CNC Turret Punching Versus Laser Cutting

Operators employ turret punches and laser cutters to slice and drill sheet metal during fabrication. The versatility of each process allows manufacturers to utilize both machine types effectively. Choosing which one depends on the job requirements.

Laser cutters offer more updated abilities, making them an ideal choice for more complex work. Nonetheless, turret punches have a place for simpler jobs when they can be employed more economically. Fabricators perform high-quality work with either process.

What Is Turret Punching

The turret punching process requires workers to position sheets of metal between a punch and a die. Then the punch forces the material against the die, squeezing the excess metal into it.

Many turret punching machines are computer numerical control (CNC). Designers program instructions into the computer and the turret puncher follows those instructions. As a result, the machine, once programmed, performs the process automatically, allowing for higher volumes and lower costs.

What Is Laser Cutting

A laser cutting machine employs an intensely focused beam of light, known as a laser. Laser light is so powerful that it can cut through solid gold, as James Bond fans know. The laser beam slices through the metal; then a gas steam blows into the cut area, forming the specified cutout.

As with turret punching, laser cutters utilize CNC technology, allowing for higher volumes and reduced costs.

Advantages of Turret Punching

Turret presses tend to work better on thinner materials. They often provide an excellent cut for all thin metals; however, some more recently developed turret punching machines offer the power to cut thicker metals. Also, turret punches can perform better than laser cutters for secondary operations under certain circumstances, such as the following:

? Tapping

? Forming

? Extruding

? Deburring

Turret presses provide an alternative for fabricating sheet metal when laser cutters are less than ideal or too expensive. These machines can also perform a limited number of tasks that laser cutters cannot.

Advantages of Laser Cutting

Laser cutters can handle thick metal, perform precise cutting, and work faster than turret punches under these circumstances. For instance, many laser cutters perform up to 600 inches per minute with thicker material, while turrets are limited or much slower with thicker materials. This makes them ideally suited for industries that use thick metal and require tight tolerances, such as aviation and automotive.

How Fabricators Choose Between Laser Cutters and Turret Punches

When evaluating a project, metal fabricators consider the following when choosing between the two processes:

? Material type

? Material thickness

? Volume

? Industry requirements

? Complexity of parts

Before quoting, it’s essential to learn the customer’s requirements and expectations. These factors guide fabricators in deciding which process is most advantageous for a particular job.

For example, if a customer wants the lowest cost option, the choice of process depends on the material and volume. A project specifying a thin metal and high volume may be completed less expensively with a turret press. However, a job with a lower volume, thick metal, and tight tolerance receives the best pricing through laser cutting.

Technical Differences Between Laser Cutting and Turret Punching

For those looking for the technical differences between the two processes, read the bullet points below:

Laser

? .003 inches thick and above

? 6’ x 12’ bed size

? .003” thru 1” thick with 72” x 144” bed size

Turret

? Below ? inch

? Larger parts okay

Volume and Complexity

Laser

? Ideal for any volume

? Can handle large, thick parts

? Excellent for complex cuts

? Achieves tight tolerances

? 3-dimensional cutting

? Creates the smoothest edges

Turret Punching

? Less costly at high volumes

? Excellent for pre-galvanized materials (prevents rusting)

? 3D features

? Excellent for embossed or extruded pieces

Two Processes That Achieve Great Results

Turret punching has its advantages. It is often the most economical choice for jobs calling for high volumes and thin metals. In addition, the process creates excellent 3D and embossed features.

But laser cutting technology attracts the most attention because of its ability to cut through steel like warm bread. It deserves this attention because of its ability to handle very thick metals with cuts that fit precise tolerances. It also can fabricate precisely formed 3D and embossed features. In addition, it cuts up to 2000 inches per minute, allowing it to handle any volume. When CNC programmed, laser cutters pump out parts at a phenomenal rate.

Prototech Laser?in Chesterfield works with major manufacturers in industries requiring high volume and precisely cut metal parts of varying thicknesses. Because of our speed and precision, we successfully serve heavy weights in industries such as aviation, automotive, and defense.

As a national leader of?full-service metal fabrication?and?laser cutting services?throughout Michigan and beyond, our state-of-the-art laser cutting, metal forming, machining,?welding and assembly?have been a #1 choice for more than 30 years. Contact us to learn more about how we can meet your manufacturing needs. Free Estimates