Metal Laser Cutting Machine: Buyer’s Ultimate Guide to Costs, Types & Quality Factors

1.Introduction

Laser cutting machines can carve complex patterns and designs on parts, or cut out the shapes that make up the entire component or product. From amateur enthusiasts and small commercial applications to large-scale manufacturing, the application of laser cutting machines is very extensive.

The price of a laser cutting machine depends on various factors, including laser type, power, worktable size, and the geometric shape and characteristics of the material to be cut. This article will explore the factors that affect the price of laser cutting machines and help users understand laser cutting machines.

2.What is a metal laser cutting machine?

Metal laser cutting machines use laser beams to focus on materials to melt or vaporize workpieces, thereby achieving high-precision cutting of metal plates.

Structure of metal laser cutting machine:

Metal laser cutting machines are typically composed of the following core components: laser generator, cutting head, optical system, auxiliary gas system, mechanical platform, CNC control system, cooling system, etc.

3.Working principle of metal laser cutting machine

3.1 Working principle of metal laser cutting machine

Using a highly concentrated laser beam to irradiate the metal surface, the laser beam is focused into an extremely fine spot with highly concentrated energy, which can instantly heat up the metal and cause it to melt or vaporize. Then use high-speed auxiliary gas to blow away the slag and form a cutting seam, thereby achieving precise cutting effect.

3.2 Preparation before Metal Laser Cutting

3.3 Main working steps of metal laser cutting machine

4.Types of metal laser cutting machines

Metal laser cutting machines are mainly divided into the following categories:

4.1 CO2 lasers

CO2 laser cutting machine is composed of a glass tube filled with mixed gas, CO2 laser cutting machine is mainly used for cutting metal and non-metal, commonly used for industrial cutting of a variety of materials, suitable for thin plate and large area cutting.

4.2 Nd:YAG lasers

It is used in high-power and high-precision application scenarios, and is often used in the medical and electronics industries.

4.3 Fiber lasers

Fiber laser cutting machines have high energy conversion efficiency, suitable for cutting thick metals

4.4 Diode lasers

It is mainly used for small-scale, portable cutting and engraving.

5.What are the laser cutting process methods?

5.1 Vaporization cutting

By heating the material to the vaporization point and using high-temperature gas to blow it away and cut it, it is suitable for thin materials.

5.2 Reaction cutting/flame cutting

Using oxygen to react with materials and release a large amount of heat, suitable for oxidizing metals.

5.3 Melting, blowing, cutting

Laser heating of materials to a molten state, blowing molten metal from air or other gases, commonly used for thick materials.

5.4 Thermal stress cracking cutting

Utilizing the thermal stress of the material to crack and form a specific shape, suitable for workpieces with multiple joints.

5.5 Invisible cutting of silicon wafers

When cutting, the surface is not directly cut, but the laser is melted and cut from the back, which is suitable for fine craftsmanship.

6.What are the main factors that determine the quality of metal laser cutting processes?

Material type and thickness: The type and thickness of the material vary, and so do the required cutting parameters.

Cutting speed and air pressure: The reasonable coordination of cutting speed and air pressure is the key to ensuring the smoothness and efficiency of cutting.

Laser Power and Type: The higher the laser power, the faster the cutting speed of thick materials. At the same time, it is also very important to choose the appropriate type of laser.

Cutting Speed: A faster cutting speed may increase productivity, but it will also affect the cutting effect due to generating more heat.

Auxiliary gas: The type of auxiliary gas will have an impact on the cutting effect and efficiency.

Design Complexity: The more complex the design is, the higher the requirements for cutting technology will be.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Common mistakes such as improper Settings and failure to conduct necessary pre-treatment on materials should be avoided.

7.What materials can a metal laser cutting machine cut?

7.1 Common Cutting Metals

Carbon Steel: Most commonly used, 8kW fiber laser can cut up to 40mm thick.

Stainless steel: cut with high purity nitrogen gas to prevent oxidation, the thickness is generally not more than 30mm.

Aluminum and alloys: due to the high anticorrosive commonly used fiber laser, the thickness of the majority of less than 25mm.

Copper / brass: need > 2kW high power laser and special parameters, mostly used in the medical, electronic field.

Titanium alloys: suitable for aerospace applications, need inert gas to prevent oxidation.

7.2 Parameter adjustment points

Aluminum: high power, high pressure, to avoid reflection damage to the laser head.

Carbon steel: commonly used oxygen assisted, using oxidation exothermic.

Stainless steel: protected by nitrogen to maintain corrosion resistance and aesthetics.

8.Advantages and Disadvantages of Metal Laser Cutting Machines

8.1 advantages of metal laser cutting

High precision and accuracy, smooth cutting edge, ensure the high quality of cutting products.

Metal laser cutting machine can be used to cut metal materials of various specifications and thicknesses.

Metal laser cutting machine is flexible and widely used, and can choose to cut simple or complex shapes.

The metal laser cutting machine has fast laser cutting speed, which can greatly improve the production efficiency.

The power consumption of cutting materials is lower than that of traditional cutting methods.

Metal laser cutting can reduce the risk of material pollution and the cost of maintenance and replacement.

8.2 disadvantages of metal laser cutting

High initial capital investment: high equipment price and high investment cost.

High operating costs: the metal laser cutting machine needs daily maintenance and regular maintenance, and the operating costs will increase.

Limitations of reflective materials: the cutting performance of metal laser cutting machine on reflective metal is poor and limited.

Heat affected zone (HAZ): the extremely high temperature generated by light cutting may lead to material deformation and affect material properties.

Technical operation: when operating the machine, professional operators are required to operate the machine, with high technical requirements for operators.

Metal thickness limit: some laser cutting machines are difficult to cut thick metal.

9.How much does it cost to purchase a metal laser cutting machine?

9.1 Select by machine power and wattage

500W-1000W: entry-level metal laser cutting machine, used for cutting thinner metal materials. This type of machine has the lowest price, generally ranging from 3000 to 10000 US dollars;

2000W-3000W: Industrial metal laser cutting machine, is a mainstream model in the market, used for cutting slightly thick metal sheets, with a price range of $8000-45900;

4000W-6000W: Industrial metal laser cutting machine, used for cutting medium and thick plate metal materials, with a price range of 60000-130000 US dollars;

8000W-120000W: Heavy industry metal laser cutting machine, with prices ranging from 140000 to 350000 US dollars;

9.2 Price selection based on cutting speed and accuracy

Basic type: used for cutting simple shapes, with low machine speed and accuracy, priced around 3000-10000 US dollars.

Mid range model: Moderate speed and precision, suitable for daily processing needs of small and medium-sized enterprises, priced around 10000-60000 US dollars

High precision type: The cutting machine has high speed and precision, suitable for complex designs and large-scale processing, with a price range of around $80000 to $100000.

9.3 Price selection based on machine size

Desktop/Small Machine: Suitable for small-scale production, priced around $900-3000.

Medium format machines: suitable for small business production, priced between $3000-10000.

Large format/industrial machines: suitable for large-scale production and complex processing. The price is around $20000- $60000.

9.4 Customized pricing options

Shipping: Some large or special machines require additional shipping costs.

Warranty service: The longer the warranty period of the machine, the higher the cost.

Brand and manufacturer differences: There is a significant gap in pricing between different brands and manufacturers.

9.5 Hidden costs of metal laser cutting machines

Maintenance costs: Regular maintenance costs, such as replacing parts such as lenses and nozzles.

Operational costs: The gases (such as nitrogen or oxygen) required for machine cutting will require energy consumption.

Software and upgrades: Software updates, development of new software features, training, etc. are all hidden costs.

Shipping and installation costs: Shipping and installation costs may increase costs.

10.What are the factors that affect the price of metal laser cutting machines?

10.1 Laser type

The importance of a high-quality laser source in metal laser cutting machines cannot be underestimated. Fiber laser cutting machines cost about ten times more than CO2 laser cutting machines. But it is also more energy-efficient and has a higher laser power configuration in a smaller size.

10.2 Laser Power Output

As the power output (wattage) increases, the difficulty of manufacturing a laser increases. Therefore, the price of a laser cutting machine will increase exponentially when moving from a low-power laser cutting machine to a high-power laser cutting machine.

10.3 Laser Accuracy

The accuracy of a laser is measured in the spot diameter, and higher-precision lasers require durable and expensive optics.

10.4 Machine Size

Like all machines, larger machines are more expensive. All laser cutting machines are limited by the size of the table. A larger table can process large metal sheets and cut more parts. Another major cost source for large machines is the shipping cost due to the increased size and weight.

10.5 After-sales Service

Higher quality after-sales service, longer shelf life, and more spare parts for the machine will make the laser cutting machine more expensive.

11.Considerations when purchasing a metal laser cutting machine

11.1 Power and machine size

Choose the appropriate laser power and cutting range according to the thickness of common materials, and fully consider the expansion requirements for future use.

11.2 Material Type and Thickness

For highly reflective materials such as aluminum and copper, fiber laser is a more suitable choice; while CO₂ laser can play a better role when cutting thick carbon steel plates.

11.3 Budget and Funding

The cost of the machine includes not only the price of the machine itself, but also the electricity required for power consumption during operation, various consumables, and daily maintenance costs.

11.4 Service and Maintenance

It is necessary to confirm in advance whether the supplier can provide localized maintenance support, and whether its spare parts inventory is sufficient to ensure the normal operation and maintenance of the equipment in the future.

11.5 Post-processing time

After laser cutting is completed, post-processing operations can also improve overall production efficiency if they are properly operated.

12.Conclusion

Laser cutting machines are versatile metal and non-metal processing equipment that is affordable and easy to purchase. When selecting a model, users need to comprehensively consider their own material processing range, budget constraints, and subsequent use costs to select the most suitable equipment.

RAYMAX is an experienced laser cutting machine manufacturer with operations all over the world. Our laser metal processing systems are designed to meet the needs of various industries. You can contact us for more information.

13.FAQ