The Advantages of Laser Cutting vs. CNC Milling for Sheet Metal Fabrication

In the field of sheet metal processing, laser cutting and CNC milling are two core processes known for their high precision, high efficiency and ability to process complex structures. Whether it's aerospace parts or consumer electronics housings, choosing the right processing technology has a direct impact on cost, efficiency and product quality. This article will be an in-depth comparison of laser cutting and CNC milling process advantages, analysis of its application scenarios, and provide companies with technology selection of the practical guide.

I. Laser cutting: the perfect balance of speed and precision

1. Core process advantages

Ultra-high precision: fibre laser cutting machine can achieve ±0.05mm tolerance (such as TruLaser 5030), smooth and burr-free cut.

Wide material adaptability: support for stainless steel (0.5-30mm), aluminium alloy (0.5-25mm), copper plate (0.5-15mm) and so on.

Processing efficiency: cutting speed up to 40m/min (1mm carbon steel), 3 times faster than traditional plasma cutting.

2. Typical application scenarios

Thin plate precision processing:

Electronic equipment shell (thickness 0.5-3mm), contour accuracy ≤ ± 0.1mm.

Automotive sheet metal parts (such as door liners), cutting efficiency of 200 pieces / hour.

Complex graphics processing:

Artistic decorative metal screens, minimum hole diameter up to 0.2mm.

3. Cost-effectiveness analysis

Case: a home appliance company processing 10,000 pieces of stainless steel panels:

Laser cutting: single piece cost $ 8.5, time-consuming 3 days.

Traditional stamping: mould cost $ 50,000 + single piece cost $ 6.2, the total cost is higher.

II. CNC Milling: the ultimate solution for complex structures and high surface quality.

1. Core process advantages

Three-dimensional machining capacity: five-axis CNC milling machine can process deep cavities, curved surfaces, shaped structures (such as impellers, mould cavities).

Surface quality control: surface roughness Ra≤0.8μm after fine milling, directly achieve mirror effect.

Batch consistency: Dimensional fluctuation of processing 1000 pieces of aluminium ≤ ± 0.02mm (CPK ≥ 1.67).

2. Typical application scenarios

Thick plate precision parts:

Aircraft engine bracket (50mm aluminium alloy), flatness ≤ 0.03mm.

Hydraulic valve block (40CrMo steel), multi-hole system positional degree tolerance ± 0.01mm.

Functional surface treatment:

Mould insert nibble processing (VDI 3400 standard), texture depth 0.05-0.2mm.

3. Cost-effectiveness analysis

Case: a medical device company processing titanium alloy joint implants:

CNC milling: single piece cost $ 220, yield rate of 98%.

3D printing: single piece cost $ 380, need to follow up machining correction.

III. Laser cutting vs CNC milling: four dimensions of comparison and selection guide

IV. How to choose the best machining process?

1. Selection decision tree

Demand priority for ‘speed + cost’ → choose laser cutting.

Demand priority is ‘complex structure + surface quality’ → choose CNC milling.

Mixed demand: laser cutting + CNC milling finishing (20% lower overall cost).

2. Industry Matching Table

V. JLCCNC: One-Stop Service Expert for Sheet Metal Processing

JLCCNC integrates laser cutting and CNC milling technologies to provide high-precision and high-efficiency metal processing solutions for customers worldwide:

Technical Advantage:

Process co-innovation: laser cutting down (accuracy ±0.05mm) + CNC milling finishing (Ra 0.4μm), comprehensive efficiency increased by 35%.

Full material coverage: stainless steel, aluminium alloy, titanium alloy, etc.

Service highlights:

Fast response: 24-hour online quotation, 72-hour delivery of first sample.

Transparent cost: no hidden cost per piece, support small batch trial production.

Global delivery: as fast as 3 days to the world.

Contact JLCCNC today to unlock the endless possibilities of sheet metal processing!