CNC flame cutting machines are capable of cutting thick carbon steel at relatively low cost, but suffer from significant deformation, low precision, slow cutting speed, and long preheating and piercing times, making them difficult to adapt to fully automated operations. Their applications are primarily limited to cutting thick carbon steel plates; plasma cutting is gradually replacing them for medium and thin carbon steel plates.
CNC plasma cutting machines offer a wide cutting range, capable of cutting all metal plates. They boast high speed and efficiency, reaching speeds exceeding 10 m/min. Underwater plasma cutting eliminates noise, dust, harmful gases, and arc light pollution, effectively improving the working environment. Precision plasma cutting has achieved cutting quality approaching laser cutting levels. With the maturity of high-power plasma cutting technology, cutting thicknesses have exceeded 150 mm, further expanding the cutting range of CNC plasma cutting machines.
CNC laser cutting machines are characterized by high cutting speed and high precision. However, they are expensive and costly, making them suitable only for thin-plate cutting and applications requiring high precision.
CNC high-pressure waterjet cutting machines are suitable for cutting any material (metal, non-metal, composite materials). They offer high cutting precision, do not produce thermal deformation, and are an environmentally friendly cutting method. Their disadvantages include slow cutting speed, low efficiency, and high cutting costs.