1. Material and thickness
Material is often the largest part of the price. Stainless steel costs more per kilogram than mild steel, and doubling thickness roughly doubles weight. Cost is set by the area of sheet a part uses, not just its outline, so awkward shapes that leave large offcuts cost more than their weight suggests.
2. Cutting time
- Total cut length: the outline plus every hole, slot and cut-out. A perforated panel can have many times the cut length of a plain plate.
- Thickness: thicker plate cuts more slowly, so cutting time rises with it.
- Pierces: every separate hole needs its own pierce. Hundreds of small holes add time even when cut length is short.
3. Nesting and quantity
Parts are nested together on a 1500 × 3000 mm sheet to use as much material as possible. Larger quantities nest more efficiently, and fixed costs such as programming and setup are spread across more parts. There is no minimum order, but the price per part almost always falls as quantity rises. Repeat orders help further, because the program and nest already exist.
4. Secondary operations
Bending, welding, drilling or turning, buffing and coating each add cost. Doing them in one facility avoids handling and transport between vendors, one of the easiest savings to make.
5. Drawing readiness
A clean DXF with a complete specification is priced quickly and cut without rework. A sketch or photo can still be priced, but if a production drawing has to be prepared first, that is a paid service. See preparing a DXF for laser cutting.
Reducing cost
- Use the thinnest material that works, and add stiffness with a bent flange or gussets.
- Simplify the outline. Fewer holes and simpler contours mean less cut length and fewer pierces.
- Combine operations with one supplier so parts are not moved between workshops.
- Order sensible batch sizes, or set up a repeat schedule.
- Send a complete drawing with material, thickness, quantity, finish and delivery location.
- Group shipments. Delivery across India is charged at actual cost.
Have a part to price? Upload the drawing on the contact page.