Choose CNC router machine or laser cutting machine

CNC router and laser cutting machines are multi-use machines that can be used for all various of cutting and engraving process. While all laser cutters and CNC router are popularly used in manufacturing, there are significant differences in how these machines work. Following mainly discusses the difference between laser cutting machines and CNC router by comparing them in details through various aspects of their operation.

 

On a CNC router, you can process wood, acrylic, plastics, composites, HDPE, and non-ferrous metals like aluminum, copper, brass, etc. Laser cutting machines can cut and engrave on polypropylene, plastic, acrylic, foam, leather, paper, rubber, glass, fabric, and metals like brass, aluminum, and steel.

You can also process softer materials like leather, foam, paper, etc. on a CNC router machine, but the quality of cut achieved on a laser cutting machine is far superior. The CO2 laser cutting machine is the best option for cutting non-metals, but fiber laser cutting machines are ideal for sheet metal applications.

 

Compared to CNC router, laser cutting machine has the higher processing speed and can cut through most materials in a single pass, while the CNC router will require multiple passes. Generally, a laser can process materials at almost double the speed of a CNC machine. A CNC router can cut 1/8" thick birch plywood at a maximum feed rate of around 72.3 ipm, whereas a 60W CO2 laser cutter can cut it at ~120 ipm. However, as the thickness of the material increases, the performance of laser cutting machine drops. Therefore, a CNC router machine can outperform a laser cutting machine when processing thick workpieces.

 

Laser cutting machines are not good at making deep cuts as they have a tight focus spot that can effectively cut through the material. In addition, laser cutting machines do not use Z-axis movement while cutting or engraving. This, together with a tight focus spot, limits them from making deep cuts. A sweet spot for laser cutters is a thickness of 1/2", but depending on the material you can also cut 3/4" thick workpieces. Laser cutting machines shine in processing thin sheets of materials and can process them much faster than a CNC router.

The major advantage of a CNC is its ability to perform 3D carving, which is not possible on a laser cutting machine. CNC router use a combination of X, Y, and Z-axis movement to perform detailed engravings with variable depths. So, for example, if your CNC machine has a Z-axis of 6", you can cut about 2.5" thick workpieces.

 

The primary operational cost of both the machines consists of the electrical units consumed during their operation. When compared to CNC machines, laser cutting machines have a quick cycle time, which reduces the machine on time, thereby reducing the overall electricity consumption. On the other hand, laser cutting machines do not require strong clamps or frequent replacement of the cutting tools, further reducing the overall operational cost of the machine. However, laser cutting machines require occasional replacement of laser source, which incurs a major periodic cost.

 

When comparing a CNC  router and a laser cutter of similar capability, laser cutters have a smaller footprint and therefore occupy less area on the shop floor. Furthermore, a galvanometer laser head eliminates the need for a gantry system making it possible to produce compact and portable laser cutters/engravers. The CNC machine requires a larger area for the main unit and its related attachments, like dust collector, lubricant reservoir, etc. So, a laser cutting machine will be the ideal choice for a small workshop where the shop floor space is limited. You can also consider 6090 CNC routers that feature compact design at the cost of material capability.

 

The word "CNC" is widely used to denote computer-controlled mills, drills, and routers. These machines use a physical cutting technique to work on different materials. The control software reads the G-code and implements it by moving and adjusting the speed of the spindle or router. Different CNC software programs are used for handling various CAD, CAM, and control operations on CNC machine. Technically, laser cutting machine are also a kind of CNC machine that uses a laser beam instead of endmills and router bits. Working of a laser cutter involves a computer-controlled laser head that focuses a high-energy laser beam on the material to perform the desired cut. The control software translates the design and guides the movement of the laser head to trace the path of the required pattern.

 

Both wood cutter and laser cutters have their areas of expertise. CNC router is the best option for cutting and carving thick materials like MDF, aluminum, wood, acrylic, etc. Whereas laser cutting produces far superior results for cutting thin workpieces. Therefore, laser cutting machines are ideal for applications that require shallow cuts with high speed and accuracy. Although both laser cutting machines and cnc wood cutting machine can engrave on many different materials, a laser engraving machine is capable of producing intricate patterns and engraving photographs. Whereas a CNC router can produce 3D engravings with variable depths.

The wavelength of CO2 lasers is readily absorbed by organic materials, making them the best option when working on wood. However, it ultimately depends on the type of laser, its power, and the type of wood. Some factors that influence laser cutting wood are sap/resin content, artificial or natural wood, lens used, air assist, grain density, thickness, etc.

The tight spot size of a laser beam results in a comparatively smaller width of cut than cnc wood cutting machine, thereby reducing material wastage. However, both machines produce far superior results than traditional cutting techniques and can be used for making various laser projects and CNC projects.