Metal Material Costs Reference
Current pricing guide for common laser cutting materials
Note: Prices shown are approximate wholesale/distributor prices as of 2024 Q4. Actual prices vary by supplier, quantity, location, and market conditions. Always get current quotes.
Material Price Comparison
| Material | Price/kg | Price/lb | Density | Key Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mild Steel (A36) | $0.80-1.20 | $0.36-0.54 | 7.85 g/cm3 | Structural parts, brackets, general fabrication |
| Stainless Steel 304 | $3.50-5.50 | $1.59-2.50 | 8.00 g/cm3 | Food equipment, medical devices, marine |
| Stainless Steel 316 | $5.00-7.50 | $2.27-3.40 | 8.00 g/cm3 | Chemical processing, marine, medical |
| Aluminum 5052 | $3.00-4.50 | $1.36-2.04 | 2.68 g/cm3 | Enclosures, panels, marine applications |
| Aluminum 6061 | $3.20-4.80 | $1.45-2.18 | 2.70 g/cm3 | Aerospace, automotive, structural |
| Copper C110 | $9.00-12.00 | $4.08-5.44 | 8.96 g/cm3 | Electrical components, heat exchangers |
| Brass (C260) | $6.50-9.00 | $2.95-4.08 | 8.53 g/cm3 | Decorative parts, fittings, musical instruments |
Prices reflect bulk purchasing (full sheets) as an example. Small-quantity or rush orders are often priced higher per unit; check your supplier's actual breakpoints and surcharges.
How to Calculate Material Cost
Step-by-step guide to estimating material costs for your project
Step 1: Calculate Sheet Weight
Formula: Weight (kg) = Area (m^2) x Thickness (m) x Density (kg/m3)
Example: 4x8 ft mild steel, 3 mm thick
- Area: 1.22 m x 2.44 m = 2.98 m^2
- Thickness: 3 mm = 0.003 m
- Density: 7,850 kg/m3 (mild steel)
- Weight = 2.98 x 0.003 x 7,850 = 70.1 kg
Step 2: Apply Material Price
Multiply weight by price per kg from supplier quote or reference table.
Example: 70.1 kg x $1.00/kg = $70.10 base cost
Step 3: Add Waste Factor
Account for nesting inefficiency, edge trim, and scrap when moving from base sheet price to quoted part cost.
Historical data or the Material Utilization calculator can help you choose a waste factor that matches your own part mix; simple rectangular parts usually have lower waste than intricate shapes or very small parts on large sheets.
Example: $70.10 x 1.25 (a 25% waste factor) = $87.63 total material cost in this scenario
Step 4: Consider Quantity Discounts
- 1-5 sheets: Often priced close to retail in many catalogs.
- 6-20 sheets: Some suppliers offer modest discounts at this volume.
- 21-50 sheets: Larger runs may qualify for more favorable pricing.
- 50+ sheets: Negotiated or contract pricing is common at this scale.
Common Sheet Sizes
| Sheet Size | Area (m²) | Area (ft²) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4' x 8' (1220 x 2440 mm) | 2.98 m² | 32 ft² | Most common, standard stock |
| 5' x 10' (1525 x 3050 mm) | 4.65 m² | 50 ft² | Large parts, better nesting |
| 6' x 12' (1830 x 3660 mm) | 6.70 m² | 72 ft² | High-volume production |
Unit Conversion & Stock Allocation
Translate supplier quotes between weight, area, and sheet counts.
Weight conversions
- kg = lb / 2.2046
- lb = kg x 2.2046
- kg per m^2 = Density (kg/m3) x Thickness (m)
Use kg/m^2 when comparing alloys or quoting by part area.
Sheet allocation checklist
- Parts per sheet = usable area / part area.
- Reserve 15-25 mm trim for clamps and edge quality.
- Record heat/lot numbers for traceability and audits.
Feed the resulting yield and scrap value into the Material Utilization calculator to quantify savings inside quotes and cost reports.
Material Selection Tips
Cost vs. Performance Trade-offs
Do not over-specify materials. If mild steel meets your requirements, upgrading to stainless will usually increase material cost significantly. In some applications, coating mild steel can achieve needed corrosion resistance at lower total cost than switching alloys—compare your actual coating and material quotes rather than relying on generic multipliers.
Thickness Selection
Thicker is not always better. A 3mm part is 50% heavier (and more expensive) than 2mm. Use structural analysis to determine minimum required thickness. Common mistake: specifying 6mm when 3mm with proper design (ribs, bends) would suffice.
Material Availability
Standard thicknesses (1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm) are usually easier to source and often priced more favorably. Odd thicknesses (such as 2.5mm or 3.5mm) may require special order and can carry different pricing or lead times. When possible, confirm availability and pricing with your suppliers and design around sizes that fit their standard stock.
Buy vs. Shop Supply
Laser cutting shops generally add a margin to material to cover handling, storage, and risk. For one-off projects, shop-supplied material is often the simplest option. For higher-volume runs, buying directly from a metal distributor can reduce material cost—but be sure to account for delivery, storage, minimum order quantities, and internal handling when you compare scenarios.
Material Price Trends & Factors
Global Commodity Markets
Steel and aluminum prices track global commodity indices. Check LME (London Metal Exchange) for aluminum and iron ore futures to anticipate price movements.
Energy Costs
Metal production is energy-intensive. Natural gas and electricity price increases directly impact material costs, especially for aluminum (requires significant electricity for smelting).
Supply Chain Disruptions
Transportation costs, port congestion, and trade policies affect prices. Domestic material may cost more but offers supply security and faster delivery.
Seasonal Demand
Construction and manufacturing demand peaks in spring/summer. Prices typically 10-15% lower in Q4/Q1. Consider timing large material purchases for off-season savings.
Quoting Workflow Checklist
Keep pricing data synchronized across calculators and exports.
- 1. Capture supplier inputs. Save sheet price, alloy, thickness, currency, and minimum order inside your sourcing log so every quote references the same baseline.
- 2. Convert yield. Use the Material Utilization calculator to translate part geometry into sheets consumed, waste percentage, and scrap resale.
- 3. Push cost downstream. Feed the per-part material cost into the Laser Cutting calculator or Price per Meter tool to validate profit targets before presenting a quote.