Piercing Time & Cost Estimator
Quantify piercing time and costs, then compare shop-specific process scenarios.
Input Parameters
Piercing Summary
Time / Pierce
0.500 s
Total Piercing Time
0.17 min
Total Cost
$0.26
Labor Cost
$0.17
Gas Cost
$0.06
Equipment Cost
$0.04
Strategy Comparison
| Strategy | Time / Pierce (s) | Total Time (min) | Difference from lowest modeled time |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Pressure (Standard) | 0.500 | 0.17 | 0.0% |
| Ramped (Low Splatter) | 0.575 | 0.19 | 11.8% |
| Low Power (Delicate) | 0.650 | 0.22 | 29.4% |
| Pulsed (Thick Material) | 0.700 | 0.23 | 35.3% |
Comparison rows are calculated from the current inputs and internal strategy model. They are not machine benchmarks.
Pierce Count Review
Before changing a quote or part design, compare the entered hole count with the CAM file, nest report, controller log, and first-article inspection record.
- Record which holes require full pierce cycles and which can use an approved edge start.
- Re-run the estimator with each actual design alternative instead of applying a fixed reduction.
- Keep routing changes tied to quality approval, not just modeled cost or time movement.
Use when: perforated parts, thick sections, and jobs where pierce time can dominate cycle cost.
Modeled pierce input: Pierce time depends on the material record, cut chart, program routine, gas setup, and measured first article. Validate the modeled result against controller logs or timed samples before quoting.
Quote workflow
Carry reviewed pierce time into the cycle model
Use the measured pierce result with the quick cycle-time check, then carry the reviewed time into the full laser quote.
How piercing time is estimated
The estimator combines material, thickness, pierce count, strategy, quality target, gas, and shop cost inputs into a cycle and cost estimate.
Total pierce time = number of pierces × modeled seconds per pierce. Total cost then adds labor, gas, and equipment components from the entered rates.
Pierce routines depend on the controller, cut chart, gas setup, and geometry. Validate the result against controller logs or a timed first article.