What is the Difference Between CNC Cutting and Laser ...

This post is part of Plyco’s Guide to Laser Plywood

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There’s a good chance you’ve heard of both CNC cutting (or routing!) and laser cutting before and likely have some sort of idea what they do. Heck, laser cutting has a huge giveaway in its name! But beyond some very loose basics, it can be tough to know exactly what both of these machines do. It can be even tougher to figure out what the differences and benefits they each have over one another too. These two pieces of machinery are a vital part of everyday work at Plyco and it’s this reason that inspired us to lay everything out and clearly show-off what makes CNC and laser cutting different.

The Lowdown on CNC Cutting and Laser Cutting

CNC Machine

Firstly, we need to take a look at what exactly each of these machines is before we can examine the differences. A CNC cutting machine’s most obvious characteristic is that it cuts through direct physical contact. However, unlike countless other cutting tools at your disposal, a CNC machine is automated and follows a set programmed path through computer numerical control.

 Plyco's very own CNC cutting machine

Laser Cutting

Laser cutters are quite similar in that they follow a programmed path that has been set out in advance but differs radically when it comes time for it to cut. Instead of the physical method, it uses a laser, as the name suggests, to cut through the plywood. This process works by directing the output of a high powered laser (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) through optics.

 The highly popular Emblaser 2 Laser Cutting Machine from Darkly Labs

In explaining what each cutting machine is we’ve come to our first difference; CNC cutting is achieved through friction, while laser cutting is achieved through heat.

This difference is the most crucial, as it helps to set each machine apart and gives them each a number of unique areas where they thrive.

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CNC Savings

One of the biggest advantages CNC cutting has is that it is relatively low-cost, especially when compared to laser cutting. The price is why CNC machining has been so popular in a number of different industries for such a long time. While the cost of purchasing a laser cutter itself makes it a more expensive option, the power consumption also contributes to making it a costlier option than CNC.

As the old saying goes though, “you get what you pay for” and that certainly applies to laser cutting. When cutting with a laser you have access to a level of precision and intricacy that just isn’t possible through friction-based methods. You have an excessive amount of control with a laser cutter, which allows you to get incredibly creative with your cuts and do things like setting the radius of the beam to as little as 0.1mm.

Beautiful Burning Plywood

The burning technique used with laser cutters also results in noticeably cleaner edges, with the added benefit that burning will seal edges for you automatically, preventing the expansion and contraction of Plywood. It may have a heavier cost attached to it, but there’s no doubt that the laser pays it back to you in many ways.

Despite laser cutters having so many fancy features and positive aspects, there are still areas where a good old-fashioned CNC machine thrives.

The biggest advantage you’ll see from using a CNC cutting machine is that it makes diagonal, curved and straight-line cuts incredibly easy. Because you are programming the machine to make the cuts and not having to do it by hand with a saw or similar tool you are almost completely eliminating any chance of human error. This is the most common issue that will crop up in your woodworking, so having a machine that can make these cuts perfect for you is a real blessing.

Overall, on paper, it seems like laser cutters are the clear-cut favourite but it really comes down to what your needs are. Laser cutters have a lot of extra bells and whistles, but also costs significantly more. A CNC cutter probably won’t have you cutting insanely creative designs as you would see with Laser Plywood, but it will give you perfect simpler cuts for a much cheaper price, which may be all that you need.

If you’re looking to snap up some Laser Cutting Plywood head over to our online store. Here you’ll find the largest collection of Laser Grade Plywood in Melbourne, with the added benefit of Australia-wide shipping. If you’re looking to learn more about our Laserply range check out our blog posts on why our Laserply is the best Plywood for laser cutting, or our Laser Plywood dimensions.

Want more information on fiber laser cutting machine custom? Feel free to contact us.