Laser Cutting VS. Punch Pressing: What Works Best?

When it comes to sheet metal fabrication, you’ve got to know what type of technology works best for which job. Punch presses and laser cutting are two of the go-to tools of the trade. An experienced operator can get great results from both. But you may be asking, which works best?

If you are tossing up between laser cutting and punch pressing, there’s plenty to consider. Thickness, design, number of holes, contours and formed areas will all factor into your decision.

Here, we put the two to the test.

Punch Pressing Packs a Punch!

While laser cutting is a modern invention, the punch press – or turret punch – emerged way back in the 1960s as a manual method of cutting through steel. The turret punch has come a long way since then, and fabricators still use the technology today as it is quite effective in the right application.

A punch press cuts metal by pushing the metal sheet between an upper tool (punch) and a lower tool (die). The job can be completed manually or by CNC (Computer Numerical Control), which greatly increases accuracy, as the programmed code automates the cutting.
Punch presses can make louvres and extruded holes. They’re also great for stamping part numbers and logos.

Advantages of punch press technology:

• Faster choice for hole intensive projects.
• Lower operating costs and energy efficient (compared to laser).
• Punches and forms all on one machine.
• Can perform more secondary operations, such as Tapping, Forming, Blanking, Extruding, and Deburring.

Disadvantages of punch press technology:

• Turret punches are prone to wear and tear – tool heads will need to be replaced as they degrade with every use.
• Lower consistency of design over time, as tools wear down.
• Limited scope – restricted to simple, geometric shapes and designs.
• Waste – needs greater clearance between parts.
• Set up time can be significant.
• Can only punch through sheets as thick as 0.8cm.
• Surprisingly, machines can be more expensive.
• Punching makes a lot of noise – which can be dangerous for users over time.

Laser Cutting – A Cut Above

Laser technology is incredibly well known in the metal fabricating industry for its versatility, accuracy and speed. Laser cutters use high powered beams to cut through the metal, then a stream of gas blows through the cut area to form the desired cut out.

The beam is focused, so it can complete intricate designs with complex, small features and many curves. Laser can produce a kerf as narrow as 0.10mm, depending on the material thickness. And laser can cut through sheet metal up to 25mm thick. A laser cutter uses CNC technology to automate the process, ensure accuracy and reduce wastage.

Advantages of laser cutting technology:

• Versatility – laser cutting can produce almost any shape, and can be used for metal sheets as thick as 25 mm.
• Can produce intricate designs and nearly any contour – great for complex shapes, curves, and small features.
• Quality and precision – reduces the risk of tool marks and surface scratches due to its lack of physical contact or use of force.
• Lower maintenance machines – laser’s high processing speed results in a minimal heat affected zone, ensuring very low rates of workpiece distortion.
• Short set up time – can automate really quickly.
• Rapid – 10,000 hits per minute (compared to punch pressing at 1,000 hits per minute)
• Reduces waste.

Disadvantages of laser cutting technology:

• Requires a secondary operation to form parts
• Operating cost is slightly higher.

Laser Cutting vs. Punching: Calling the Fight

While we may be a bit biased here at ShapeCUT, the results are pretty clear. If what you want is precision, reliability and speed, we believe laser cutting is far superior to punch pressing steel.

Laser cutting has made significant advancements in recent years and it remains the more flexible method of cutting steel. Its main advantage over mechanical punching is the sheer volume that laser can produce. While punch pressing has its advantages for very specific types of projects, you’re more likely going to reach for laser cutting for more job types. You’ll also find that laser cutting results far outweigh those you can get from mechanical cutting.

At ShapeCUT we work with laser cutting machines capable of any size project you can imagine. With over 14 modern cutting machines, and over 25 years’ experience, we’ll help you make the right choice and get the high-quality results you’re looking for.

Talk to our team at ShapeCUTtoday