Is a Laser Cutter Truly Worth the Investment?

Companies that don't have a fiber laser cutting machine usually subcontract the work to one or a few job shops that have that capability. This situation doesn't involve a lot of risk, and if you have some flexibility with lead times, it can work.

But at some point, you have to ask yourself if it's time for your company to introduce laser cutting in-house. This must be considered even if the business relationship with the subcontractor is good.

How do you know if now is the right time to own a laser? See how much you spend on laser-cut parts each month. In the words of Henry Ford, "If you need a machine and don't buy it, you will eventually find that you paid for it and can't get it."

If you think operators will be able to keep up with manually loading sheets on a pallet system to feed a fiber laser, you might want to think again. The speed of modern fiber laser cutting machines requires manufacturers to think hard about what kind of material handling automation should accompany any new laser equipment.

Finding these answers will inform top management and even lenders about production savings and subsequent return on investment after the initial investment.

Answering these questions and obtaining a quote based on the feedback can be used to narrow your choice of fiber laser cutting machine supplier to two or three sources. From there you need to find the right model, ask the right questions during device demonstrations, and work hard to get an acceptable price. Remember, there are many important items to discuss in the final negotiations.

Purchasing such a machine can be a daunting task. That's why it might make sense to join industry associations, such as the Association of Manufacturers and Manufacturers, to network with manufacturing peers to learn from them, and even enlist the help of those who have already passed through or are familiar with this type of equipment purchasing. Such an effort may well prove worthwhile