2023 Most Affordable Laser Cutting Machines for Every Budget

Overview

Laser cutter is a type of numerical controlled machine tool that uses the thermal energy of laser beam to cut materials into parts of desired shape. Laser cutting is a process that transmits a focused high-density laser beam to the material through the optical path system, uses the thermal energy generated by the beam to melt and evaporate the material, and then blows away the slag with high-pressure working gas. With the relative movement of the laser head and the workpiece, your pre-drawn patterns or lines will be cut out in minutes.

Choosing a laser cutting machine for your unique cuts requires that you consider some important things including cutting materials, laser powers, table sizes, speed, precision, features, capabilities, costs and budgets. By evaluating each option, you can easily find and buy the best one to meet your business needs.

If you're looking for a laser that can handle every material from wood to metal without driving you crazy in the process, the hybrid laser is the most popular one to get. It stands out from the competition with its multiple abilities and user-friendly controller than other cutters we've tried. Just be aware that this type of cutter can't cut thicker metals, if you need that feature, look to our fiber and CO2 laser combo cutter.

Some people just need a cheap laser for hobby use with wood, acrylic, plastic, fabric, leather, foam and paper. For them, we recommend the primary CO2 laser cutter. This type of cutting tool is easy to use and compatible with almost all major software.

For an industrial manufacturer with more accurate metal fabrication needs, the fiber laser cutting machine is a worthwhile upgrade over our other picks. It can cut more quickly and more reliably than hybrid lasers, and produce more precisely metal cuts for thicker sheet metals, as well as round & square tubes and shaped pipes.

Features

• Non-contact optical thermal cutting tool with small spot, high energy density, fast cutting speed, good quality and high precision.

• Narrow kerf, smooth cutting surface, no damage to the workpiece.

• Unaffected by the shape of the workpiece and the hardness of the cutting material.

• Easily cut from metals to non-metals, as well as some composite materials.

• Dieless cutting to save mold investment, and costs of material and production.

• Computer control, CNC programming, high degree of automation with optional automatic loading and unloading, automatic edge inspection, and visual cutting system.

• Simple and safe operation, stable performance, high adaptability and flexibility.

• User-friendly laser software is easy to use for both beginners and experts.

• Clean, safe, environmentally friendly, non-polluting, low noise, not susceptible to electromagnetic interference.

Pricing & Cost

Whether you're interested in new or used laser cutter prices, we're here to tell you what you should expect to pay for your next laser, and give you a real look at what it should cost, and help you get a fair price.

How Much Does It Cost?

The average purchase cost of a laser cutter is around $5,600. A smaller one designed for hobbyists and home shops starts at $3,200, and larger models made for commercial uses will be worth $10,000. while the prices of the professional industrial types used for smart manufacturing companies creep closer to $50,000.

The cost of a laser cutting machine usually consists of a laser generator with different powers, bed frame, controller and cooling system, where the level of laser power often leads to huge price fluctuations. Other than that, it costs little to use and maintain.

Buying Guide

How to buy a used or new laser cutter? You should know everything from what you need to what you can afford. We break it down for you, in 7 easy-to-follow steps. The buying process is not complicated. However, this can be time-consuming and sometimes frustrating. Use the comprehensive buying steps we share below to save you time and peace of mind in the process.

Step 1 – Research Option

Many people shop for laser cutters based on how the machine looks or what it's familiar with. Rather than buying the same type of laser you've been using, it might be wiser to make a list of the features you're looking for and then do some research. Really think about what you need and what you want.

Step 2 – Find Financing

Once you know what you're looking for, consider whether you want to purchase new or used, or whether you want to buy or lease. Based on your income and credit, which financing options are realistic for you? Do not borrow more money than you can easily repay. Your credit score will directly affect the loan interest rate you will pay.

Step 3 – Take Your Time

Now that you have a better idea of your price range, start shopping around to choose options and dealer incentives for your particular laser cutter. Don't impulsively buy the first machine you see. It's best to have some patience and determine your options.

Be wary of dealers who make you feel rushed to buy something. Shop online as well as in person - this can help you compare prices on similar models. Google Shopping and Amazon Online can help determine the value of a laser cutting machine.

Step 4 – Negotiate

Once you've found a laser cutting machine you're happy with, you might want to try and negotiate a price that you think is fair. You are under no obligation to accept any offer – be polite, but stick to the price you pre-determined from your budget. You can let the reseller know that you are shopping around with other resellers or sellers.

If you know your budget and prices, you can shop around and let other sellers know what you're offering so they have a chance to beat your competitors' prices.

Another option is to buy from a private seller, but be aware that these deals will not come with any warranty or service support.

Step 5 – Take Precautions

After choosing a laser machine, take the time to go through all the paperwork and be sure to make test cuts. This is a big decision and you should go at your own pace.

Step 6 – Determine Your Payment

You can pay directly via PayPal or bank transfer, or you can complete the payment through a loan, it all depends on your financial ability. Also, be aware of additional terms that the dealer may add at the end, such as "extended warranty."

Step 7 – Consider Your Other Costs

Your total amount will include the cost of the machine plus everything else: shipping, customs clearance, warranty, service and support.

Make sure you have added all potential costs to your budget. Once everything looks good, you're ready to buy a laser cutter.

By doing your research, knowing exactly how much you can afford for a laser cutting machine, and taking your time, you can turn the buying experience into an enjoyable one.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

• High precision for fine cutting of quality parts and tooling.

• Faster than traditional mechanical cutting and plasma cutting.

• Small heat-affected zone, not easy to cause material deformation.

• The incision is smooth and clean, and no follow-up treatment is required.

• High cost performance with low use and maintenance costs.

• Stable performance ensures continuous cutting in industrial manufacturing.

• Capable of cutting various complex shapes and contours.

• Easy to cut both plates and pipes, as well as some special profiles.

• High degree of automation, faster response and richer functions.

• Laser cutting is a non-contact manufacturing process, where the machine tool does not require physical contact with the equipment, and cutting does not require any operator intervention. After setting the parameters of the control system, the laser cutting equipment no longer needs manual control, which can avoid the occurrence of safety accidents to the greatest extent.

• A smart laser cutting system can intelligently typesetting with one button, optimizing and improving the utilization rate of materials. Common edge cutting, disc centering can maximize the use of materials, reduce unnecessary material waste and save manual typesetting time, and improve cutting efficiency.

Disadvantages

• Limited Materials

Fiber laser can only be used to cut metal materials, CO2 laser is professional for cutting non-metal materials, but it does not perform well in cutting metal materials except some individual thin metal sheets.

• Limited Thickness & Speed

The laser cut thickness and speed depends on the laser power. Thicker materials require higher power laser generators, resulting in higher initial investment costs.

• Noxious Fume Generation

A laser cutting machine is a thermal cutting tool that causes the material to melt and evaporate, and produce harmful fumes, so an exhaust fan is essential.

• Harmful To Eyes

Optical fiber and CO2 laser are easy to cause damage to human eyes due to their short wavelength. The operators should wear special protective glasses to reduce injuries.