How much does laser cutting cost

In this article we take into account the costs of laser cutting both from the point of view of those who want to invest in a laser cutting machine and from the point of view of those who want to orient themselves on an online service.

Let's see together what are the factors that can affect the price and why. 

How much do laser cutting machines cost  

To calculate the expenses and possible gains when buying a laser cutting machine, several aspects must be considered.

Investment Costs

It is a question of considering the price of the machine and how many years we intend to amortize it. The formula to correctly calculate this value is: investment cost / number of years to amortize it / number of hours of work expected.

Hourly cost of expected energy

In this case, it is important to predict the maximum power based on the type of work to be carried out. In fact, although the machine has a maximum power indicator, it is not said that all the processes to be carried out require the highest level of power. It will be necessary to calculate an average of use, since in few cases the maximum power of the machine will be used. We recommend that you check with a trusted electrician to get a true estimate of your energy consumption.

Also, if you are thinking of buying a fibre laser cutting machine, you will definitely benefit. In fact, this technology makes it possible to significantly reduce the cost of energy, since at the same power it is more efficient than CO2 lasers.

The formula to correctly calculate this value is: N° kW x cost of electricity (€/kW).

Hourly cost of the operator(s) in charge of the machine

Laser cutting machines greatly reduce the cost of labour, however, the supervision of an operator is still necessary to be able to intervene in the event of a malfunction.

The formula to correctly calculate this value is: operator cost x % of monitoring hours.

Hourly maintenance cost

This value must be calculated on an annual basis and then divided by operating hours.

The formula to correctly calculate this value is: annual maintenance cost / estimate of the number of h per year in which the machine will be in operation.

Hourly cost of consumables

These are the gases for operating the machine, the optics for focusing the laser and the nozzles. This value is also in fact an estimate, as it will depend on how much you use the machine during the year.

Hourly cost of the occupied area 

In the case of payment of rent or mortgage, these expenses must also necessarily be included in the total count. 

This value is however not to be considered in the calculation phase about the expected return on investment (ROI).

Online laser cutting 

If you are thinking of turning to an online laser cutting serviceand want to know the variables that could affect the final price, here is a short list of factors to consider.

Quantity

This is the weight of the material needed. Usually, the more the weight, the higher the cost of the material. So, if you have to work metal sheets or materials with a large thickness, it is likely that their market price will be higher than other materials with lower thicknesses.

Cutting time

In this case, several parameters come into play such as the cutting speed, the length of the cutting path, the thickness of the material and the amount of perforations needed.

All these aspects may vary depending on the type of processing you want to perform. 

The more details, the higher the final price of your item.

If you need more information, ErrebiLab offers the online laser engraving and cutting service. Enter your project details to receive a quote in minutes.

Conclusions

In conclusion, whether you are thinking about buying a laser cutting machine or looking for an online supplier, it is necessary to calculate the costs as precisely as possible, in order to understand the size of the investment and the ROI (Return Of Investment).