Is Laser Cutting Cost Effective?

Is laser cutting cost effective?

The reason why engineers prefer a laser cutting service lies with the long list of upsides it offers. The advantages of laser cutting are flexibility, precision, repeatability, speed, cost-effectiveness, great quality, contactless cutting, versatility and automation possibilities.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Laser Cutting

Cutting is the most basic and widely used process in metal fabrication. Laser cutting is the go-to technology to perform such jobs in the industry because of its many advantages over other methods.

At the same time, it does have a few downsides as well. So let’s explore those great qualities and disadvantages more closely.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Laser Cutting

Cutting is the most basic and widely used process in metal fabrication. Laser cutting is the go-to technology to perform such jobs in the industry because of its many advantages over other methods.

At the same time, it does have a few downsides as well. So let’s explore those great qualities and disadvantages more closely.

What Are the Advantages of Laser Cutting?

The reason why engineers prefer a laser cutting service lies with the long list of upsides it offers. The advantages of laser cutting are flexibility, precision, speed, cost-effectiveness, great quality.

1.Flexibility

Laser cutting does not require an exchange of tools for each separate cut. The same setup is suitable for cutting a lot of different shapes within the same material thickness. Also, intricate cuts do not pose any problems.

2.Precision

Accuracy is one of the primary advantages of laser cutting when compared to other thermal cutting methods.

3.Speed

Laser cutting is a lot quicker than traditional mechanical cutting methods. Especially in the case of more complex cuts.When comparing it to other thermal cutting methods like plasma or flame cutting, laser beats them in speed up to a certain thickness which is around 10 mm. The exact advantage point boils down to the power of the laser cutter, though.

4.Quality

Using the right setup, laser cutters only leave a small burr. Often, it is not necessary to even remove it. Of course it depends on the material, its thickness and other factors.

What Are the Disadvantages of Laser Cutting?

Although used to produce parts in almost every industry, laser cutting does have it downsides. Namely, need of expertise, limitations to metal thickness, costs and hazardous fumes are all things to consider before turning to laser cutting.

1.Need of Expertise

As we already said, a specialist operator is a must in order to make the most of a laser cutter’s potential. The right setup makes sure the cutting quality is up to the standard people are expecting from this technology.

2.Limitations to Metal Thickness

Comparing laser cutting to other thermal cutting methods, it is not suitable to cut very thick plates. The largest suitable thickness depends on the available machinery and the know-how at hand. 

3.Upfront Costs

Lasers can be twice as costly compared to waterjet or plasma cutters. Although the running costs and efficiency make up for it in long term, the initial investment is still quite large.

4.Dangerous Fumes

One of the advantages of laser cutting is its suitability for cutting different materials. At the same time, the thermal cutting method makes material melt, resulting in emitted gases and dangerous fumes.

This rings especially true when cutting plastic. Thus a good, but often costly, ventilation system is a requirement for a safe working environment.

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