Laser cutting equipment can provide your company with a quick and efficient way to cut and engrave objects. Cutting with laser machines is cleaner than most other cutting methods, and often requires less deburring and finishing after the cuts. Although this depends on the materials you cut, laser cutting is famous for making precise and accurate cuts.

Pricing and costs of laser cutting machines vary greatly depending on the model, type and power of laser. If you plan to cut metal or other thick materials, you'll need a higher watt laser than if you wanted to cut thinner materials, like cloth. However, the higher the laser's wattage, the higher the price. It's up to you to balance cost and practicality.

1. Optimizing your controlling computer's software and hardware can help your cutting machine function faster, although the upgrade can be expensive.

2. Entry-level laser cutting units usually contain very weak lasers, suitable only for light engraving or cutting. Using an underpowered laser to cut a thick or tough material can ruin the surface, requiring costly material replacement.

3. Most suppliers of laser cutting machines sell models in a variety of sizes. Cutting larger objects will require an expensive larger machine.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchasing a high watt laser cutting machine can be can be cost effective for prolific cutters

If you don't know what you plan to cut, or you simply want to cut a wide variety of materials, a high watt laser is best. This type of laser is strong enough to cut and engrave almost anything, giving you the flexibility you need. However, high wattage laser cutting machines are generally much more expensive than entry level units. You can pay anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 for some models.

I recommend: Buy a high watt laser from ESAB or watch a high wattage laser cutting machine from Redsail in action.

Ask for a quote when purchasing a custom-designed laser cutting machinery or custom laser cutting

Prices vary widely for custom-designed laser cutting machines. Things you should take into account when estimating the cost of your custom model are wattage, work-surface size, the type of laser and any extra features you require. Generally, the larger the wattage and work-surface, the larger the price. Always discuss what features your custom model should have, and get an itemized price quote. This generally costs around $2,000 to $5,000, although it varies. Or, you could build your own laser cutter.

I recommend: Check out CNC Zone's laser cutting machine forum for information on how to build your own custom laser cutter, or read Custom Laser Cutting's information about its custom laser pricing.

Select laser cutting machines that use fiber lasers

Laser cutting with fiber lasers is more energy efficient, accurate and economical for most high-end industries. Fiber laser machines make more accurate cuts than more traditional CO2 lasers, and have a longer lifespan. Fiber lasers tend to be more expensive than traditional lasers, but last longer and require less maintenance and replacement parts. Fiber lasers usually cost around $25,000 to $65,000.

I recommend: Purchase a fiber laser cutting machine from one of many laser cutting machine manufactures, like SPI Lasers, or read more about fiber lasers at Photonics.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The cost of laser cutting machines for sale can be very expensive. If you plan to use the machine for a single project or aren't sure you can afford one, consider hiring a cutting service and using its laser cutting machine facilities. Some will even cut your parts for you.

Laser cutting machinery makes precise cuts to metal, wood and plastic products. There are several models of laser cutting equipment to meet the demands of your industry.

Buying laser cutting machines involve looking at several features of the equipment. Take in to consideration the type of materials you will be laser cutting to find the necessary combination of features.

1. Metal: The laser cutting machinery must have metal grid work and a capacitive sensing height follower. Look for laser sizes in 100, 150, 200 and 400 watt.

2. Wood: The laser cutting machine must be powered by CO2. This burns away the wood fiber resulting in cutting taking place. Look for laser beams between 200 and 800 watts.

3. Plastic: Look for laser cutting equipment with a vector grid that will elevate the plastic in order to cut it accurately. It should have air assist as plastic flames when its cut. The laser beams will vary between 200 and 800 watts depending upon the thickness of the plastic you are laser cutting.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get quotes for industrial laser cutting machines

When laser cutting large format items, you need a table that is at least 52 inches wide. The tables also need to be high speed in order to be cost effective. Expect to pay a large sum for these laser machines. There is also the option to lease them.

I recommend: Check out these laser cutting machines for sale and lease.
Contact Laser Photonics for industrial laser machines with an engraving feature.

Get quotes for small business laser machines

If you are running a small business, you probably don't have the need or demand for an industrial laser cutter. They take up a lot of room and are expensive to operate. However, if laser cutting is part of your business you can buy a 65 watt laser cutter in a quick-assembly kit.

I recommend: Emission Technologies has 65 Watt quick-assembly laser cutter kits for low cost. Laser Pro NA has small business laser cutters for wood and plastic.

Get quotes for used laser cutting machines

When you are first starting a business and are unsure how profitable it will be, it is a good idea to start with used equipment. Used doesn't mean low quality. Used laser cutting machinery comes refurbished for almost half the price.

I recommend: High quality used laser cutting machines are available in many sizes at Integrated Laser Inc. K.D. Capital Equipment has laser cutting machines for sale.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Choose laser cutting machines that are meant for the type of material you will most often be laser cutting. If you are laser cutting various materials, spend the extra money for a multifunctional machine to save on repair costs in the future.

Laser cutting machines can engrave and cut materials like metal, wood, plastic, cloth, leather and more. Laser cutters use a computer image file to cut specific areas on items to make patterns and engravings, or cutting out parts. Laser cutting is often used to make prototypes and cut out pieces of products during manufacturing. It can also be used to create text or barcodes on awards, tools and other items.

Suppliers of laser cutting machines often offer the machines in different laser strengths and sizes. This allows you to select the one that's perfect for you without sacrificing size or strength. But before you select your laser cutting machine, consider laser cutting machines basics:

1. Laser cutting machines for sale usually list the materials that they can cut and engrave. Using your laser cutter on an unsupported material is not recommended and may result in incomplete cuts.

2. Images translate to laser cutting designs more easily if they are in a vector format. Rasters can be used, but may not be as crisp.

3. Always make sure that replacement parts are available for your laser cutting machines. Buying an older or used model can mean that replacement parts are no longer easily available.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy laser cutting machinery with your application in mind

Laser machines can cut a variety of different surfaces, depending on the model and wattage. Generally, weaker lasers can cut softer materials and engrave harder ones. Weaker materials include cloth, leather, matte board, paper and corian. Stronger laser cutting equipment can usually both cut and engrave stronger materials, like metals, ceramic material, mylar and others. Your company can save money by buying a laser that cuts the materials you need. If you only plan to cut weaker materials like leather and cloth, then choosing a lower watt laser cutting machine can save you money.

I recommend: Check out the materials Kern Lasers can cut, or read more about laser cutting materials and operations at Inlay.com.

Use your laser cutting systems to engrave items, too

Engravings work by burning some of the material away with laser cutting, leaving an indentation and sometimes discoloration. This method can be used to write messages on jewelry, commemorative items, awards and more. Laser cutting machines can engrave almost any surface, depending on the type and strength of the laser. Most cutting machines list the materials that they can cut and those that they can engrave. These often include metals, marble, plastic, granite and more.

I recommend: Learn about laser engraving by watching this video, "How to Laser Engrave". You can buy a laser cutting and engraving machine from Trotec.

Purchase a laser rotary attachment or machine to cut and engrave round objects with laser machines

A rotary attachment for your basic and industrial laser cutting machines enables you to engrave and cut round objects like vases, bottles, flashlights and cups.

I recommend: Pick up a rotary attachment from many laser cutting machinery suppliers, like Epilog Laser, or read more about custom designed rotary attachments at Lasercut Technologies.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Most laser cutting machine manufactures are happy to answer any questions you may have, or recommend a specific model to you for your needs. It's often helpful to speak with laser cutting suppliers, as they can help you address any concerns or problems you may have with your new machine.