Outsourcing Laser Cutting? Here's How To Save Money
If you are going to be hiring a machine shop to help you with laser cutting, then you might be wondering about how much it will cost. The cost will vary based on the specifics of your project and the shop that you hire, but luckily, there are a few ways that you can cut costs. These are a few ways that you can save money when outsourcing laser cutting projects.
Keep Designs Simple
Laser cutting technology is fascinating, and it can be surprising just how intricate your designs can be. However, this does not mean that you should go wild with your design, especially not if you are trying to keep costs low. Just remember that the more complicated the design is, the more you will probably have to pay for your laser cutting project. This does not mean that you shouldn't design your project as you want it, but you may want to avoid unnecessarily complicated design elements so that you can keep costs reasonable.
Avoid Double Lines
Before submitting your project and your design, make sure that you look it over for any overlapping or double lines. These might not seem like a big deal, and it might seem as if your project will come out the right way anyway, but the problem is that if there are double lines, the laser will go over the same areas twice. This results in longer run times and more expensive bills to go along with your project. Eliminating double lines will prevent the laser from doing extra work on the same project and will therefore save you money.
Choose a Thinner Material
When choosing a material for your laser cutting project, consider going with a thinner material. Obviously, you won't want to go with something that is too thin. However, the thinner the material, the more quickly and easily the laser will be able to move through it. This means that the job can be completed more quickly, which means that you won't have to pay for as much run time. Plus, along with saving you money on the laser cutting itself, choosing a thinner material will often save you money in material costs, too.
If you would like to have your laser cutting project done by a professional machine shop like Garelick Steel, you might be wondering how much your project will cost. Luckily, following these simple tips can help you cut costs considerably while having your project done in the way that you want it.