CNC Plasma Cutting Complex Shapes

[tmate3]

In case there is any interest, here is the same motorcycle shape cut out with plasma and with laser for comparison purposes. The laser cut shape is 6" x 12" and the plasma version is 9 1/2" x 19". In the laser-cut piece, the lines were cut as narrow slots so they would show up.

The narrower kerf of the laser is apparent in the little star shape in the front forks. The plasma-cut piece, having lines rather than narrow slots, has visible pierce points. The material thickness is the same for both.

Just an interesting comparison of both processes on a moderately complex shape. The plasma version was cut on my little 2' x 2' home-made table. The laser version was cut on a high-end laser equipped cutting table costing several hundred thousand dollars.