Choosing the Right CNC Cutting Material
Low Carbon Steel
Low carbon steel is a cost effective, yet strong material that can be easily cut, bent, and welded. Because of its high level of demand, low carbon steel is widely produced, making it a relatively affordable material. The cost effectiveness and excellent mechanical properties allow low carbon steel to be used across a wide range of industries for numerous purposes.
Common applications: outdoor fire pits, automotive parts, & industrial machinery.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a metal with good strength-to-weight ratio, low thermal and electrical conductivity, low density, and natural weather resistance.
Common applications: aerospace, light weight brackets, & marine environments.
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel is a metal alloy with high ductility, wear, and corrosion resistance that can be easily welded, polished, and machined.
Common applications: decorative wall art, food production, & automotive parts.
Plywood
Plywood is a versatile man-made woodworking material. CNC Cutting allows for precise plywood cuts which is integral in many applications, such as the construction of furniture.
Common applications: toys, arts, crafts, furniture construction, & interior design.
MDF
MDF, or medium-density fibreboard (MDF), is generally denser than plywood which leads to less expansion and contraction.
Common applications: cabinets, shelves, speaker boxes, & decorative art.
Acrylic
Acrylic is a durable, clear form of plastic. It is an extremely versatile product with high machinability and good thermal properties.
Common applications: custom signage, displays, & architectural models.
Choosing the Right CNC Cutting Method
When prototyping quickly and on a budget, CNC plasma cutting is the best option. Cuts can be made in a wide array of materials, including stainless steel, aluminium, mild steel, and more. The speed of plasma cutting also makes it ideal for large pieces, extended jobs, and production run parts.
Strength: Most affordable cutting method with quick processing times.
Weakness: Less accuracy compared to laser or waterjet & larger heat affected zone.
Related Materials: Steel, Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Brass, & Copper.
A continuous cut is produced by moving a CO₂, YAG, or fiber powered laser cutting head over the work piece with the use of a CNC gantry system. Laser cutting is great for production quantity and quality parts since the cutting process is quite fast and precise.
Strength: Excellent cut edge quality & can cut a wide variety of materials.
Weakness: More expensive than plasma cutting & not capable of cutting thick metals.
Related Materials: Steel, Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Plywood, & Acrylic.
Waterjet cutting uses an ultra-high pressure stream of water to carry an abrasive grit. The abrasive cutting leaves a precise, smooth cut surface. Waterjet is the most versatile process, because it is able to cut almost any material; however, it is a very slow and time consuming process.
Strength: Ability to cut almost any material with quality finish & no heat affected zone.
Weakness: Slow production time & more costly compared to other cutting methods.
Related Materials: Metals, Plastics, Ceramics, & virtually any material except Tempered Glass.
CNC Laser, Plasma, and Waterjet Cut Parts
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