Plastic Sheet Cutting Methods: CNC, Waterjet & Laser Cutting Compared

Method 1: CNC Routing/Milling

Uses a rotating cutting tool to remove material along a programmed path.

Advantages: Excellent accuracy (±0.1mm), clean edges, complex profiles, can add features in one setup

Disadvantages: Generates chips, tool wear on abrasive materials, slower for straight cuts

Best for: Parts requiring tight tolerances and complex profiles

Setup cost: USD 50-150 | Per-part: USD 5-50

Method 2: Waterjet Cutting

High-pressure water stream (with abrasive particles) erodes material along the cut path.

Advantages: No heat-affected zone (critical for PEEK and POM), cuts thick materials (100mm+), smooth edges

Disadvantages: Lower accuracy (±0.15mm), slower for thick materials, moisture exposure

Best for: Thick sheets where thermal damage is a concern, large flat parts

Setup cost: USD 30-80 | Per-part: USD 3-30

Method 3: Laser Cutting

Focused laser beam melts and vaporizes material. CO2 lasers are most common for plastics.

Advantages: Fast for thin sheets, high accuracy (±0.05mm), clean edges, minimal waste

Disadvantages: Heat-affected zone, limited to thin sheets (<12mm), not suitable for PTFE (toxic fumes)

Best for: Thin sheets requiring high accuracy, high-volume simple profiles