No, different types of laser cutting machines do not cost the same amount. The prices of different types of laser cutting machines vary primarily based on the technology behind their optical systems.
The list below describes some of the factors that affect the prices of laser cutting machines:
There are three main types of laser cutting machines. Each of these machines has its own set of advantages and disadvantages for cutting different kinds of materials. The list below describes which type of machine works best for which material:
High-power (0.5-12 kW) fiber lasers are the most suitable machines for cutting steel. This is because the wavelength of the light produced by fiber lasers (~1060 nm) is efficiently absorbed by steel, while the wavelength of a CO2 laser, for example, at 10,600 nm, is mostly reflected. Fiber lasers, followed by CO2 lasers, are the best laser cutting machines for steel. The price of a fiber laser that can cut steel ranges from $30,000 to $600,000, while the price of a CO2 laser with steel-cutting capabilities ranges from $10,000 to $200,000.
The best laser cutting machines for metals are fiber lasers, followed by CO2 lasers. The type of laser cutter most suitable for a metal application depends on factors such as: the specific metal and its reflectivity, the metal's melting and vaporization temperatures, and the workpiece's thickness. The type of metal and its reflectivity determines whether a fiber or CO2 laser is better for cutting. This is because metals readily reflect long red and infrared wavelengths that are commonly emitted by CO2 lasers. Metals absorb shorter blue, violet, and ultraviolet wavelengths from fiber lasers. The melting and vaporization temperatures and the thickness of the workpiece determine the minimum power required for cutting as more power and energy density is required to cut through thicker materials. The price of a fiber laser cutter ranges from $30,000 to $600,000 while the price of a CO2 laser system can vary from $10,000 to $200,000.
CO2 laser cutters and diode laser cutters are the best machines for processing fabrics since they are both efficient and cost-effective compared to fiber lasers. High-power lasers aren’t needed to cut fabrics, unlike metals, since fabrics are extraordinarily thin and don’t require must power to vaporize. A 40W CO2 or diode laser can cut and engrave fabrics such as: polyester, cotton, wool, and leather with ease. A CO2 laser cutting machine for fabric costs between $500 and $4,000, while diode lasers for fabric-cutting cost $300 to $1,000.
CO2 laser cutters and diode laser cutters are the best options for laser cutting paper. As with laser cutting of fabrics, a powerful laser isn’t required to achieve cuts and engravings on paper products such as cards and invitations. The power needed to cut paper is smaller than the power needed to cut fabrics. It is minuscule compared to the power needed to cut metals. CO2 lasers for paper cutting cost between $500 and $4,000, while the price of diode laser cutting machines is between $300 and $1,000.
CO2 and diode laser cutters are the two best types of laser cutters for wood. This is because wood, like fabric and paper, doesn’t require high power to be vaporized for a laser to cut through. The price of laser cutting machines for wood ranges from $500 to $4,000 for CO2 lasers and is generally between $300 and $1,000 for diode lasers.
CO2 lasers are the best laser cutters for acrylic. These lasers offer greater efficiency and cut quality because acrylics readily absorb the red and infrared wavelengths produced by CO2 lasers. With higher laser powers like CO2 lasers, cut efficiency is increased and quality is improved. Diode lasers can also cut acrylic. It is a good alternative but may require multiple passes depending on the thickness of acrylic. Laser cutting machines for acrylic cost between $500 and $4,000 for CO2 lasers, and between $300 and $1,000 for diode lasers.
The best laser cutting machines for invitations are diode lasers. Invitations for various ceremonies and events are commonly made from paper and similar materials. High-power lasers are not required to create elaborate and intricate designs for invitations. Diode lasers can create beautiful invitations with ease. The price of diode laser cutting machines ranges between $300 and $1,000.
The best laser cutting machine for plastics is the CO2 laser. The wavelengths from CO2 lasers are readily absorbed by most plastics, which makes laser cutting a highly efficient process. The price of CO2 laser cutting machines for plastic can range between $500 and $4,000 for hobbyist and small business use. Costs can rise to as much as $200,000 for a laser cutter designed for industrial use.
CO2 lasers have the most versatility out of all types of laser cutters. These machines cut all materials from paper and wood to metals and plastics. The cheapest CO2 laser-cutting machines are listed below:
The best laser cutting machines that are worth buying despite their price are listed below:
Whether it is worth buying an expensive laser cutting machine depends on a lot of factors. Unless you have large volumes of parts that must be laser cut or are consistently cutting metal to fabricate parts, there is no need to buy an expensive laser cutting machine. Cheaper laser cutting machines have the capability to do many of the same things more expensive machines can do but at a slower pace. Cheaper machines are often lower-power compared to more expensive machines and also usually have smaller workspaces. However, expensive laser machines may be more reliable and have better builds. Consider the product volumes and the materials used in your laser cutting operation to help you pick a suitable machine.
This article presented laser cutting machine costs, explained what they are, and discussed the cost for different types of machines. To learn more about laser cutter costs, contact a Xometry representative.
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