The ability to create products with exceptional speed and precision makes laser cutting the process of choice for many global industries. A CNC laser cutting machine can work with many materials, making it an attractive option for a wide range of manufacturing companies. Additionally, laser cutting machines can carry out high-volume jobs efficiently while maintaining the highest quality. All these benefits make laser cutting an essential way for industrial manufacturers to keep up with demand effectively and reliably.
Laser cutting relies on the use of specialized machinery operated by qualified individuals. It can be challenging for some businesses to budget the cost of laser cutting. The encouraging news is that there are simple strategies that can greatly reduce the price of laser cutting.
Money Saving Solutions with Steelway Laser Cutting
Steelway Laser Cutting has partnered with many industrial manufacturers over the years. Our experience has given us the insight to recognize ways to minimize your costs and maximize your profitability. Let’s look at some money-saving tips because we always have your best interest in mind.
5 Ways to Save Money with Laser Cutting
1. Outsourcing Experts
Manufacturers are constantly pushed to produce more products at a faster pace and with a higher degree of precision. In an effort to keep up with this demand, many businesses consider investing in on-site laser cutting. Unfortunately, using in-house laser cutting is not a sustainable option for many companies and organizations. Many factors related to laser cutting add to production costs, and it’s unlikely that the business will ever make up for the initial investment.
- Expense: Laser cutting machinery is expensive. If your company will only be using laser cutting for a project here or there, it’s not worth purchasing.
- Space: Laser cutting machines take up a significant amount of space. If your business is not primarily dedicated to laser cutting, then you are more likely to find a better use of the space you have.
- Training: Operating a laser cutting machine requires extensive staff training and can take years to master. This training will require lots of time, money, and resources.
- Maintenance: Laser cutting machines require routine maintenance. This will require additional training, time, and resources. Outsourcing to experts skilled in laser cutting is the best way to expedite your projects and reduce your costs. Professionals who have dedicated their careers to laser cutting can provide the necessary skills and resources to CNC laser machines with a profitable investment.
- Outsourcing your laser cutting needs to a specialized team saves work space, time, money, and resources that you can allocate to meet the other critical needs of your business.
2. Create a Prototype
Constructing a prototype of your design digitally or on paper is a good way to examine your design and consider a simpler and more cost-effective option. Avoid disappointment, frustration, and increased costs by using your prototype to modify and test your plan.
It’s also a good idea to optimize your design. When creating your design, think of ways to maximize the use of the surface space. For example, finding ways to fit as many designs on the surface as possible minimizes material scrap. Another example is comparing the laser techniques used with straight cuts that produce 90-degree angles rather than rounded edges. The less work the laser has to do, the less money you will spend on your project.
3. Choose the Right Material
Materials will be the bulk of your project expense. Before you order your project to be cut, consider the type and thickness of the metal being used. Doing this can help you avoid making changes and wasting money and materials.
- Metal Type: Not all metals will respond to laser cutting in the same way. Different metals contain different qualities that make them unique depending on how they respond to heat. Do some research to explore which metals function best for your project beforehand.
- Thickness: The thickness of the metal will determine how fast a laser can work. The more time the laser takes to cut your design, the more costs your project will incur. Additionally, the material thickness can also alter the edge quality of the cuts. Consider your design needs when deciding on material thickness.
4. Efficient Cutting Techniques
Finding ways to cut more efficiently can help reduce your laser cutting costs.
- Grouping: This cutting technique groups your projects into clusters so that the distance the laser has to travel from one cut to the next is minimized. This also reduces the amount of scrap metal produced.
- Nesting: Another cutting technique to consider is nesting. This cutting strategy rearranges and lays out the pieces to share common edges. This produces a more precise cut efficiently and with less waste.
5. Start with a Small Order
Rather than ordering a large quantity of laser cut products from the start, try ordering a smaller amount and give yourself some room to make adjustments if needed. Sometimes the finished product isn’t exactly what you envisioned and needs some re-designing. A small trial run can help you avoid the costs of making changes to a more substantial order.
Cost Efficient Projects that Produce the Best Results
Laser cutting is more popular than ever and will continue to be in the future. If you aren’t using laser technology, then your business is probably struggling to keep up with the high demands of the manufacturing industry. Perhaps the only thing holding you back from benefiting from this amazing manufacturing tool is the perceived expense. Fortunately, by practicing these money-saving strategies, you can significantly reduce your laser cutting costs, and finally have the product you need at the price you want.
Steelway Laser Cutting – The Right Manufacturing Solution
To ensure that you receive a quality product at a reasonable price, trust your business with the experts at Steelway Laser Cutting. We have a team of experienced and reliable professionals ready to help you optimize your laser cutting projects. Specializing in precision metal bending, cutting, and welding is our passion.
We aim to ensure that you are utilizing the benefits of laser cutting services effectively and efficiently.
Contact Steelway Laser Cutting today and learn how we can help save you money by using our services for all your manufacturing needs.