¿Entiende realmente las máquinas de corte por plasma? Metales que no se pueden cortar con un cortador de plasma
Jul 11, 2025
Plasma cutting is widely recognized as a fast and efficient way to cut through electrically conductive metals such as carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Using a high-temperature plasma arc, it melts metal with impressive speed and precision. But as popular as this method is, there are clear limitations—certain metals and materials cannot or should not be cut using a plasma cutter due to safety hazards, poor cut quality, or material incompatibility.
En Láser Superstar, we help manufacturers and fabricators make smart choices about cutting technology. When plasma cutting reaches its limits, a CNC fiber laser cutting machine is often the next logical step.
1. Non-Metals and Non-Conductive Materials
Plasma cutting requires a complete electrical circuit between the torch and the workpiece. That means:
- Non-metals such as plastic, wood, glass, and ceramics cannot be plasma cut under any circumstances.
- Non-conductive metals, like some heavily anodized or coated aluminum, may interrupt arc formation, making cutting impossible or highly unstable.
In contrast, a CNC fiber laser cutting machine can cut both metal and non-metal materials with precision—especially when using auxiliary gases or layered setups—making it more versatile for diverse applications.
2. Special Alloys and Reactive Metals
Certain metals may technically be conductive but are still unsuitable for plasma cutting due to material behavior:
- Titanium: While plasma can melt titanium, the process creates intense sparks and oxidation, degrading the cut quality and raising the risk of fire hazards.
- Magnesium and lithium: These reactive metals can ignite or explode during cutting, making plasma operations highly dangerous.
- Pure copper and thick aluminum: Their high reflectivity and excellent thermal conductivity dissipate heat too quickly, making it hard for the plasma arc to sustain stable cutting.
Fiber lasers, by comparison, offer better energy absorption in reflective metals. That’s why industries processing copper, brass, and aluminum increasingly turn to Máquinas de corte por láser de fibra CNC with specialized power settings and protective systems.
3. Metals That Should Be Avoided Under Specific Conditions
Even some common materials can be problematic with plasma cutting:
- Galvanized steel: Cutting this material releases zinc oxide fumes, which are toxic when inhaled. Operators must ensure strong ventilation or fume extraction systems.
- Painted or coated metals: These can emit harmful chemicals during cutting and reduce edge quality.
- Very thin metal foils: Plasma cutting burns through thin sheets too aggressively, creating wide kerfs and warped edges. For jobs requiring precision and low thermal impact, plasma is not ideal.
A CNC fiber laser cutting machine is better suited for these scenarios. It allows for ultra-fine control, minimal heat-affected zones, and clean, narrow kerfs—especially valuable in electronics, signage, and decorative metalwork.
When to Choose Plasma vs. Laser
| Cutting Method | Best For | Not Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Plasma Cutting | Medium-to-thick carbon steel, fast rough cuts | Thin metals, non-conductive, or reflective surfaces |
| Fiber Laser Cutting | High-precision metalwork, reflective/thin metals | Very thick steel plates without pre-processing |
For shops focused on versatility, safety, and cleaner cuts, Superstar Laser’s CNC fiber laser cutting machines provide an ideal upgrade path from traditional plasma systems.
Why Superstar Laser?
As a leading manufacturer of industrial laser equipment, Láser Superstar provides turnkey solutions for sheet metal processing, precision fabrication, and mass production. Our Máquinas de corte por láser de fibra CNC offer:
- Cutting power from 1kW to 20kW, tailored to your production needs
- Ultra-fast servo systems and auto-focus heads
- Integration with CAD/CAM software for intelligent cutting
- Energy-efficient operation with minimal maintenance costs
We serve industries including automotive, aerospace, HVAC, kitchenware, and electronic enclosures—helping manufacturers cut smarter, safer, and cleaner.