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Boat Building Cutting Large Metals from China


Boat Building: We are engaged in Research Comparison Report in Cutting Metals between various cutting Automation Methods. This is what we have found.

 

Comparison Report for Cutting Thickness & material.

1.      Aluminium plate up to 12 mm.

2.      Steel plate to 12 mm

3.      Stainless to 5 mm.

4.      Alloy sheet to 6 mm

 

Dimensions: 3000 mm x 1800 (most ideal), however we would also need to cut 6000 mm sheets therefore need laser cutter to cut 2*3000 mm sheets to produce longer length of 6000 mm

 

NOTE: We have compiled a brief comparison report, by our engineering team in collaboration with key suppliers within the Heavy Engineering China Supply Chain. This report incorporates both data-driven insights and the extensive expertise of our team and partners. Although additional data sources may be necessary for a comprehensive analysis, this report provides at the least a starting point for further discussion and decision-making.



 

Cutting Method:

1.      Routing Head: Mechanical removal of material with a rotating tool.

2.      Laser Head: Melting and vaporizing material with a focused beam of light.

3.      Plasma Head: Melts and ionizes material with an electrically charged jet of plasma.

4.      Waterjet: Abrasively cuts material with a high-pressure stream of water and garnet abrasive.

 



Comparison Factors:

 

Cutting Speed:

·        Fastest: Plasma - Cuts 15mm aluminium at 50-150 inches per minute.

·        Fast: Laser - Cuts 15mm aluminium at 20-70 inches per minute.

·        Moderate: Routing - Cuts 15mm aluminium at 5-30 inches per minute.

·        Slowest: Waterjet - Cuts 15mm aluminium at 1-15 inches per minute.




 

Cut Quality:

·        Best: Waterjet - Produces a cold cut with minimal kerf (width of cut) and heat-affected zone (HAZ).

·        High: Laser - Produces a narrow kerf and minimal HAZ, but may have slight melt dross on thicker cuts.

·        Moderate: Routing - Leaves a rougher cut surface and wider kerf, requiring finishing work.

·        Lowest: Plasma - Produces a rough, angled cut with significant HAZ and possible dross.

 

Accuracy:

1.      Highest: Waterjet - Less thermal distortion due to cold cutting, resulting in highly accurate cuts.

2.      High: Laser - Good accuracy, but thicker cuts may experience slight thermal distortion.

3.      Moderate: Routing - Accuracy depends on tool path and machine precision, may require adjustments.

4.      Lowest: Plasma - Significant heat distortion can lead to less accurate cuts.

 

Material Versatility:

1.      Most Versatile: Waterjet - Can cut virtually any material, including metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites.

2.      Limited: Laser - Primarily suited for metals, some plastics, and certain composites.

3.      Limited: Routing - Primarily suited for wood, plastics, and soft metals.

4.      Limited: Plasma - Best suited for conductive metals, not ideal for thin materials or complex shapes.

 

Safety:

1.      Safest: Waterjet - Low risk of sparks or fumes, minimal operator exposure.

2.      Moderate: Laser - Requires eye protection and fume extraction due to high-powered beam and potential fumes.

3.      Moderate: Plasma - Generates sparks, fumes, and UV radiation, requiring protective equipment.

4.      Least Safe: Routing - Dust and flying debris hazard, requires eye and respiratory protection.

 

Cost:

1.      Highest Initial Cost: Laser - Requires significant investment in equipment and maintenance.

2.      Moderate Initial Cost: Plasma - Lower cost than laser, but still requires specialized equipment.

3.      Moderate Initial Cost: Waterjet - Cost varies depending on pump pressure; requires abrasives.

4.      Lowest Initial Cost: Routing - Most affordable option, but often requires additional tooling.

 

Operating Cost:

1.      Highest: Plasma - Consumes high amounts of electricity and plasma consumables.

2.      Moderate: Laser - Variable cost depending on laser type and power consumption.

3.      Moderate: Waterjet - Cost of water and abrasive varies depending on usage.

4.      Lowest: Routing - Tool wear and power consumption are relatively low.

 

Environment:

1.      Most Eco-Friendly: Waterjet - Minimal waste, water can be recycled or treated.

2.      Moderate: Laser - Emits fumes and consumes some energy, but minimal waste.

3.      Moderate: Plasma - Generates fumes and noise, consumes electricity and plasma consumables.

4.      Least Eco-Friendly: Routing - May generate dust and waste from tool wear.

 

Recommendation:

 

For cutting 15mm aluminium, the best option depends on your specific priorities:

·        For highest accuracy and cut quality: Waterjet is the top choice, regardless of slower speed and higher cost.

·        For high speed and moderate cost: Plasma is a good option, but expect rougher cuts and potential safety concerns.

·        For balance of speed, quality, and versatility: Laser offers a good compromise, though initial investment and operating costs can be high.

·        For lowest initial cost and simple operation: Routing may be suitable for less demanding applications but expect limitations in cut quality and material options.

 

 

Ultimately, the best cutting method for your needs depends on your budget, production volume, desired cut quality, material versatility, and environmental considerations. Consider consulting with a professional who can assess your specific requirements and recommend the most suitable solution.

 

I hope this comparison report provides you with a helpful overview of the different cutting options for your 15 mm aluminium plate project.

 

 

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