Why is cutting small parts more expensive than cutting standard parts?

With small parts, technical complexity, precise machine setup, machine running time, quality control and the operator's work all play a major role. That is why cutting small-format sheet metal parts can be more expensive than laser cutting of standard-format sheets.

The price is not only about material

When a customer searches for terms such as laser cutting price, laser cutting price list, laser cutting quote or free laser cutting quote, they often expect a simple calculation based on the size of the part. In practice, however, the price also includes preparing and checking the DXF file, setting the cutting parameters, choosing the technology, machine time, the operator's work and the inspection of the finished parts. A small part may take up little space on the sheet, but producing it can require more attention and more time.

More precise machine setup

With technologies such as CNC laser cutting, CNC metal cutting with a laser, laser separation, metal laser cutting or fiber laser metal cutting, the correct machine setup is decisive. With small parts, every millimetre matters. Even a slight deviation can affect a hole, an edge, the shape or the functionality of the part.

The laser power, cutting speed, gas pressure, nozzle position, the beam's lead-in and lead-out and even the order in which the contours are cut must therefore all be set precisely. This kind of laser machining requires experience, concentration and technical preparation.

A slower and more demanding process

Even though modern technology makes high-speed cutting of various materials possible, small parts are often cut more slowly. The reasons are short cutting lines, small holes, internal cut-outs, narrow sections and more complex geometry. During this kind of production the laser changes direction more often, slows down and repeatedly starts a new cut. That is why laser burning of sheet metal, laser burning into sheet metal, laser burning, burning with a laser or laser cutting can be more time-consuming for small parts than for larger, simpler shapes.

More manual work and inspection

Small metal parts require more manual work. The operator has to check the file, the layout of the parts on the sheet, the machine setup, the cut quality and the finished parts. After cutting, the parts need to be removed, counted, sorted and prepared for the customer.

With small parts there is a greater risk that a part will shift, get lost among the offcuts or be damaged during handling. Greater care throughout the entire production process is therefore essential.

Price and quality of production

In professional production, precision, a clean cut, the correct setup of the technology and repeatable quality are what count. Professional laser cutting, 2D laser cutting, fiber laser cutting, CO2 laser cutting, laser cutting of metals or laser cutting of materials must all be set up according to the specific material, thickness and geometry of the part.

A small part can be more expensive above all when it has many holes, small internal cut-outs, narrow sections, a complex shape, thin material or high precision requirements.

How to order laser cutting

At LASERCUT you can order laser cutting online. Simply upload your DXF file and choose the material, the thickness and the number of pieces, and the system will then calculate the price of your order. We offer sheet metal laser cutting, laser cutting of sheet metal, sheet metal separation, laser cutting of non-ferrous metals, laser burning, burning with a laser and the precise manufacture of metal parts to the customer's requirements.

The price of small parts therefore does not come from their size alone. It reflects the technical complexity, the machine time, the operator's work and the quality control involved. LASERCUT — precise laser cutting of sheet metal and custom laser cutting.