Running Cost of Laser Cutting Machines

1. Cost and Time Analysis for 1mm Stainless Steel Cutting: A Comparative Study

This analysis compares the production costs and time cycles for cutting 50,000 meters of 1mm stainless steel using three different laser cutting systems. The comparison focuses on the actual cutting process, excluding sheet punching time, positioning movements, and loading/unloading operations due to their minimal impact on overall efficiency comparisons and variability between enterprises.

1. Fiber Laser 2000W

Production Time: 50,000 meters ÷ 20 meters/minute ÷ 60 minutes = 41.7 hours ≈ 5 working days
Total Cost: 41.7 hours × (27.8 yuan + 70 yuan) ≈ 4,078 yuan

2. CO2 Laser 3000W

Production Time: 50,000 meters ÷ 8 meters/minute ÷ 60 minutes = 104.2 hours ≈ 13 working days
Total Cost: 104.2 hours × (63.5 yuan + 70 yuan) ≈ 13,911 yuan

3. CO2 Laser 2000W

Production Time: 50,000 meters ÷ 6.5 meters/minute ÷ 60 minutes = 128.2 hours ≈ 16 working days
Total Cost: 128.2 hours × (50.5 yuan + 70 yuan) ≈ 15,488 yuan

This comparison clearly demonstrates the superior efficiency of the 2000W fiber laser system for cutting 1mm stainless steel, offering significantly reduced production time and lower overall costs compared to both CO2 laser alternatives. The fiber laser completes the job in approximately one-third the time of the 3000W CO2 laser and at less than one-third of the cost, highlighting the importance of selecting the appropriate cutting technology for specific materials and thicknesses in metal fabrication processes.

2. Cost and Time Analysis for 2mm Stainless Steel Cutting: A Comparative Study

To illustrate the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of different cutting methods, let’s analyze the production of 50,000 meters of 2mm stainless steel using various laser cutting technologies. This example provides insights into capital expenditure and time investment for high-volume production.

Production Parameters:

• Material: 2mm stainless steel
• Total length: 50,000 meters
• Comparison basis: Horizontal efficiency and cost
• Note: Loading/unloading times and short punching cycles are excluded due to variability among enterprises

1. Fiber Laser (2000W)

Cutting speed: 8.5 meters/minute
Total processing time: 50,000 m ÷ 8.5 m/min ÷ 60 min = 98 hours ≈ 12 working days
Operating cost: 27.8 yuan/hour
Labor cost: 70 yuan/hour
Total cost: 98 hours × (27.8 yuan + 70 yuan) ≈ 9,588 yuan

2. CO2 Laser (3000W)

Cutting speed: 4.5 meters/minute
Total processing time: 50,000 m ÷ 4.5 m/min ÷ 60 min = 185.2 hours ≈ 23 working days
Operating cost: 63.5 yuan/hour
Labor cost: 70 yuan/hour
Total cost: 185.2 hours × (63.5 yuan + 70 yuan) ≈ 24,724 yuan

3. CO2 Laser (2000W)

Cutting speed: 3 meters/minute
Total processing time: 50,000 m ÷ 3 m/min ÷ 60 min = 277.8 hours ≈ 34.7 working days
Operating cost: 50.5 yuan/hour
Labor cost: 70 yuan/hour
Total cost: 277.8 hours × (50.5 yuan + 70 yuan) ≈ 33,475 yuan

Analysis:

1. Time Efficiency: The fiber laser system demonstrates superior cutting speed, completing the job in just 12 working days compared to 23 and 34.7 days for the CO2 systems.
2. Cost-effectiveness: Despite having a lower power rating, the fiber laser proves to be the most economical option, with a total cost of 9,588 yuan, less than half the cost of the 3000W CO2 laser.
3. Energy Efficiency: The fiber laser’s lower operating cost (27.8 yuan/hour) indicates better energy efficiency compared to both CO2 systems.
4. Production Capacity: The significant time savings of the fiber laser system allow for higher production volumes and faster turnaround times, potentially increasing overall factory output.
5. Technology Comparison: This analysis clearly shows the advantages of fiber laser technology over traditional CO2 lasers for thin stainless steel cutting, even when compared to higher-powered CO2 systems.

Conclusion:
For high-volume production of 2mm stainless steel components, the 2000W fiber laser system offers the best balance of speed, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Its superior performance justifies the potentially higher initial investment, especially for businesses focused on thin sheet metal fabrication.

3. Operation cost analysis table

4. Operating efficiency (taking 1~4mm thickness as an example)