Laser Vs Plasma Ultimate Shootout Head to head Comparison

How much is the laser?
$40K-$50K depending on options you choose
Brand of Laser?
Primapress China - channel / @primachinaprimacncmac...
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Grace (Feiyun) Contact Info
my whatsapp : [phone] Email : [e-mail]
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[@artenalata2009]

Best real face to face comparision, thanks for your time and effort in this very informative video.

[@turbocobra]

thanks for watching

[@wuxifengweimechanicalequip4088]

Awesome video. Laser wins in average. We have been manufacturing cnc plasma cutting machine and laser cutting machine over 20 years for own use and clients, we can see original investments is higher in Laser but in a long-term run, laser machine wins on the work effciency, labor savings, consumable costs and etc. However, it requires customization for different types of sheet.

[@matijavidovic2369]

We have family businesses and I'm persuading my family to buy one of this kinds of machine. It would replace our old stamp machines. We work with metal and INOX sheets (1×2meters 1,25x2.5m and 1,5x3m) all kind of thickness(from range 0.2mm up to 5mm). Do you think I could find something interesting for approximately 30k Euros? Im in Europe Thank you

[@JoeyRodz74]

The CAM software or the setup for your plasma machine is the culprit of most of your slower performance. Tune that up, if possible, or run a test with an open control software like Mach 3 or 4 where you can tweak every parameter and the plasma will improve hugely. Also, you're running slower steppers on the plasma vs servos on the laser. Then the Z axis on the plasma retracts way too far up before resetting. No need for that, plasma cutting is flat. The laser knows that so it retracts very little. Plasma also does a Z height adjustment on *every* cut. Why? I know they all do but shouldn't have to. Once your Z height is set for the material being cut, there are no forces that would change that and the motors are very accurate and repeatable. There's also a relative long dwell time between movements in the plasma that is likely carried over from other machine thinking. A plasma CNC has nearly no need to dwell because it's very low inertia, unlike CNC milling machines or assembly robots, for example. So you can make a few setup changes if the machine allow it and double your performance. If you want to take it further, swap out the steppers for closed loop servos to match the speed of the laser. All three motors and drivers will set you back a few hundred dollars on eBay or Amazon. Here's a kit shipped from CA with 4 sets of motor, drivers and power supply (keep one for spare): www.ebay.com/itm/USA-FREE-4Axis-Nema23-Closed-Loop-Stepper-motor-1-1N-m-4A-Driver-HBS57-CNC-KIT/163810402422, but there are many others.

[@turbocobra]

I don't disagree that it can be improved some with tweaking acceleration rates, but i dont think you can cut super thin metal fine details dross free. I have yet to see that.

[@Ricardo-uw3ov]

@@turbocobra Yeap, plasma is not that good on very thin materials. But show me the laser working on thick materials. And Joey is right, the plasma setup is terrible and the laser setup is great. I dont know cutter system prices, but shoud compare only the cutter (plasma machine + air + consumables + expected machine live vs laser machine + gas/consumables + expected machine live). The tables can be the same, only may change the THC and LHC.

[@sebastianjuara]

your comment is awesome thank you, i learned very much

[@CGsworkshop-op8ei]

You are perfectly right ! I want to write the same things. By the way, a broken laser if you must repair-it after the payement you will be a very poor man ... lol. A plasma cutter, a good one is around 20 hundred buks ... The laser worth-it only if you have to cut at least 8-10h daily, other way it's not profitable.

[@brianwoll9224]

Nice video! Looks like you have it pretty well figured out. Your cut quality is looking good on that laser. All your explanations are right on point. It's awesome you have a laser and could help people out. There's not many videos out there with these kind of laser machines that go into detail like you do. Keep up the great work!!!! 👍👍👍

[@turbocobra]

Right, thats what i found when researching to buy one. you can find tons of videos of machines cutting fast, but very little detail about it

[@ktmtragic1397]

Great to see you are doing informative work for a great brand ! Thanks ! Subscribed !

[@DavidHaile_profile]

Thank you for this video. My shop is in the same category as yours and I'm considering buying a laser table. I'd buy one tomorrow for $50k if I thought it would be reliable.

[@BigRed-MWA]

Dam ! Those Lazer cuts are good!👍

[@lancenguyen9175]

Great content. Love the workshop, serious professionalism going on.

[@SouleymaneIsmael-s9i]

hello I have a problem with my laser 1530 when I do the cutting the machine makes zig zag on the sheet of sheet metal wanted to know what it is due to and if possible how to fix it thank you

[@key2010]

this is the first time I've seen edge comparison, 2:15 , i did NOT expect a cleaner cut on the plasma, thank you sir

[@raymondhunter7806]

Cleaner cut because the focus is off on the laser

[@traxxgoingwild]

You can tell the cut parimeters were real awfull on the fiber in this case.

[@ironkam9424]

Hi, how thick of steel will a laser cutter cut? I know it depends on the power but if you could list the powers and thickness that would really help. I have looked some but never got a real good answer

[@vi683a]

I am looking at a 1k Fiber laser./DIY. What would be your advice concerning maintenance, durability of the machine; arc damage, laser damage...etc. vs plasma, as well as cost of operation and ROI.

[@ndiy1256]

What is the besst machine for wood work?

[@joshhilson1473]

I have a td cutmaster 40. Its bad about wanting to curve on the edges on steel. Is this an issue on a cnc plasma table?

[@772777777777777]

Does the fiber laser need oxgen or nitrogen assist? Can you explain the benefits

[@abelartundo3825]

What about comparision to a 50kpsi waterjet, do you have a way to compare quality, I know they are slower but can cut almost anything,. Thanx

[@turbocobra]

Very slow. You will never see anyone production cutting thin parts on a waterjet. Thicker parts or non metallic parts is where the waterjet comes into play

[@kumask6454]

You saved my money, thanks dear .

[@BSBRN]

Is it possible to laser cut thin pre-painted aluminum and steel without damaging the paint? .019 - .024 thickness. Thanks

[@Fleshaga]

Also ... i'm spamming this chat i know, but the kerf of the cut shows that plasma was the wrong choice for this cut. It's all about the kerf. Plasma is technically a thermal traditionall process and the laser is just at home at these thicknesses. The plasma kerf is gigantic compared to the laser. It can be compensated for with leadin/out, but laser is so at home with these thin metals. Loved this video. Ty

[@turbocobra]

dude you seem like a real expert, you need to start your own channel

[@tasxou5470]

hi, please if i want to cut a 12 cm thick copper what wiil cost me ?

[@colemcclain7319]

Whats maximum thickness of laser cutting?

[@1990notch]

I'm curious of the cost breakdown between them per cut. A lot would factor into it, initial cost, power, consumables, support, maintenance, etc. You've probably figured it out to prove out jobs. It looks like you're getting work with the laser. I wish you all the best in this venture.

[@turbocobra]

for higher production volumes, the laser is far cheaper over the long haul...especially the auto sheet loaders, etc. You wont ever see a factory or high production shop cutting thin sheetmetal with a plasma. Yes the initial purchase is more, yes the cutting gas is higher, but the labor savings, productivity gains and lower consumable costs make up for it pretty quickly.

[@davidcat1455]

The badly cut edge on that workbench drives me nuts. What was it cut with ,a chainsaw?

[@juliodifelippo]

Interesting video. So the laser its better for thiner materials. Thanks for share.

[@andrewfetterolf7042]

Beautiful videography, thats easy, i would expect any laser to be able to cut thin metal, i want to see a laser machine a straight 90 degree cut on 3 inch steel

[@turbocobra]

Why? You want to see someone excavate a huge construction project with a shovel by hand? Lol it’s just dumb. Lasers are efficient in thin materials and moderately productive up to 1”

[@yousefaborhan]

Do you have plasma and portable laser field cutters for 30 inches diameter stainless steel pipes?

[@matijavidovic2369]

Thank you for sharing the video. We have family businesses and I'm persuading my family to buy one of this kinds of machine. It would replace our old stamp machines. We work with metal and INOX sheets (1×2meters 1,25x2.5m and 1,5x3m) all kind of thickness(from range 0.2mm up to 5mm). Do you think I could find something interesting for approximately 30k Euros? Im in Europe Thank you

[@jorge_casso]

hsg laser, bodor laser and gweike laser would be on 15k - 20k range

[@MrPavaroti]

Laser wins !!hands down!!keep it coming brother !Superb as usual!!

[@dingdingdingdiiiiing]

Yeah, but it costs disproportionally more than plasma...

[@donaldwhitaker8414]

Do you ever run the laser lights out? Mean while you are not there and it cuts small parts all night?

[@turbocobra]

heck no ... pretty hard to do with a laser like this one. watch my video called "lasers not all they are cracked up to be" and you will see why

[@Buildituniversity]

Hi, When you set up the laser does the cut line cut exactly on the drawing line, or do you set a waste side of the line and it stays a few thou off to compensate? Or do you draw with an offset to make up for the cut thickness? If a drew 1/8" steel with a finger joint pattern would two pieces interlock with some wiggle room? Thanks cool video.

[@northcoastaudiovisualncavc9706]

Hi mate Whats the gas consumption like ? And how does the different gasses affect the quality of cuts on different materials and thicknesses. Have you tryed air ?

[@johnstubbs3573]

Nice video shame you did not include water jet cutting!!!

[@melgross]

When cutting precision round holes, do you find the laser to be noticeably better?

[@turbocobra]

oh most definitely. I mentioned that in the pro's/con's at the end of this video and have shown it in other videos

[@brettmasters3626]

i do not know if you mentioned it but is there a difference between plasma and laser as to what thickness material they will do

[@turbocobra]

Yea, HD plasma can cut 3" thick and thicker. There are lasers that are 30,000 Watt that can cut 2-3" thick also, but are super expensive. 85amp plasma can cut 1" steel, 4KW laser can also cut 1" steel

[@rashedbuiyanbabu9691]

I would like a modern machine for designing and cutting 5ml iron plates.Automatically

[@nomadautodidact]

I run a welding shop and I'm considering buying a plasma cnc. What would you recommend for someone looking to break into the market? How do you find your customers?

[@victormora5347]

Hey Ramsey Customs i have a question for you the laser cutter you are using does it have its own program or do you need something like bobcad or ucancam and what is the name of the machine so i can research it! THANKS!!!!

[@victormora5347]

What model to be specific i know its a fiber laser but the model THANKS!!!!! and AWESOME WORK!

[@vijaykhundia4784]

Mada and bodrpro lazer is...... good company. He is best choice..and good cuting...best features

[@CNC-od5en]

What the program to design laser machine files

[@RuijieLaser-kevin]

CYPCUT

[@CrRen]

you need to use 10 mm plate for testing. then you can do comparison. and one more thing change the plasma nozzle into smaller one if you wanna cut thin sheet

[@waelab9212]

Laser cutting(trumpf) vs plazma(hpr xd 130) cutting 10mm @

[@gibsoncoutley3412]

Who makes your fiber laser

[@turbocobra]

Prima, its for sale... I have 30 videos on it

[@popapopas]

Nice clip but it's hard to enjoy it with ads every 3.5 minutes.

[@turbocobra]

it doesn't cost you a dime to watch, yet I invested $$$ into the equipment, and time into making the videos? I dont control the ads, ask youtube about it.

[@popapopas]

@@turbocobra it doesn't cost me money to watch the ads but it's very disruptive and annoying to be interrupted every 3 minutes and 30 seconds. I understand you invested some $$$ in your equipment, but from the viewer's perspective, too many ads make a bad experience of watching that clip.

[@turbocobra]

@@popapopas you can watch ad free by signing up for youtube premium, like $10-$15/month. If you want this kidn of content to continue, you should stop complaining, and thank me and the other who make it, rather than complain. You wont find videos like mine anywhere else on youtube showing off fiber lasers in detail.

[@Oddman1980]

It doesn't cost you a dime to watch, but it also doesn't cost a dime to install Ublock and avoid being over-advertised to.

[@mbox314]

This is a perfect video, exactly what I wanted to know how plasma cut quality companies to a laser. Just curious what brand is your laser?

[@jaredjensen3776]

Great video, I have been watching your videos closely trying to justify a laser. I also have a CNC Plasma that is used a lot. How does the laser deal with Tip ups?

[@turbocobra]

i kind of referred to it in the pro's con's at the end of hte video. you have to spend time on your CAD/CAM and nesting, as well as adding microjoints, especially thin materials wiht nitrogen.

[@timyuhas5923]

@@turbocobra why with nitrogen is it run at a higher pressure? Looks like that piece was blown around because of the air/gas coming out of the nozzle

[@OVERVOID12]

Fun fact:- plasma is million times more hotter than laser, laser is not even close to the heat of plasma cuz stars are made of plasma

[@robsdeviceunknown]

So why wont it cut rusted or painted metal?

[@turbocobra]

no clue, i have tried it, it doesn't work lol

[@charlesrobertson1860]

Great video! I currently have a hypertherm powermax with a STV cnc table. Do you have any recommendations for a drum sander or deburring machine for the dross? Dont really wanna spend more then 10 grand and there isn't a whole lot of info online. Thanks for any info you can provide.

[@brendanc9276]

Just use an angle grinder. Set it in place if you want to automate it. Preferable electric with soft grinding pads

[@ssequipments5386]

I appreciate Ur efforts & very knowledgeable informative video.I have a request if u can show comparison of plasma cutting & oxygen laser cut instead of nitrogen & difference in quality , cost savings for same.

[@turbocobra]

the very first part i showed in the video was oxygen/laser vs. plasma

[@dermotcole3881]

Fibre laser is definitely the best.I think I was talking to you before is that laser a primapress 1 kw?

[@Skylos100500]

Thank you for comparison

[@adeeperbluegreen]

The question is cost. What is the cost of your laser compared to your plasma cutter? I noticed you left that very important fact out.

[@turbocobra]

No its not the most important fact. The initial cost of either equipment, especially the laser is not that important. The running cost, the cost to actual run the laser is much higher than a plasma. How much revenue can you generate with a laser vs. a plasma ? These are all things that can be talked about. But I didnt leave those out, they were never even a consideration for this video, its not what this video was about. You can do your own research to figure those out, then you can make a video showing that and send me a link when you do

[@teluguknowledge2244]

Sir please mention machine cost

[@SteveSiegelin]

Plasma is for plate steel. Since I started using lasers I like them for thin metal due to cleaner cuts and less mess.

[@徐伟-k3t]

Yes, you are right, Mr Steve. Is there any demand for another laser cutting machines? Or is there any problem with the existing laser machine to solve. We are happy to serve you. Kindly add my WhatsAPP/Wechat number : [phone] . or send mail to : [e-mail] , I'll share more info to you .Our web: oree laser.com Stay Healthy & Best regards !

[@MichaelJeffers75]

Where does someone buy 1Kw lasers from to mount on my own machine?

[@turbocobra]

to your own machine? what kind of machine? If its plasma, you cant really do that, they do not have the rigidity, rapids, or acceleration rate to support the demands of a laser. But if you wanted to try to do it, you can buy laser power sources, heads, controllers, water chillers on cloud ray. Your looking at about $20K to do that. You would be better off selling your plasma and buying a laser, don't really save anything by trying to retrofit.

[@MichaelJeffers75]

@@turbocobra can't laser cut a little slower to make up for lost motion specs? IMO, a lot of the plasma tables are vastly overbuilt for the application. An MPCNC uses NEMA 17 steppers, yet can do light duty milling of wood or aluminum, yet plasma tables all seem to use NEMA23 which IMO is overkill. All of that said, I think I would build a super cheap table and outfit it with lower quality electronics at the expense of sower cutting. This would be a deal breaker for a big business, but not for a new business.

[@turbocobra]

@@MichaelJeffers75 lasers are built for high speed and production. the acceleration rates in detailed designs have to be in the 1.0G range. if you run it slower, you will produce dross/burrs, that are very hard and not easy to remove. Lasers have massived 380V 3phase Servo's with helical rack gear. The 3" thick solid steel side rails on lasers are bridge milled from end to end for very square to tight tollerance. My table is built from 4x12" rectangle tubing and then fully boxed in with 1/2" plate and weighs around 5,000lb, after its its heat treated and stress releived. If you have a 4x8 hobby or light industrial plasma table its prob 3" square tubing, very light weight, no ridigity at all, probably rapids in the 800IPM range. So go ahead and try it if you want, but there is a reason you dont see any of them. Like, if you look around you cant find a single person that has done it.

[@MichaelJeffers75]

@@turbocobra until your video, I never knew there were lasers that did more than engrave, but your laser machine functions like a punch press, so I inquired and shared my thoughts. My opinion is that plasma tables are over constructed to carry the weight of a plasma torch, so I thought perhaps the same logic carried over to the laser machine.

[@MichaelJeffers75]

"functions" is definitely the wrong word, I just can't think of the right word, the cuts look flawless.

[@jmanatee]

Just found you, glad I did, We have been using cnc plasma for years and now we are looking into laser, What would you estimate your real world cost per cut increase is over plasma, 2x, 5x ? ignore the cost of the machine I mean cost per inch cut

[@turbocobra]

i have no idea, that will be for you to calculate. Too many variables. Nitrogen vs. Oxygen, material, etc...

[@jmanatee]

@@turbocobra I was just hoping for a guesstimate

[@徐伟-k3t]

Hello,Mr jmanatee. As a professional laser cutting machine company, we have data analysis for various types of cutting methods, including the cutting cost you need, and between different thicknesses of metal. Kindly add my WhatsAPP/Wechat number : [phone] . or send mail to : [e-mail] , I'll share more info to you .Our web: oree laser.com Stay Healthy & Best regards !

[@TinfoilHatWearer]

Soooo... What you're saying is, laser is better? Right?

[@turbocobra]

lol ... slightly better yes

[@evanvillarreal8766]

Awesome video like always ! Get me more pumped up about ordering one of these lasers What would you say you cost of operation is per hour ? Gas , electricity , consumables . And any other things you might think of

[@turbocobra]

oh man i have no idea. depends on if your cutting with nitrogen or oxygen, big difference

[@jessicaliu7424]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHuXn2mtd6qBjKM

[@davidasl1]

Good one

[@droneinyemen5332]

How much it the laser Machine?

[@turbocobra]

did you watch the video? Do you know how to look in the description?

[@GregsStoneYard]

Nice comparison!

[@turbocobra]

thanks greg

[@Fleshaga]

Laser is just looking for distance when it it bumps it's nose, plasma is looking for current.

[@Sumitso]

Any reason you do not have your water table level higher? I find that having the fluid level right at the sheet or even covering it some, always brings a better cut, minuscule or no warpage, and a lot less dross to cut, and zero smoke. I do use the green cut fluid in my table and that tremendously helps with the rust and corrosion. I have remnant pieces from cuts sitting in the table fluid for nearly 2 months with no rust on them. I do like the laser table though, for cut and small repeatable parts on thin sheet, that looks like it is hard to beat. Can you do a few test pieces for calibration and measure those out? I would like to see how accurate the laser is on a 3" round circle and a 2" x 2" square for example. Enjoy the videos and keep them coming.

[@turbocobra]

mostly because I haven't been using the plasma lately so i just let it run down. warpage is never a problem with cold rolled steel. the warpage most people get cutting thin material is from hot rolled steel having a "memory" effect. I rip through 16-22 gauge cold rolled no matter how much water is in the table and never have any warpage. Its common knowledge to get nicer edge quality and less dross on downdraft plasma tables compared to water tables. the ONLY advantage in my experience with a water table filled up is its superior fume/smoke capturing compared to downdraft

[@turbocobra]

Oh yes and i will definitely be making some videos showing its accuracy and repeatability. I have a set of gauge pins that have .001" increments so i can test a go - no/go on a given hole to see how close it is., and can measure the squareness with a dial indicator in the milling machine.

[@Sumitso]

@@turbocobra excellent

[@ДмитрийЗ-ъ5и]

Лазер-более точная деталь.Шов аккуратнее.Толщина не большая,до 16мм.Но нельзя резать цветные металлы.Плазма-более грубые детали.Более толстые.В основном для заготовок.

[@jmaquariusvlogs4622]

I like it f 🙏🙏🙏

[@ljprep6250]

Laser and waterjet blow plasma away, especially for production work. But I like plasma, too.

[@finpainter1]

The laser is an amazing machine.

[@turbocobra]

its been a game changer

[@jessicaliu7424]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHuXn2mtd6qBjKM

[@Sicktrickintuner]

The tru. Cut is definitely not the same build quality as the laser. Thats why the laser is much more $$$ A comparable plasma would be different. But yes laser is cleaner on thin material. Not many will do super thick material like plasma does. It all depends what you need cut and how thick.

[@turbocobra]

You can laser cut thicker material. There are videos on youtube of 20KW laser cutting 2" stainless. But the edge quality is similar to plasma. Once you get above 1/2" material, Waterjet and HD Plasma may be a better solution

[@hkstudios8537]

I've never seen a grinder attached to the gantry of any plasma table. Can you grain a large sheet with it? Have you designed custom grind patterns with it? I manufacture copper and steel stuff. Hkstudios.co

[@turbocobra]

i have a video on it, feel free to look through my channel you can find it easily. it didnt work that well

[@jorge_casso]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIHFdZmEhp10a7c

[@carloacob4507]

pogi ko talaga

[@DADICNC]

cool

[@kshrock]

Fiber laser cutting aluminum or brass, means a single flash of direct full powered reflection will instantly and permanently cut your eye corneas and you will be blind forever. Fiber Lasers without shields are illegal in the USA. At least wear laser glasses rated for your exact spectrum of laser. It's not like welding flash and it's not like plasma flash. It's a whole different level of dangerous with these machines.

[@turbocobra]

you are wrong sir. I can tell your not from the US, so your just rattling off information that you have heard. open machines are not illegal in the US. If you operate a small shop with no employees, you can run it open. If you have employees, it needs to be in an enclosed room. Yes, 1064nm rated glasses are a must.

[@brcaixista460]

laser is smart and fast, the plasma is slow but have more brutal force..

[@iampennochio]

Plasma for diy, laser for business.

[@ocAToccd]

Nice comparison Gary ! Could you give a cost comparison, for example say 1k pieces (we can have dreams ok ?) of that motorbike piece ? Or maybe give a electrical power and gaz consumption for each machine ? Thanks Continue those videos !

[@turbocobra]

yea, i showed the bike, talked about the company, etc in teh video... skipping ahead are we??? lol

[@al1en.gi7l]

texcraft custom metal fabrication

[@vijaykhundia4784]

CNC...vmc....lazer.... (Operator)

[@mccluremetalworks4214]

Well the price of a laser is out of reach for the average person, ill take the plasma over the price for laser any day

[@turbocobra]

You can say that if you want, but its not true. The formula is simple. Buy a grinder and welder, pay cash for them, start using them to make money, use that money to save and buy an entry level plasma table, use that to save up for a nicer larger plasma table, use the funds from that to save up and buy an entry level laser. 3-5 year process, i have seen it repeated over and over. What the average person in america cant do anymore is save for what they want.

[@cnccarving]

1 kw laser starts with 25 without the pipe cutting option plasma 7K plasma will cut 3/4 steel the 1 kw laser can not cut 3/4

[@divertechnology]

i ve seen better machines, smething like optical movement of the laser. amazing quick

[@manuelcartes6670]

Laser Win

[@Bigwingrider1800]

There's NO comparison.

[@Fleshaga]

Comparing a laser to plasma is difficult. If the plasma cost as much as your laser it would be far more capable. That's an air plasma. I run a 360A plasma. I leave the laser stuff to the laser. The plasma can cut 40mm steel at 1000mm/minute. Laser can never touch that. Plasma can never touch laser at thin sheets the same. I've used that very hypertherm machine. It's a garage plasma. Reliable and cuts anything that leads electricity but not a performance machine. A "!fine" plasma is night and day different. (run with oxy on mild). Airplasma eats electrodes and nozzles. Fine-plasma nozzles and cathodes lasts for a looong time. *edit i spouted bs*

[@nfabulous2932]

Lazer is king compared to plasma.

[@ramkumardharma1672]

Ram Kumar keja nalij

[@bootlegmew6022]

Plasma is strong than laser

[@kyleschwarting662]

Your laser did a terrible job on your table top...... :)

[@turbocobra]

i didnt cut the table top on my laser, i bought it from a professional company that builds them!

[@peterwu602]

compare to fiber laser, plasma is like a stone age tool