Despite the numerous advantages of laser profiling, it is not always the most appropriate or most cost-effective method of producing a sheet metal blank.
CNC Punching machines have lower capital cost than lasers and they do not use electric power to nearly the same extent (nor do they have the need for various cutting gases). It is also true that no laser machine can compete with punching in the speed of producing a large number of similar holes or slots. Likewise, some jobs do not require the fine edge finish provided by laser. CNC punching can therefore sometimes offer a viable and economical alternative to laser cutting.