Choosing the Right Laser Machine

In processing metal products, the power of the laser machine directly affects the processing efficiency and cost.It also explains how to select the most suitable laser cutting machine based on the thickness of the material and the processing requirements, helping users balance performance and budget, and solving the problem of "what is the most cost-effective laser cutting machine for processing metal products.

How much power should a metal processing laser have?

When it comes to metalworking, the power of a laser machine is like the engine of a car, directly determining its speed and performance.But the more powerful the machine, the more expensive it is. If you buy one that's too small, you'll have to buy another later. So how can you choose one that's the best value? We'll talk about a few key points to consider.

Look at the thickness and type of material.

For example, if you normally process stainless steel sheets 1-3 mm thick, a medium-power laser machine with 800-1500W is sufficient.But if you want to cut more than 10 millimeters of carbon steel, you will need at least 3000 watts.If the power isn't enough, the edges of the pieces will turn black, the speed will be slow and the electricity bill will be higher.

Don't forget about processing efficiency.

Many of my friends only look at the price and the power of the computer, forgetting to calculate the time cost.For example, a 2000-watt machine can cut 5-millimeter aluminum 30 % faster than a 1500-watt machine.The extra power may seem to cost several thousand dollars, but when you consider the long-term savings in labor and electricity costs, the investment will pay for itself in a couple of years.

Costs of maintenance and compatibility.

High-power lasers wear out lenses and nozzles faster, and replacing them is a cost.My personal suggestion is that small and medium-sized factories should first choose mainstream power ranges (e.g. 2000W to 4000W). Spare parts are easily available, and the technicians are familiar with maintenance.Special needs If you need a model of over 6,000 watts, you should consider the maintenance costs, which may be even more of a headache than the machine itself.

The power trap.

Don't be fooled by the "one-stop shop.

Some salespeople will tell you to buy the highest power machine, claiming that it can meet all future demands.But in fact, 80 % of small and medium-sized processing plants don't use over 6000 watts of cutting power in ten years.It's better to save that money to upgrade auxiliary equipment, such as an automatic loading and unloading system.

Second-hand equipment should be handled with care.

Second-hand high-power lasers may look cheap, but the laser tubes in them typically have less than 30-50 % of their lifespan remaining.The cost of the laser head and the labor involved in replacing it may actually be more than the cost of buying a new unit.If you do want to buy a used one, it's best to take along a knowledgeable technician to test the equipment on the spot, with the key points being the stability of the optical system and the control system.

A real case.

One of our old customers, who makes metal shelving, cuts 2-3 millimeters of galvanized steel every day.The 1000W machine they were using was always getting clogged with dust. When they switched to the 2000W model, they found that not only did their productivity double, but they no longer had any dust problems.But another company which makes mechanical parts bought a 4,000-watt machine, and found that 80 % of the time they were cutting thin plates, so they actually used 20 % more electricity than they needed.

Finally, remember that the power of the air conditioner is like the size of a pair of shoes--the most important thing is that it fits.First, clarify your own list of processing requirements, and then take your budget to try out the machines. Don't just listen to the salespeople's boasts.