The Four Factors in Laser Marking Pricing

The cost of laser engraving depends on four factors: the material, the time required, the complexity of the design, and any additional services needed.We explain the logic behind the pricing in an easy-to-understand manner, so you can avoid getting ripped off and easily find the most cost-effective solutions.

Why are your prices always higher than everyone else's?

Many people who are looking for laser marking services for the first time have had the experience of finding that different companies will give them vastly different prices for the same job.The key to understanding this is to realize that the manufacturer has a different method of calculating costs.Below, we will look at the various factors that affect the ultimate price of a car.

The type of material determines the basic cost.

Metals and non-metals are very different.

For example, lasers for marking stainless steel and plastics have different power requirements, just as a truck and a car have different fuel consumption.Metal materials require machines with higher power, and naturally the electricity consumption goes up, so the price is 20-30 % higher.

Special coatings add to the price.

For materials like anodized aluminum, which have a coating, the parameters have to be adjusted repeatedly to ensure that the marking is clear.I once saw a master try eight times before he got the result he wanted.

Time is money.

You can't skimp on startup costs.

Even if the machine only operates for a minute, the company will charge a minimum fee of NT $ 30-50.This is like the initial price when you take a cab. After all, it takes time to warm up the equipment and input the files.They recommend that you wait until you have a large enough order to make it worthwhile.

The unit of measurement for billing is also important.

Some charge by the minute (NT $ 5-15 per minute), while others charge a flat rate by the hour.The important thing is to find out whether the time includes the time spent adjusting the machine. I once encountered a novice who had no experience, and he spent half an hour just adjusting the machine, and then charged for the total time.

The more complex the patterns, the more money it costs.

The density of the lines affects the speed.

Logos with large areas of color are much more expensive to reproduce than simple text.Another client designed a starry sky pattern, which was so dense that it slowed the marking speed to one-third of normal, and the client ended up paying double the usual fee.

Vector graphics can save money.

It's best to send the design in vector format (AI or CDR) to save the manufacturer the cost of re-drawing the design.Before, we charged NT $ 50 for a tracing, but now that customers bring their own vector files, we no longer charge them for the tracing.

Ask in advance about any hidden fees.

Processing fee.

This is often included in a quotation, especially when there is a need to change the size or format of the pattern.Once a friend was charged NT $ 80 for "technical processing," when in fact they had just used the software twice to enlarge the photo.

Extra for rush.

The difference in price between a normal three-day delivery and a same-day pickup can be as high as 40 %.It's better to plan ahead. Last week, one client insisted on rushing an order, and it turned out that the extra money we spent was enough to do an entire new batch.

After reading about all these things, next time you get a quote, remember to ask the following four questions: what materials will be used, how long it will take, the complexity of the design, and whether there are any extra expenses.If you understand these factors, you can be assured of finding a reliable and cost-effective laser marking service.