How much does a laser cutting machine cost now?

In today's highly competitive processing market, many enterprises are seeking efficient and precise cutting equipment, and benchtop laser cutting machines have become a key focus for many businesses. Among them, the question of "how much does a benchtop laser cutting machine cost?" is the core concern for customers, as price directly influences purchasing decisions. Currently, the market is filled with various benchtop laser cutting machines, with prices ranging widely from as low as 50,000 RMB advertised by some manufacturers to far beyond ordinary budgets, with common prices around 80,000 RMB. Next, we will take the 3000W, 3m×1.5m fiber laser cutting machine, which is widely used in the metal processing industry, as an example to deeply analyze the significant differences in equipment configurations across different price ranges.

Low-Priced Equipment (50,000–80,000 RMB): Seemingly Affordable, but Hidden Risks

For benchtop laser cutting machines priced at 50,000–80,000 RMB in the market, configurations often involve compromises. Starting with the basic bed frame, it typically weighs only 500–800 kg, constructed from ordinary carbon steel through welding without undergoing critical aging treatment. This leads to easy deformation of the bed frame during long-term high-intensity use. Once deformed, cutting accuracy is inevitably compromised, making such equipment unsuitable for processing orders with strict precision requirements.

In terms of lasers, many use little-known small-brand lasers. These small-brand lasers have serious power overrating issues; for example, a nominal 3000W laser may actually output less than 2000W. In terms of service life, normal well-known brand lasers can last approximately 100,000 hours, while lasers on low-priced equipment may only last 50,000 hours. Stability is also poor, with obvious fluctuations in cutting accuracy and frequent defects such as burrs and breakpoints on the cutting surface, severely affecting processing quality.

The control system is mostly low-end domestic or open-source. Such systems have extremely limited functions, lacking advanced features that enhance processing efficiency and safety, such as automatic typesetting and intelligent collision avoidance. Moreover, their response speed is slow, the operation interface is simple and crude, and troubleshooting is extremely difficult when equipment malfunctions, greatly impacting production progress. However, for small workshops with low processing precision requirements, small order volumes, and limited budgets, such equipment may meet basic processing needs in the short term.

Mid-Range Equipment (100,000–200,000 RMB): Balanced Performance, Cost-Effective Choice

Benchtop laser cutting machines in the 100,000–200,000 RMB price range significantly excel in configuration and performance. The bed frame is generally made of high-quality steel and undergoes a series of professional treatment processes, typically weighing 1–1.5 tons. Such a sturdy bed frame structure ensures stability during cutting, thereby guaranteeing cutting accuracy and meeting the precision requirements of most conventional processing tasks.

For lasers, domestic well-known brands such as Raycus and Chuangxin are often selected. These brand lasers have stable power output and good cutting performance, meeting the daily needs of general production enterprises in both cutting speed and incision quality. They also perform well in service life, eliminating the need for frequent laser replacements and reducing post-use costs.

The control system typically employs mainstream domestic brands such as Bechamp and Jiaqiang. These systems have basic automation functions; for example, simple typesetting functions can reasonably utilize materials and reduce waste, while cutting parameter presets allow operators to quickly set appropriate parameters for different materials and thicknesses. The operation is relatively convenient, and the equipment failure rate is low, significantly improving production efficiency. For most small and medium-sized processing enterprises, such equipment is highly cost-effective, meeting production needs while remaining within affordable price ranges.

High-End Brand Equipment (Above 250,000 RMB): Excellent Quality, Comprehensive Protection

Take the well-known domestic brand Han's Laser 3015 3000W platform fiber laser cutting machine as an example, with a new machine price of approximately 300,000 RMB. Such high-end equipment demonstrates superior quality in all aspects. The bed frame uses top-grade materials and advanced manufacturing processes, with a solid overall structure and excellent stability, easily adapting to high-speed and high-precision cutting operations while maintaining stable cutting accuracy even during long-term heavy loads.

In the laser section, most are self-developed or produced in collaboration with international top brands. For example, Han's Laser's self-developed lasers have sufficient power, high stability, and excellent cutting quality, enabling high-quality cutting of various metal materials, from common carbon steel and stainless steel to more challenging aluminum alloys. The cut surface is smooth and flat, requiring almost no secondary processing.

The control system is a self-developed high-end numerical control system with extremely powerful functions. It not only supports complex graphic cutting but also has intelligent path planning capabilities, automatically optimizing cutting paths based on graphic shapes and material properties to greatly reduce cutting time and improve processing efficiency. The operation interface is user-friendly, easy to learn, and maintain, allowing even novice operators to master it quickly after simple training.

In terms of after-sales service, high-end brand equipment also has distinct advantages. Take Han's Laser as an example, with a nationwide after-sales service network that provides timely and professional technical support and maintenance services. In case of equipment failure, the after-sales team can arrive on-site for repairs within 48 hours, minimizing downtime and strongly guaranteeing smooth production. For large enterprises with extremely high requirements for product quality, processing efficiency, and equipment stability, or those engaged in high-end precision processing, high-end brand equipment, despite its high price, is undoubtedly the best choice from the perspective of long-term operations and brand image maintenance.

Low-priced equipment on the market for 50,000–80,000 RMB may barely meet basic processing needs in the short term, but in the long run, frequent core component failures and low processing efficiency will lead to a sharp increase in hidden costs. As the saying goes, "good medicine tastes bitter but benefits the disease." Although first-tier brand equipment like Han's Laser poses significant procurement pressure for some start-ups with limited funds, it is an excellent choice for large enterprises that focus on brand image building and pursue ultimate product quality. However, considering that the impact of the current trade war has not yet dissipated and the market environment remains uncertain, mid-range equipment is more advantageous. With high cost-effectiveness, it can meet the general production needs of most enterprises and has a wide adaptation range, making it a wise choice for most enterprises to purchase benchtop laser cutting machines in the current market environment. So, after the above analysis, do you have a clearer idea of how to choose a benchtop laser cutting machine?