Ever wonder if it’s cheaper to use a laser cutter or CNC machine for manufacturing? Laser cutting and CNC machining are both prominent techniques to cut and make shapes out of all sorts of materials. But which one saves you money in the long run?

CNC machines are usually less expensive to buy than laser cutters. But laser cutters can cut some materials, like wood or plastic, really fast with high precision and less waste. The technique can lead to major savings on materials with each project. But is laser cutting cheaper than CNC?

Find out the factors that influence the costs of these techniques and a rough estimation of the total expenses.  

Breakdown of Laser Cutting Cost

When deciding if a laser cutter is right for your projects, it’s important to understand what makes up the overall cost. We’ll take a closer look at major expenses like the machine, materials, labors, and upkeep. 

Laser Cutting Machine and Operation

A laser cutter machine price is quite significant, and it varies depending on the type:

CO2 laser cutters: Priced between $8,000 to $50,000, they are the most effective for cutting non-metal materials, including fabric, wood, and acrylic. 

Since their power output could be between 100W and 500W, electricity costs for running them are approximately $4 to $12 per hour.

Fiber lasers cutters: They are the best options for cutting metals, like aluminum and stainless steel. A machine’s price can range from $20,000 up to $500,000, and hourly electricity costs are around $1 to $5.

Diode laser cutters: Well-suited for smaller design shops, their prices range from $5,000 to $20,000. They consume electricity at $2 to $6 per hour.

Materials Used

The materials you choose to laser cut can make a big difference in the costs. Two factors that affect the final figures are the material type and thickness. 

Material Type

Metal tends to require more power from the laser. Higher power means more electricity use and faster part replacement. Stainless steel is one of the most common laser cutting materials and you can find basic steel sheets starting at $15 each. But higher quality will cost you even more money per sheet. 

Wood prices depend on the type and quality. Basswood is cheap at around $20 for ten sheets. But if you need detailed or artwork quality, prices go up a lot. Wood costs can also fluctuate over time based on what’s available.

Lasers are also great for cutting foam, rubber, and plastic. These things cost less than wood and metal, but some plastic materials could be expensive. For example, a thin 12×12-inch black acrylic sheet might cost $5, but the price of a thick clear sheet can be over $30.

Material Thickness

The thickness of a material makes a difference in laser cutting cost. Thicker stuff takes the laser longer to cut all the way through. 

So, projects with thicker materials will cost more in machine run time. And the longer a machine runs each day, the more it gets used up, driving up maintenance and replacement part expenses down the road. 

Operational Costs

Here’s a breakdown of the possible operational costs of laser cutting machines:

Labor Costs

Running a laser cutter requires skilled operators. More experienced workers who are well-trained on a specific model can minimize downtime and waste. 

However, these skilled laborers also demand higher hourly wages. So, you have to find the right balance between labor experience and costs. Regular training can also help workers get better over time.

Laser Gas Expenses

Laser machines use gasses, like nitrogen or oxygen, for better performance, such as maintaining the products’ edge quality. You need to estimate the prices of these gasses into the total expenses. 

Machine Depreciation

Since laser cutters have moving parts, they will eventually wear out after years of use. To account for this, the initial purchase cost is divided over the machine’s lifespan. This accounts for the depreciation cost which forms part of the operational budget. 

Overhead Expenses

Operational costs also include standard business overhead like rent, basic utilities, insurance, and administrative support staff salaries. These fixed costs must be considered along with direct expenses like labor and materials to determine the full cost of running a laser cutting operation each year.

Maintenance Costs

Is laser cutting cheaper than CNC? Well, the maintenance costs tell a different story. The maintenance mostly includes parts replacement and cleaning. Replacing worn or broken components over time keeps the machine working well. 

Some of the most important parts that may need to be replaced periodically include the laser tube, lenses and mirrors, and cooling system.

• Tubes can typically last 1,000 to 1,500 hours but then cost $200 to $2,000 for a new one.
• Lenses and mirrors should be replaced when they get cracks or scratches. A new set costs between $100 to $500. 
• The cooling system, whether it uses water or another method, also requires maintenance. For that purpose, your annual costing will be around $100 to $500.

Proper cleaning materials are also necessary to keep internal components and the work area clean. These cleaning supplies add a small ongoing cost to machine operation and maintenance.

Final Costs

So, the final laser cutting cost comes down to:

Laser Cutting Time: The main cost is how long the laser must run to cut all your pieces. Most CNC shops charge between $150-$180 per hour of cutting time. But more reputable companies may charge more because of the quality they provide. This charge will also include the possible operational and maintenance costs. 

Design and File Preparation: Don’t forget the cost to get your plan ready for cutting. Shops charge around $75 per hour to help with design work, but it could be more for some companies. 

Materials: In addition to machine time, you’ll need to pay for the material being cut. Common choices include wood, acrylic, or metal sheets. Prices vary based on thickness and size. 

Packaging and Shipping: Lastly, expect packaging and shipping fees to safely pack and deliver your finished project. 

Does it seem like laser cutting will fit your budget? Be sure to get an estimate first before starting a new project.

Breakdown of CNC Machining Cost

Do you have a project in mind that requires precision shaping or carving? CNC machining will provide you the most budget-friendly solution for on-demand production. 

Is laser cutting cheaper than CNC? Let’s find that out by discussing the factors that determine the overall CNC machining cost. 

Prices of CNC Machines

A CNC machine price is one of the biggest costs for any CNC machining project and plays a key role in overall budgeting. 

Small desktop CNC routers: The machines are for hobbyists and DIYers usually cost less than $3,000. These are good for starting out and making simple parts at home.

3 axis CNC machines: Most machine shops use them for common metal cutting, like milling and drilling. These cost between $50,000 to $125,000, depending on the size and features. 

5 axis CNC machines: These machines are suitable for creating very complex 3D shapes. They are the most expensive of the lost, costing over $200,000 and high-end models frequently exceed half a million dollars. 

CNC Machining Accessories

When figuring out the total cost of owning a CNC machine, you must consider accessories and optional features. These extra items don’t come included with the basic machine, but can make the machining process much more productive and efficient.

• Some essential accessories include clamps and vices for securely holding your workpieces. Different materials require various clamp styles. 
• An automatic tool changer is especially useful if you need to switch frequently between multiple bits during a job.
• Tool organizers are a nice add-on for keeping cutters organized when not in use. Without one, bits could get lost or damaged if left rolling around loose in the machine. 
• Dust shoes suction up debris particles instantly. This makes cleanup a breeze compared to having to blow or wipe away mess afterwards. 
• A coolant system will keep bits and materials cool during cutting. Look for a system that pumps fluids through a spray nozzle for uniform coverage of the cutting area.

Materials Used 

A lot of different materials can be machined like aluminum, steel, plastic, and wood. These materials come in blocks or sheets that the machining starts with.

Some common CNC machining materials are:

• Aluminum 6061: It costs around $25 per 6x6x1 inch block. The lightweight alloy is great for producing automotive and ATV parts.
• Plastics like ABS, Delrin, and Nylon: These thermoplastics come in colored or clear blocks and range from $17-30 per block, depending on the type. Plastics are good for quick prototypes.
• Metals like aluminum 7075 and stainless steel 304: Stronger aluminum 7075 costs around $80 per block, while stainless steel is around $90. These hold up better but are more expensive.
• Wood materials like pine or hardwoods: Woods have different costs, depending on the type but are cheaper than metals. They need special tooling for CNC machines.

Labor Costs 

Even though CNC machines are highly automated, some labor is still needed at different stages of the process.

There are generally three main areas where labor costs occur:

Programming: This involves designing the product using CAD software and then converting the CAD file into a format the CNC machine can understand. Programming requires expertise and can be one of the more expensive labor costs. 

Setup: A machine operator is needed to load materials, set up tooling, and get the CNC machine ready to produce parts. Setup times depend on part complexity and machine size. 

Finishing: Some CNC jobs require extra steps, like polishing or plating, to improve surface finish. While these enhancements provide benefits, they involve additional labor that increases overall costs. 

The salary of a CNC programmer could be around $30, while it can range between $30 and $50 for an operator. Of course, it could be less or more in different countries. 

Final Costs

Is laser cutting cheaper than CNC? The answer is no if you consider the final costs of both methods. 

Factoring all the expenses, a shop may charge $80/hour for 3 axis CNC machining service. On the other hand, the rate can cross $200/hour for 5 axis milling because the machine is more advanced. 

Of course, the hourly rate will change depending on the location of the machining company. Shops in places with lower costs of living and wages will charge less overall.

When getting quotes, ask what is included in the price. Make sure shipping, tax if needed, and any specialty tooling costs are clear. Some shops might include these and some won’t. Do your research to find the best option for your budget and needs.

Conclusion

Is laser cutting cheaper than CNC? While laser cutters can do very complex designs, CNC machines can still do many basic jobs at a lower price. If you only need to cut simple shapes, CNC machining saves money compared to laser cutting. But lasers let you make more artistic things if you want shapes that are hard to do in other ways. 

Need materials cut or machined for your next project? Contact Zintilon for both laser cutting and CNC services. Our experienced team can handle simple shapes or complex designs. Let us help you with launching your dream projects.