How the Estimate Works

Every number in the calculator comes from four inputs: a speed table, your machine rate, the assist gas, and a fixed allowance for consumables, labor and setup.

1. Cut speed

Speed is taken from a table of typical fiber laser cut speeds by material and thickness, defined at a 3 kW reference power. The table is interpolated linearly between points. Power scaling factors approximate the effect of different power levels: 1.5 kW ×0.55, 2 kW ×0.75, 3 kW ×1.0, 6 kW ×1.45, 12 kW ×1.7.

2. Machine time and cost

Cutting time (minutes) = cut length (m) ÷ speed (m/min). Machine cost = cutting time × your hourly rate ÷ 60. Your hourly rate should include depreciation, electricity, maintenance and floor space — the cost per hour guide on the main site breaks this down.

3. Assist gas

Gas cost is charged per cutting hour: oxygen for mild steel is cheap (about $4/hour), high-purity nitrogen for stainless and aluminum is the largest variable (about $18/hour), copper about $22/hour. If you cut with air or compressed air, replace the gas rate with your compressor cost.

4. Consumables, labor and setup

Consumables (nozzles, protective lenses, electricity share) are estimated at $3 per cutting hour. Labor is applied at 40% of machine time at $28/hour, reflecting one operator tending several machines. Setup adds $4 per part, divided by batch size.

What is not included

Piercing time, nesting gaps, head travel between parts, material handling, and post-processing (deburring, passivation) are not included. For a full job quote, add these based on your own shop data.

Want the full picture on laser cutting economics? Read the cost per hour guide on ProLaserCutting.