Every cutting process has particular benefits and shortcomings that you should take into account before deciding on a cutting method. Also keep in mind that a combination of processes may be best for a particular application.
![]() Plasma |
![]() Oxyfuel |
![]() Laser |
![]() Waterjet |
![]() Other mechanical tools |
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Common attributes | ||||||
Industrial cutting category | Thermal |
Thermal |
Thermal |
Erosive | Mechanical | |
Types of materials | Most metals | Carbon steel | Range of materials | Nearly anything | Metal, wood, plastic | |
Material thickness | Up to 50 mm (2″) | 50 mm (2″) and above | Typically 6 mm (1/4”) and below | Up to 75 mm (3″) | Typically up to 25 mm (1″) | |
Cut quality | Very good | Very good | Excellent | Exceptional | Good | |
Speed when cutting ideal thickness |
Fast | Fast (though requires pre-heat time) | Fast | Slow | Slow | |
Operating costs | $ - $$ | $$ | $$ (Higher for CO2 lasers) |
$$$ | $$$$ | |
Capital equipment cost | $ - $$$ | $ | $$$$ | $$$ | $ - $$$$ | |
Portability | (air plasma only) |
- | - | |||
Heat affected zone | - | Maybe | ||||
Learn about plasma | Learn about oxyfuel | Learn about laser | Learn about waterjet |