What Is a Laser Cutter?
A laser cutter is a machine that cuts through various materials with a high-powered laser beam, creating various shapes and sizes. The intense laser beam is the primary source that causes the substance to melt, burn, and evaporate upon contact with the material.
These very effective laser cutters are used extensively across a variety of sectors. The laser generated is primarily used to perform clean cuts on various materials, including steel, aluminum, plastic, wood, etc. This machine is capable of producing cuts that are very exact and accurate. Engineers often use them to cut components, as well as by small company owners, which enables them to provide excellent service at a more affordable cost.
What Are The Types of Laser Cutters?
In many industries, fiber, CO2, and Crystal Lasers are the primary laser cutters. You will find various options if you search for several types of laser cutters.
Compared to the other types of laser technology, these are used the most often and are considered the most reliable. The power of a laser machine is highly dependent on the design of the laser itself and the laser it employs.
- Fiber Laser: The laser beam generated by this particular device is powerful and generated using optical fiber. They use specialized fiberglass that draws its power from pump diodes to intensify the laser beam. The engraving of metal and thermoplastic marking are two of the most common uses for this laser. The fiber laser is an excellent option to consider when working with materials of a thin thickness.
- CO2 Laser: This CO2 laser cutting technology uses a laser tube filled with a gas combination. Carbon dioxide, hydrogen, nitrogen, and helium are the typical gas mixture components. Electricity passes through a gas combination in this CO2 laser, which gives out light beams. The CO2 laser cutter can absorb a wide variety of organic materials. If you want to cut any substance or engrave on non-metal materials, you should use this device.
- Crystal Laser: Crystal laser is available in two distinct varieties, which are as follows: Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd: YAG) and neodymium yttrium vanadate (Nd: YVO). These particular laser machines are powerful and can be available throughout the manufacturing industry, the medical field, industries, and many other fields. These laser-cutting types of equipment get used for engraving metals in various industries. However, it is not suitable for cutting materials that are not metals. Big companies and industries primarily utilize these laser machines.
Do Small Businesses Need a Laser Cutter?
Laser cutters are an essential piece of equipment for small business owners. They will find that manufacturing and handling products with the help of a laser cutter are more straightforward and effective. Since the invention of laser cutters and laser engravers, there has been an exponential increase in demand for such machines. People’s desire for personalized things has increased with the proliferation of new small businesses.
When running a successful company, having access to the appropriate cutting equipment is one of the most important things you can do. There are a variety of factors that contribute to the significance of laser cutting for small businesses. Laser cutters allow smaller enterprises to increase their output relatively quickly.
In addition, since they now have equipment capable of cutting without needing help, the workforce can be lowered, which increases profit. Lasers can be rapid and efficient, all while using less power, cutting down the cost of a laser.
What Are the Benefits of Laser Cutter?
Laser cutters provide a wide variety of benefits to their users, from highly efficient, accurate, and great precision. As a result, almost every industry in the economy now uses laser-cutting technology.
In addition, the number of available applications for laser technology continues to expand. It brings in the opportunity for more features providing you with several advantages. Let’s have a look at a few of them:
Highly Efficient
Laser cutter machines are probably the most efficient cutting tools available. These devices make use of powerful laser beams that are capable of slicing through almost anything with no difficulty at all. They use relatively little energy and can cut sheets of various materials, making them highly efficient for commercial settings.
Flexible
Laser cutters have earned a stellar reputation for their flexibility in recent years. They do not demand that you remove or change tools and other equipment to modify the design or the levels. Every conceivable shape and dimension is available for cutting using the same equipment. In addition, the software will help you cut out designs with varying thicknesses. The utilization of the machine does not demand the presence of any specific environment.
Highly Precise
One of the most well-known characteristics of laser cutters is their high level of precision. When purchasing a laser cutter, the most crucial consideration is the equipment’s level of precision. Laser cutters can produce very accurate and precise edges regardless of the material. They give an accuracy of 0.1mm, which allows you to cut small materials with high precision.
Material Compatibility
The laser cutter is compatible with almost all kinds of materials. You can cut through all metals and non-metals, including plastic and wood. In addition, laser cutters can cut through materials without leaving any markings or shared edges behind. Since they use heat, the materials undergo consistent melting, which results in the smoothing of any advantages that might be present.
Zero Handling
The need for human labor to operate laser cutters is no longer necessary, thanks to the development of numerous technologies that have eliminated this need. You must check that the laser cutter you purchase has the appropriate software to enter the design and the parameters. After you have completed the design, you must ensure that the material gets loaded into the machine. Once you select it, the device will begin to cut it automatically.
Quality and Cost
Various cutters are available, but laser cutters take the cutting process to an all-new level. They have a very high standard of cutting quality. The machine can produce very high-quality cuts in a concise amount of time. When it comes to the cost, laser-cutting equipment could be rather expensive. Nevertheless, the machine is an excellent option considering the nearly nonexistent maintenance and operation costs. The cost of entry-level lasers may range between $5,000 to $20,000, while higher-grade lasers can be anywhere from $50,000 to $1,000,000.
What Are the Laser Cutter Application?
Laser cutting is commonly employed throughout various production sectors and production processes to make the cutting process far more productive. With the constant development of technology, the laser cutter industry is growing much more enjoyable as various industries use them.
The adoption of laser technology enabled many smaller businesses to implement the technology rapidly and begin making a profit from their operations. Similarly, there are a large number of different companies that make use of the technology that involves lasers. The following is a list of some of the applications for the technique of laser cutting:
- Medical Sector
- Manufacturing Industries
- Automobile Industry
- Garments Industry
- Plastic Industry
- Junk Industry
- Product Engraving
- Laser Marking
Things You Need to Consider Before Buying A Laser Cutter
When purchasing laser-cutting equipment, several considerations are there that require evaluation. Taking into account these factors will assist you in selecting the best laser cutters that will meet your requirements most effectively.
Purchasing a laser cutter machine might be smart, but you must choose the one most suited to your cutting needs. As a result, we have provided you with a list of essential things to consider before purchasing a laser cutter.
Material Preference
Laser-cutting machines can cut through various materials, such as stainless steel, aluminum, copper, gold, and carbon, amongst many others. Make sure to take into consideration the cutting material requirements of your organization. It will assist you in determining whether or not the machine is appropriate for the task that you do. There is a wide variety of laser cutting machines; thus, choosing the most suitable for your requirements is essential.
Workspace
The environment in which you intend to employ the laser cutter machine is critical. Most laser cutters are compact enough to fit on a desktop if you want to buy one for a small business. However, to use the laser cutter for industrial purposes, you should look into far more powerful models that take up a significant amount of space.
Setup Process
Perhaps one of the factors that gets the least attention on the list. It has become a usual practice to neglect the steps involved in the laser equipment’s initial setup. When prepping to cut materials, the time it takes to set up a laser for cutting might be rather lengthy. Various criteria, including nozzle width, power intensity, focal length, and many more, need to be evaluated.
Therefore, if you have the financial capacity, you should prioritize investing in laser cutting machines equipped with software and technology that require you to enter the details of the process only once, thereby simplifying the process significantly.
Production Capacity
When looking to purchase a laser cutting machine, it is essential to make sure that you evaluate the machine’s production capacity. Since smaller laser machines are often exclusively utilized in offices rather than production units, their capacities are typically somewhat limited. At the same time, large-scale laser machines get used in large-scale industries very often. The requirements of the business project you’re working on should guide your selection of laser-cutting equipment.
Budget
When you have looked at everything, it is time to determine how much money you have available to invest. The budget must be reasonable and appropriate for your job or your business. Check to see whether the price of the laser cutter machine is within your company’s acceptable range. You should avoid investing in overpriced equipment that will never give you a return on your investment. For this reason, you should create a budget that will give you a favorable result as you progress.
Factors That Will Affect the Price of A Laser Cutter
Undoubtedly, the cost of laser cutters is much higher than that of more conventional cutting technologies. The price of a laser cutting machine gets determined by several variables, including the purchase price, maintenance and servicing, and the cost of running the machine.
There are a great many more considerations and complexities involved, all of which have a significant impact on the price. We have included some of the variables that might be responsible for the price difference of a laser cutter here:
Size
Size factors significantly impact the price of the machine in a significant way. Using a bigger machine will increase your manufacturing costs; as a result, the cost of the laser machine is higher. The cost of the laser machine rises proportionally with the size of the working area. Therefore, you must consider your required size while shopping for a laser cutter machine to avoid purchasing a significantly overpriced laser.
Manufacturer and Build Quality
Please remember that the more expensive the brand, the better the quality. The cost of your new laser machine gets established by the brand you decide to purchase. Larger companies often use higher-grade components with excellent build quality, increasing the machine’s price. However, lower-tier companies often use inexpensive components and poor build quality to save costs and offer their products at a much-reduced price.
Extra Features
Laser cutters often have a higher price tag if equipped with additional features. The costs of laser cutters equipped with features such as an automated feeder or cutting table will be higher than the pricing of classic laser cutters. Therefore, if you want to reap the advantages of modern technology, you must be prepared to pay the price for using it. It’s also strongly suggested that you pay more cash for the additional features since doing so will substantially simplify and streamline your cutting procedure.
New and Old Machine Prices
The cost of a brand-new laser machine is significantly higher than that of an older one. Investing in a new laser machine could be pricey; however, if you don’t have the financial means, you can go for a used or older model instead, which will cost you much less than a new one. When bought from a manufacturing unit or a private seller, several types of laser cutting equipment, such as the fiber laser cutter, could be acquired for a significantly lower price.
Best 5 Laser Cutters for Small Business Owners Recommended
A high-quality laser cutter is an investment that every small company should consider. For this, the production will boost by five times. However, many owners of small businesses put their money into laser cutters of inferior quality, which are unreliable over the long term and don’t last very long.
It’s also strongly suggested that you invest in some excellent laser cutters, which will help you financially and benefit you in terms of the products they generate to avoid problems such as these. When shopping for lasers, you should choose ones with user-friendly software, excellent build quality, and robust laser diodes.
Baison E Series Sheet Metal Laser Cutter
The E series powerful laser cutting machine is the best option for entry-level operations. They are used to quickly and efficiently cut moderate and thin plates. The open construction of the E series makes it simple for users to load and remove their equipment. In addition, it uses a Baichu operating system, which is very user-friendly and offers a high level of convenience overall.
If you like accessing various functions on your device, you are in luck! Flying cutting and tiny connection technologies get included in this E-series equipment. Additionally, it has a separate control cabinet for added convenience. This laser cutter comes highly recommended for use by owners of small businesses.
| Model | E Series |
| Laser Power | 1000W~3000W |
| Cutting Area | 3000mm×1500mm 4000mm×2000mm 6000mm×2000mm 6000mm×2500mm |
| Max Moving Speed | 140m/min |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.03mm/m |
| Repositioning Accuracy | ±0.03mm |
| Max. Acc. Speed | 1.2G |
Baison KE Laser Cutting Machine
The KE single-platform economic laser machine is a new model. It employs a higher configuration than the other laser models, making it more competitive. The speed reducer also comes from an imported brand called Modoloy, which can ensure that the machine begins and stops operating quickly.
This system uses the Par Chu operating system, known for its high-efficiency level, and can be quickly mastered by you even if you have no previous computer experience. Therefore, you reduce the workforce considerably, contributing to your profits. This laser machine uses the flying cutting capability and the micro connection with an extensive graphic library, all designed to assist you with various processing needs.
| Model | KE Series |
| Laser Power | 1000W~3000W |
| Cutting Area | 3000×1500mm |
| Max Moving Speed | 60m/min |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.05mm/m |
| Repositioning Accuracy | ±0.03mm |
| Max. Acc. Speed | 0.6G |
REGIUS 3015 AJ Linear Fiber Laser
Regarding laser cutting technology, this Regius 3015 AJ Fiber laser is an example of speed and precision in its performance. When combined with AMADA’s innovative beam control technology and the high-speed three-axis linear drive system, that machine can achieve levels of productivity that are not unmatched by any other.
The device comes equipped with remarkable features that facilitate independent operations, like lens monitoring, the automated switching of nozzles, and the centering of the nozzles. Based on these attributes and the laser cutting machine’s effectiveness and efficiency, the Regius 3015 comes highly recommended for various uses.
| Working Area | 3000×1500mm |
| Laser Power | 3000W |
| Laser Type | Fiber |
| Cutting Thickness | 12-25 mm, depending on the material. |
| Cutting Speed | 340,000 mm/min |
BREVIS 1212 AJ
The Brevis 1212 AJ is an all-new cutting device that utilizes lasers to facilitate the cutting of various materials. It is a very effective method for cutting materials ranging from thin to thick. These kinds of equipment are intuitive to use and get operated by almost anybody with little training. This piece of equipment is fantastic for beginning users. The manufacturing flexibility of the machine was a primary design objective, and it performs very well in high-volume and low-volume production.
Using the 3 KW fiber laser engine, you will get a superior-quality beam parameter product. The machine automatically optimizes the laser mode and beam parameter settings depending on the different kinds of material that get processed. The fiber laser oscillator in the system helps reduce the amount of money you spend on power, giving you an excellent price-to-performance ratio.
| Working Area | 3000×1500mm |
| Laser Power | 1000W-6000W |
| Laser Type | Fiber |
| Cutting Thickness | Up to 22 mm. |
| Cutting Speed | 60,000 mm/min |
| Support Graphic Format | Yes |
OMTech FC-44
The OMTech FC-44 is a laser cutter machine of very high quality designed to fulfill the ever-increasing expectations of owners of small businesses. The machine has a highly streamlined appearance meant to be very compact, so it can almost effortlessly fit into a packed working environment. It is perfect for light to medium manufacturing thanks to its 1.5 kW-3 kW industry-leading IPG power source.
The laser cutting machine has a space-saving design that combines all components into a single unit. If you are considering a laser machine for your company, this one is a great option. However, the machine is perfect for anybody with a small business and does not need high output levels. The OMTech 60W laser machine provides excellent quality and durability, the capacity to work with various materials and software, the ability to be upgraded, and service.
| Working Area | 1300×1300mm |
| Laser Power | 1500W-3000W |
| Laser Type | Fiber |
| Cutting Thickness | 2-21.5 mm, depending on power and material. |
| Cutting Speed | 1333 mm/s |
| Support Graphic Format | HPGL, BMP, GIF, JPG, JPEG, DXT, DST, AI |
| Laser Cutter Price | $1000 to $10,000 |
How to Use a Laser Cutter Safely and Effectively?
When using a laser device, you must always be highly cautious. Even though they could seem to be practically risk-free, using them without following the appropriate protocols might result in a great deal of trouble. In addition, the machine will not perform if it does not handle the process correctly. The following are some safety precautions to take while using the laser cutter to ensure it continues to function correctly.
- Never leave the laser machines unattended.
- Keep your area of cutting clean.
- Ensure the laser machine’s interior is always clean and clear of dirt.
- Do not disable any safety features.
- Do not operate if anything is damaged.
- Do not use random materials.
- Make sure to use safety gloves and glasses.
In several instances, employees have hurt themselves and the machine due to improper use of laser equipment. A laser cutter and engraving machine use an extremely powerful beam that must be handled with extreme care and attention. To prevent issues of this kind, you need to make sure that the safety procedures described above are adhered to by everybody who operates the equipment.
5 Tips To Reduce Costs When Using Laser Cutting Machines
Anything you invest in the company financially will always be a significant factor in the overall growth of your sales. However, it is essential to maintain a balance between costs and avoid excessive spending. The price of laser cutting can be high, but there are many things you can do to bring it down, including the following:
- Outsource laser cutting.
- Design your prototype.
- Consider the thickness of the material.
- Group your laser-cutting projects.
- Don’t keep the machine unnecessarily on.
Laser cutting might be somewhat pricey if you are unfamiliar with the procedure and method. If you use them frequently, the price will go up. However, if you manage a small business, investing in a high-quality metal laser cutter and laser engraver that uses less laser power is strongly recommended. In addition, if you follow these instructions carefully, you can save significant money during the procedure.
Conclusion
Laser-cutting machines are essential for boosting a company’s efficiency and productivity. Having one may significantly increase your output and revenue. Remember that cheaper lasers aren’t necessarily the best choice when searching for affordable laser cutters. Make sure that you pick the ideal, safe, and effective product. You can contact Baison for a proper consultation to help you choose the best laser cutter.
