & up | $100,000 & up | $80,000 & up | |
| Usual Accuracy | +/- .005 | +/- .015 | +/- .005 | +/- .005 | +/- .001 |
| Materials | All metals, limited by hardness | All metals | Most metals, plexiglass, plastics, wood, leather, fabric | All metals, including hardened. Plastic, wood, glass, stone | All metals including hardened. Cost increases with melting point. |
| Consumables | Punch sharpening | Tips, nozzles, gases, compressed air | Gases, nozzles, optics | Water, garnet, nozzles | Wire, filters, wire guides |
| More Information | www.WaterJets.org |
Information I need:
- The performance difference between standard and hi-def plasma
- More information on CNC Punch machines. It seems that these machines are no longer very popular.
- Specific cut cost and taper performance on various thickness steels.
Ready to send a file out to get quotes from job shops? Check out Tips for Writing Manufacturing RFQs
Copyright © 2005 - 2007 by Jeff Albro. All rights reserved.