Laser cutting machines are essential additions to various industries. When researching to discover what type of laser cutting machine you need, it can be hard to sift through the excessive amount of information.
That’s why the experts at Accurl Machines put together this ultimate laser cutting machine guide, so you can find everything you need to know in one place. That includes the uses and history of laser cutters, types of laser cutting machines, advantages of laser cutters, and much more. First, what is laser cutting?
Introduction to Laser Cutting Machines
Before we can look at the pros and cons of laser cutting machines, different types, and how to choose a laser cutting machine for your business, what is laser cutting?
To put it simply, laser cutting is a fabrication process that uses a high-powered laser to cut, engrave, or slice the material. It can be used to create various shapes and designed out of a wide range of materials including aluminum, stainless steel, iron, plastic, and wood.
By focusing the high-powered laser into a small point, these machines can produce precise cuts and accurate etches, without damaging the material or compromising the strength and integrity of the outcome.
This might sound like an advanced process that has only been around for a few years, but actually, laser cutting began with a theory by Albert Einstein. In 1959, the scientist Gordon Gould used Einstein’s electron theories to develop his Light Amplification by Stimulation Emission of Radiation (LASER) theory.
After developing lasers in the following years, Bell Labs produced the first thermal cutting laser techniques using a carbon dioxide mixture. Soon, crystal laser cutters were also developed.
However, they’ve come a long way, with fiber laser cutting being even better, elevating the precision, efficiency, and ease of use demanded by modern industries.
So, what are the differences between these types of laser cutting machines including CO₂ Laser Cutters vs Fiber Laser Cutters?
Types of Laser Cutting Machines
Our comparison of the types of laser cutting machines isn’t just designed to teach the differences, but also to provide top features to look for in laser cutting machines.
CO2 Laser Cutters
One of the most affordable laser cutting machines for small business operations, CO₂ laser cutting machines use carbon dioxide gas for the cutting process. The gas mixture is charged with electricity and fired at the material.
These types of laser cutters are typically used for glass, plastics, wood, leather, and acrylic. Since they are efficient and affordable, they are a fantastic choice if you are cutting those softer materials
Fiber Laser Cutters
Fiber laser cutters use a seed laser that’s concentrated and amplified with special optic fibers. This produces many benefits including unmatched precision, greater efficiency, and ease of use.
Plus, they can be used to cut reflective and conductive metals like steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and copper. Accurl prefers these machines for their cutting-edge computer operation, precision, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. That includes our powerful MasterLine sheet laser cutter, tube cutters, and more.
Crystal Laser Cutters
Crystal industrial laser cutting machines generate beams using crystal, meaning a focused, smaller laser that can cut swiftly through thin materials or engrave thicker materials. These are often the most powerful options for high-precision laser cutting of materials including plastics, metals, and ceramics. However, due to the huge amount of power, they often wear out faster meaning they might not be the best laser cutting machine for small businesses that don’t have room for expensive laser cutting machine maintenance.
Laser Cutting Machine Comparison: CO2 vs Fiber vs Crystal
| CO2 | Fiber | Crystal | |
| Working Principle | High-powered laser beam that melts, burns, and vaporizes | Fiber laser Guided by Fiber Optic Cables | Focuses laser through YAG crystal |
| Materials | Wood, acrylic, and non-reflective metals | Metals including stainless steel, carbon steel, copper alloys, and aluminum | Plastics, Metals, and Ceramics |
| Advantages | High accuracyAffordable Low deformation | High precisionSpeedEnergy Efficiency | Low costHigh stability Long lifespan |
| Limitations | High power consumption & high maintenance costs | High initial investment | Low energy efficiency, only cut through certain thicknesses, and might have toxic fumes |
Applications of Laser Cutting Machines
Now that we’ve looked at the basics of laser cutting machines, the next step of this beginner’s guide to laser cutting machines is to look at what they are used for.
Industrial Applications
Possibly the most common applications for laser cutting machines are industrial. This includes using them to create electronics with precision, cut automotive parts, and craft aerospace materials with utmost accuracy.
For these industries, precision is paramount, while efficiency is also critical to boosting production and output. Other industrial uses include the creation of construction materials, medical devices, and municipal posts, poles, and designs.
Small Business Uses
While laser cutting machines are exceptional for industrial applications, they are also useful for small businesses. For example, a laser cutter can be used to create signage for a small business both for the materials as well as engravings.
Additionally, you can use a laser cutter to produce custom jewelry, glass engravings, wood engravings, and much more. Whether you’re a brick-and-mortar store, Etsy seller, or growing an e-commerce business, a laser cutter can amplify your output and precision.
Personal or Hobbyist Uses
Finally, many people also use laser-cutting machines for their own DIY projects. That can include DIY metalworking or woodworking, engravings, gifts, and many other hobbies.
For example, you can create puzzle boxes, coasters, laptop stands, desks, jewelry and so much more with the help of a laser cutter.
How to Choose the Right Laser Cutting Machine
Choosing a laser cutting machine isn’t easy. After all, there are tons of different options with different price points, parameters, sizes, and more. So, how can you determine which option you need?
That’s what this laser cutting machine buying guide 2024 is for! We’ll cover some of the factors you want to keep in mind as well as compare some different models and types for different uses.
Factors to Consider
When choosing a laser cutting machine for your operation, you must consider:
- Material Compatibility: Not all laser cutters can cut all materials, so one of the most important factors to consider is whether the model will cut the materials your business works with. In addition to the material type, you should also consider the material thickness and whether you want to cut or engrave.
- Additional Features: Some laser cutters offer the bare basics, while others have automation, CNC controls, automotive loading/unloading, extra safety features, and more.
- Manufacturer: Learn about different makers, their experience, and reviews to make sure they are reputable. For example, Accurl offers over 30 years of expertise in creating top-of-the-line machines. Learn more and see reviews here.
- Power Requirement: Make sure that you have the power to operate a machine before purchasing. Additionally, if you want an eco-friendly option, consider that as well.
- Cost: Finally, of course, cost is important. You shouldn’t go for the cheapest option though, because the maintenance might end up costing more in the long run. We recommend asking yourself, “What is the ROI on a laser cutting machine?” for each model.
Comparison Models for Different Needs
Not every business needs a state-of-the-art cutting machine, so what are the differences between entry-level, mid-range, and high-end models?
- Entry-level models are usually used for DIY projects and small businesses. They can be great for engraving and may also be able to cut through thin materials and will come at a much lower price tag. However, they will generally be slower and less precise than the higher-end models.
- Mid-range models are great for most small businesses offering greater efficiency and precision than entry-level options, and often coming with additional safety features, automations, and more. However, they are likely not best for industrial applications and may not utilize the most advanced technologies.
- High-end models leverage cutting-edge technology for unparalleled precision, efficiency, control, and ease of use. Many, like Accurl’s TubeLINE BK Series, offer powerful automation that can elevate your productivity and bottom line. While high-end models cost more, they are designed to generate a long-term ROI.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Laser Cutting Machines
Now that we’ve finished laser cutting technology explained in simple terms as well as how laser cutting works, we can look at many of the advantages and disadvantages of laser cutting.
Laser Cutting Benefits
- Precision: A high-powered laser has the ability to create precise cuts, even for materials that need to be compliant with strict aerospace, medical, or technological guidelines. No other type of cutter can compete when it comes to accuracy and precision.
- Speed: The laser can swiftly cut through even the strongest materials (as long as you have a suitable machine), which means elite speed & efficiency.
- Versatility: Laser cutters can cut & engrave through a wide variety of materials including metals, plastics, woods, and ceramics. Some models even cut through all these materials with only minor adjustments.
- Eco-friendly: Due to the precision, laser cutters can save materials, wasting less and ensuring the integrity of the cut portions. Additionally, top machines use eco-friendly power sources to reduce the environmental impact of laser cutters.
- Simple Controls: Laser cutters are much easier to operate than any alternative, meaning it’s easier to train your employees and accelerate production times.
- Safety: With automatic cutoffs, preventional measures, and other safety features, laser-cutting machines can reduce the risk of workplace accidents.
Limitations and Potential Drawbacks
There are some potential drawbacks of laser cutting machines that you might want to keep in mind. While the drawbacks and limitations are fewer than most industrial machines, these are some things to consider.
- Hazardous fumes: While machines try to limit the fumes, Laser Generated Air Contaminants (LGACs) can be harmful to operators.
- Upfront Initial: Laser cutting machines use cutting-edge technology, meaning a high upfront cost.
- Material Thickness: There is usually a maximum thickness that any machine can cut, which could limit its versatility.
- Energy consumption: While there are greener options, many laser cutting machines can use a lot of power, driving up energy bills.
Key Features to Look For in Laser Cutting Machines
When looking for the perfect machine, you want to consider all the features of laser cutting machines including power, speed, control, safety, and bed size.
Laser Power and Wavelength
When choosing a laser cutting machine, you must look at the laser power and wavelength. Some wavelengths allow for better focusing and sharper beams, and some power levels cannot cut through certain material types or thicknesses. This can get confusing, so feel free to reach out to Accurl for more information.
Cutting Speed and Accuracy
Machines will provide specifications when it comes to cutting speed and accuracy. Make sure you compare these details and choose the best option that works with your specific operation, whether that means a slower speed and higher precision, or vice versa.
Software Compatability and Ease of Use
Does the software work with your currently trained employees? How easy is it to use? These are important questions to consider. You should also make sure it will be compatible with other machines you use in your operation including bending machines, welders, and more.
Safety Features
Workplace safety is important, so make sure you consider laser cutting safety protocols and features that can prevent accidents. This includes automatic shut-offs, material cooling, and other features that keep the operator safe.
Maintenance Needs
Every machine will need maintenance, but some can be easily cleaned and maintained in-house, while others require overseas parts and technical training. With Accurl, we’ll always be there to help you with troubleshooting laser cutting machine issues, but that’s not the case with every model.
Bed Size
The bed size determines the maximum size of the material that can be cut, making it a critical consideration when choosing a machine. This is especially true with cutting larger sizes, so make sure you check and double-check the parameters.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Maintenance can be a pain, so make sure you consider common issues with laser cutting machines and how to fix them.
Common maintenance tasks like cleaning the nozzle and lens, adjusting the precision and power, and checking exhaust systems should be done in-house. Be sure that the machine makes it fast and easy to do these tasks.
When it comes to troubleshooting common issues like laser alignment, power loss, nozzle clogs, and roughness of material surfaces, it is good to have a manufacturer on your side that can help you through those issues or even offer warranties and repairs. Accurl does everything possible to help you through these issues.
However, this laser cutting machine guide wouldn’t be complete without some information for these repairs.
- Lost or low power: Make sure the machine is plugged in and receiving power, and check the power cables for wear or loose connections.
- Nozzle clogging: This is a common issue with nozzles smaller than 0.5 mm, but you can use a stainless steel needle to clear the nozzle without detaching it.
- Software issues: Check the software settings to ensure they are correct for the material you’re using, especially if you have multiple operators.
- Uneven, incomplete, or rough cuts: Adjust the focus to prevent bad cuts, then double-check the laser path so that it isn’t obscured.
Cost Analysis and ROI of Laser Cutting Machines
While laser cutting machines can be expensive, the main goal is to help you reach a sky-high ROI.
How? Here’s an analysis of laser cutting machine cost and ROI.
First comes the costs. Initial costs can range between $500 for an entry-level DIY machine to $2,000 to $15,000 for a mid-range machine, and upwards of $50,000 to $500,000 for a high-end machine.
This may seem like a lot, but as the price increases, so does the efficiency, output, support, and precision, helping you reach that ROI. Additionally, maintenance costs like wearing parts, replacement parts, and labor usually decrease with high-end machines.
Still, maintenance can be expensive, which is why it’s important to look for a warranty, especially on higher-end machines. That way, expensive repair costs never cut into your ROI.
So, how can you assess ROI? The formula is:
ROI = [(Net Profit – Cost of Investment) / Cost of Investment] x 100
But how can you determine profits? That’s the hardest part, but here are ways a laser cutter drives up your profitability:
- Greater output means faster scalability and more sales
- Higher quality means a better reputation, more customers, and more profits
- Energy efficiency means you save on overhead costs
- Versatility means needing only one machine, not 2 or more.
Generally, we see our clients hit their ROI quickly, usually within 1-2 years. Not only that, but we see them sail past it, often buying a second machine to keep up with growth.
Conclusion and Additional Resources
Now, with this laser cutting machine buying guide 2024 you know how to start your search for a laser cutting machine for metal, wood, and acrylic, or other materials. That includes top features to look for in laser cutting machines, how laser cutting machines work, how to calculate ROI, advantages, and much more.
However, if you need any help choosing a machine, want safety tips for using a laser cutting machine, want more information on top-of-the-line Accurl models, or want to know the differences between laser engraving vs laser cutting, we’re here to help.
