How to Choose the Right Laser Cutting Machine for Your Business?

The first step is to use brands that people around you have used as references.

The laser cutting machine market is flooded with brands, making it challenging to choose. Before making a decision, if you know someone who has purchased a laser cutting machine from another brand through personal connections or reliable channels, consulting them first is highly recommended. This allows you to evaluate their performance, product quality, and after-sales service – the most direct way to make an informed decision. While the brand serves as a key reference, other factors like budget and whether the required samples are in bulk production should also be carefully considered.

Standard laser cutting machines generally meet our basic requirements. For specialized production needs, higher configurations may be considered. Below, I will provide a detailed explanation of the following points to assist you in selecting the most suitable product.

1. What materials will you use? Specifically, what samples will require cutting machine processing?

First, you need to identify the materials requiring cutting, both current and future. The type of laser cutting machine will be determined by these materials.

The market offers two main types of equipment: fiber laser cutting machines and carbon dioxide laser cutting machines, each designed for different material types.

Non-metallic materials like paper, wood, and leather are best suited for carbon dioxide laser cutting machines, as fiber laser systems cannot process such materials. Many of these materials would melt or even ignite when cut by laser, posing serious safety risks. Carbon dioxide lasers, however, can cut through stone, cotton fabric, plywood, leaves, oak, and other materials that laser cutting machines cannot handle.

Moreover, the fiber laser cutting machine can be used for various metal materials, including reflective metals such as copper, brass, bronze, aluminum, gold, and silver.

You can create a material list to clearly outline your cutting requirements.

2. What is the maximum size of the object to be cut?

Once the basic materials are determined, the next step is to calculate their maximum dimensions—length, width, and height—in units like millimeters, inches, or feet. Knowing the maximum cutting dimensions is essential to determine the required cutting machine worktable size. For example, if the worktable measures 1500x3000mm, the largest sheet material must not exceed this size.

Always confirm the size before purchasing, as the laser cutting machine's material platform cannot be modified. Determine the material and maximum size of your largest cutting object to ensure the platform can accommodate it.

3. What is the maximum thickness to be cut?

This is a critical factor. Once the maximum size is determined, the thickness of the material should be set to the maximum allowable level to prevent cutting failures due to insufficient power.

Materials with higher hardness and thickness inherently require higher-power equipment. For instance, a 12kW fiber laser can cut up to 50mm thick stainless steel, while other materials like brass (up to 20mm) or aluminum (up to 35mm) can be cut with less powerful machines. It's better to invest in a high-power laser than a low-power one, as the higher power provides sufficient cutting depth.

4. speed requirement and quantity requirement

To achieve high production efficiency, you need high-performance equipment. The speed of your laser cutting machine should match your production needs. Ensure the machine you purchase can handle all your cutting tasks, and consider future requirements like changing materials or operating for extended periods.

The speed of a laser cutting machine is measured in meters per minute (m/min). A higher m/min value indicates faster cutting speed, though this also depends on factors like the material's hardness and thickness, the complexity of the cutting pattern, as well as the machine's type and maximum power.

Test the specific object to be cut to determine the required time, then multiply this time by the quantity to estimate the total duration.

We recommend using slightly larger workbenches. If factory space is limited, select a workbench that allows simultaneous cutting of multiple materials within its range. For small-batch production, carefully evaluate the maximum cutting capacity of the workbench. In urgent cases where customers require next-day delivery, assess whether the workbench can meet the deadline to avoid production delays.

When selecting a suitable laser cutting machine, multiple factors require consideration. You may also consult our professional sales representatives for expert advice. Their recommendations are particularly valuable for clients with similar cutting requirements.

Conclusion

Furthermore, the supplier's after-sales service and consumables for the laser cutting machine are also key considerations. Additionally, the cost of consumables must be factored in. For the core wear-prone components of the laser cutting machine—such as the protective lens, nozzle, and gas filter—the' wear condition' should be prioritized, followed by the service life. For instance, if the protective lens is accidentally splashed by molten slag during processing, it may need replacement after just 10 hours.

We hope this article helps you. Thank you for reading.