Only a few metal-cutting processes can compete with the precision and accuracy that laser cutting provides. Using laser cutters, you can get parts faster, reduce production waste, minimize tools needed, and achieve a higher quality result overall. All of this, though, comes at a price.
The cost of laser cutting service is determined by various factors, including the type of laser used, the material used, and the overall precision required. The following section thoroughly examines these issues and describes how to secure the best pricing for your project.
Top Factors that Affect Laser Cutting Service Price
Compared to traditional ways, laser cutting is a pricey technique. Yet, when considering the benefits of laser cutting and its value for money, it is more cost-effective than other technological approaches, such as waterjet cutting.
In general, the cost of laser cutting is determined by the amount of work needed, the overall time required, and the complexity of the design. Nonetheless, that is a broad view. When it comes to the granular aspects that impact the total laser cutting cost per inch, the following are the most essential.
1. Laser Cutting Machine Cost
The cost of laser cutting equipment is a significant capital expenditure that impacts the overall viability and price you must pay. The equipment required to start with laser cutting takes a considerable investment, and you must also endure maintenance costs.
As a result, contacting a laser cutting service provider is the best option rather than investing in the setup. You’ll have access to all the machines and expertise you require without spending more.
The type of laser is essential in determining the price of laser cutting equipment. A CO2 laser or a fiber laser is used in the industry. CO2 lasers are less expensive, but their activities are limited and have substantial running expenses. Fiber lasers, on the other hand, can cut faster and better. The operational costs are also cheap. Nevertheless, the price of fiber laser cutting equipment is significantly more than that of the other alternative.
2. Charges for the Use of a Laser Cutting Machine
Another major factor affecting the cost of laser cutting services is the required time and overall rate per minute. The service you choose will charge you a fee based on the overall intricacy, the kind of laser, and the work needed. Once the rate has been determined, your service provider will multiply it by the total duration to arrive at the ultimate fee.
3. Cost of Laser Engraving
Depending on the project specifications, you may also need to add and engrave some surfaces. On the other hand, laser engraving is a more straightforward technique since it merely slices the surface to create a lasting impression rather than cutting through it. The surface determines the entire cost you’ll incur, the material qualities, and a number of other criteria.
4. Cost of Materials
Consequently, your chosen material will directly impact your project’s total laser-cutting expenses. The laser cutting cost per inch varies depending on the laser cutting material since each material, independent of mechanical qualities, has variable costs owing to availability and various other considerations.
For example, even if all other criteria, such as design and time required, are the same, the cost of laser-cutting steel would be cheaper than that of high-grade aluminum. This is due to the higher cost of high-grade aluminum. As a result, your laser-cutting service charges will be unavoidably expensive.
5. Wall Thickness
The more dense the material, the longer it will take for the laser to penetrate and cut through it all. As a result, the total thickness of the material influences the cost of laser cutting services. The usual rule of thumb is that the longer your machine runs, the more expensive it will be.
Additionally, thinner sheet metal pieces may be produced concurrently. This means you may stack many sections on top of one another and cut them all at once. This allows you to enhance your production while exerting minimum effort. As a result, costs are reduced.
Yet, you must exercise caution when it comes to the number of layers. Too many would push the thickness over the laser’s total cutting capabilities, increasing your expenditures.
6. Order Quantities
The time it takes the laser to warm up is also factored into the ultimate laser cutting cost. This is where economies of scale come into play. The laser does not need to be adjusted for high-volume orders and may continue to work immediately. As a result, total costs are reduced.
7. Shipping and Distribution
Furthermore, logistics play a vital role in deciding the cost of laser cutting services. The amount, total weight, geolocation of your provider, and overall rules determine shipping costs. All of these things add together to raise your prices.
Conclusion
Laser cutting is a technology that creates accurate and precise pieces of materials at a large cost. Buoyant Industrial Systems offers a cost-efficient laser-cutting service for your projects. Get in touch with us to get a quote.