Ah thanks for the reply. I was hoping my school had a machine but it seems they've only got a plasma cutter that can only do metals. Also, it's currently out of service, so getting things manufactured is my only option.
Plasma can only do metals, nothing else no questions asked. Reason being it works like a combonation between a welder and a cutting torch. It creates a plasma arc between the head and the work piece at anywhere from 30 to roughly 85 amps plus depending on the machine then uses compressed air fed at a constant supply of usually minimum 50psi to blow the molten metal away. Other materials can't conduct enough electricity to maintain the arc. Plus even with CNC the tolerances generally are not good enough for doing the work that we do for this community. Laser, waterjet, and standard and CNC machining are all good alternatives
CNC machning can produce the tightest tolerance with the most complex parts depending on how many axis the machine can do but will generally cost the most because of the time it takes to actually cut the piece. Laser is a very cost effective method when working with thinner stuff because of the cutting speed and can still maintaine fairly tight tolerances. However, you are limited to 2d work here. No 3d parts or multiple Z-axis work can be done here. Also when working with thicker aluminum and stainless steels the power requirements of the laser go up very quickly and tolerances drop fairly fast as well. I was looking for places to laser cut 1/4" 316 stainless and the tightest tolerance that I found in the US was .020". Keep in mind here that the listed tolerance for Cherry switch holes from Cherry is .002". On the plus side you can get more than just metals laser cut. Some other materials can include (depending on the facility of course) plastics, wood, stainless steels, carbon steels, aluminum. A lot of places will not laser cut plastics though because of the fumes associated with it. As far as water jet cutting I would imagine that this would be the cheapest option due to the lower power requirements and differeing safety issues with it. Basically all it just consists of shooting a VERY high preassure water stream at a piece and just cut it that way. I have heard of water jet machines that can cut 18" thick stainless steel. However, it is a very slow cut and requires 80,000 PSI and the inclusion of an abrasive.
I realize that this isn't quite the info that you was looking for but I hope this helps you in your quest.
