Laser cutting cost: how much does cutting sheet metal cost

Sheet metal laser cutting cost: what makes up the price

• Cut length: the outline of the part and all internal cut-outs.
• Pierces: every hole is a separate pierce, so dozens of small holes can cost more than the outline.
• Thickness: the laser cuts thicker sheet more slowly, and the same contour in 10 mm costs several times more than in 2 mm.
• Material: steel sheet is cheaper than stainless steel and aluminium, and the price includes the material from the nest.
• Quantity: order preparation is spread over the whole batch, so a piece in a series is cheaper.
• Finish: deburring and RAL powder coating are ordered in the same job.

Laser cutting price per metre versus the price of a part

A rate per metre of cut does not tell the whole story: it does not include pierces, material or order preparation. That is why instead of a price per metre you get the price of your actual part and batch, calculated from your file. The same sheet, contour and quantity give the same price, and the price does not change after you accept it.

How to lower the cost of laser cutting

• Choose the thinnest sheet that meets the requirements.
• Limit the number of small holes, and drill holes smaller than the sheet thickness instead of cutting them.
• Order a larger batch or a series order with a delivery schedule.
• Send a clean 1:1 contour without a frame or notes, so it does not need fixing.

When partners give the price

Thick sheet above the instant-price limit, unusual grades and very large formats are quoted by several vetted partners in a closed tender. You get one price with a lead time, and the quote costs nothing.