Laser Cutting & Manufacturing Guides
Comprehensive reference library for laser cutting professionals. Master cost calculation, optimize processes, and improve quality with our in-depth technical guides.
Data-Driven
Industry benchmarks, real-world measurements, and validated formulas you can trust
Actionable
Step-by-step instructions, reference tables, and examples for immediate application
Comprehensive
Cover all aspects from cost structure to finishing operations with cross-linked content
Recommended learning paths
Beginner path: cost fundamentals
Start here if you are new to laser cutting cost analysis and want a clear picture of how hourly rates and material usage drive job pricing.
- 1. Hourly cost structure – understand depreciation, labor, energy, and overhead.
- 2. Kerf width vs thickness & nozzle – see how kerf and compensation affect material utilization.
- 3. Finishing time cheat sheet – account for deburring, cleaning, and inspection time.
Approximate time: ~30 minutes. Outcome: understand full job costing from hourly rate to finished part.
Advanced path: process optimization
Use this path if you already know your cost structure and want to reduce cycle time and waste without sacrificing quality.
- 1. Piercing strategy – compare standard, soft, and ramp piercing for high-hole-count parts.
- 2. Kerf width reference – fine-tune kerf compensation and nesting assumptions.
- 3. Hourly cost structure – close the loop with updated shop rates and overhead once improvements are in place.
Approximate time: ~40 minutes. Outcome: identify where to focus to cut cost and time rather than guessing which lever matters most.
Complete Guide Library
Hourly Cost Structure: Complete Reference
Master laser cutting hourly rate calculation with comprehensive breakdown of all cost components: equipment depreciation, labor, energy, maintenance, and overhead allocation.
What You'll Learn:
- ✓Equipment depreciation calculation
- ✓Direct labor cost with benefits
- ✓Energy consumption & costs
- ✓Maintenance & consumables
- ✓Facility & overhead allocation
- ✓Real-world cost examples
Related calculators:
Piercing Strategy: Time & Quality Trade-offs
Compare standard, soft, and ramp piercing strategies. Learn when to optimize for speed vs. quality, reduce nozzle wear, and minimize cycle time in high-hole-count parts.
What You'll Learn:
- ✓Standard vs soft vs ramp piercing
- ✓Pierce time by material & thickness
- ✓Nozzle life optimization
- ✓Cost impact of pierce strategy
- ✓Quality vs speed trade-offs
- ✓Real-world optimization examples
Related calculators:
Kerf Width vs. Thickness & Nozzle
Practical reference tables for laser cutting kerf width across materials, thicknesses, and nozzle sizes. Master kerf compensation for dimensional accuracy and optimal nesting.
What You'll Learn:
- ✓Kerf width reference tables
- ✓Material & thickness impact
- ✓Nozzle diameter selection
- ✓CAM software compensation
- ✓Dimensional accuracy tips
- ✓How to measure actual kerf
Related calculators:
Post-Cut Finishing Time Cheat Sheet
Quick reference for deburring, cleaning, and finishing time estimates. Compare manual vs automated methods and understand the true cost of post-processing operations.
What You'll Learn:
- ✓Deburring methods comparison
- ✓Time estimates by cut quality
- ✓Manual vs automated finishing
- ✓Cleaning & surface treatment
- ✓Packaging & inspection time
- ✓Real-world cost impact analysis
Related calculators:
Put Knowledge Into Practice
Each guide is paired with interactive calculators and tools. Apply what you learn immediately to optimize your operations and improve profitability.
Step-by-Step Tutorials
Practical, hands-on tutorials for common laser cutting workflows and optimization tasks.
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Latest trends, case studies, and best practices from the laser cutting and manufacturing industry.
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