When buying laser-cut components, one of the most common questions is: “How much does laser cutting cost?”
It’s a fair question. Whether you’re a buyer in engineering, manufacturing, or product development, you need pricing that matches both your budget and your precision needs. At Stephens Gaskets, we’ve delivered affordable, high-precision laser cut parts for over 70 years.
This blog explains how laser cutting is priced in the UK, what factors affect the cost, and how to get a quick, accurate quote for your job.
What’s Included in a Laser Cutting Price?
Laser cutting services don’t just include cutting metal sheets. A standard quote often includes:
- Material sourcing
- Programming and setup
- The cutting time
- Finishing (e.g., deburring, countersinking)
- Packaging and delivery
At Stephens Gaskets, we always make sure your quote reflects what’s needed for a ready-to-use part, not just raw cutting.
Main Factors That Affect Laser Cutting Costs
1. Material Type
Different materials cost more to source and cut. For example:
- Mild steel is common and affordable.
- Stainless steel costs more due to strength and finish.
- Aluminium is lightweight but more reflective, which can affect cutting time.
We cut a wide range of materials, including brass, copper, aluminium, stainless steel, and shim foil.
2. Material Thickness
Thicker materials need more power and time to cut, increasing cost. Thinner foils are quicker but require precise handling.
If you’re unsure what thickness suits your application, we’ll recommend the best option for strength and price.
3. Part Complexity
Intricate designs take longer. A part with curves, holes, and internal cutouts requires more laser time and machine movement.
Simple designs = faster cutting = lower cost.
4. Volume of Parts
Laser cutting is ideal for both prototypes and full production. However, cost per unit drops significantly on high-volume jobs due to:
- Lower setup cost per part.
- Material savings through nesting.
- Streamlined finishing.
We offer discounts on bulk orders and regularly fulfil large scale contracts across the UK.
5. Tolerance Requirements
Tighter tolerances mean slower cutting and more checking. If your parts need extreme accuracy, it may increase labour time or require CNC finishing after cutting.
We meet industry-standard tolerances for aerospace, automotive, and industrial manufacturing.
6. Finishing Services
Need countersinking, drilling, tapping or bending?
Adding these services after cutting improves the final product – but they add time and cost.
We provide full post-cut processing in-house, meaning you won’t need a second supplier.
How to Get the Best Value from Your Laser Cutting Project
To maximise your return:
- Batch orders together to reduce setup costs.
- Ask us about standard sheet sizes to reduce waste.
- Choose standard tolerances unless otherwise needed.
- Provide clear, editable CAD files for quicker quoting.
- Let us advise on material if unsure.
How to Get a Fast Quote from Stephens Gaskets
Getting a quote is easy:
- Visit our Laser Cutting Contact Page
- Upload your drawing and specs
- Tell us your material, quantity, and deadline
- We’ll respond quickly with your price
We also provide prototypes and samples before full production if required.
Why Choose Stephens Gaskets?
- In-house cutting, finishing, and inspection.
- Quick turnaround and UK-based support.
- Competitive pricing with no hidden costs.
- Laser cutting experts since 1947.
- Trusted by automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing leaders.
We help businesses across the UK get high-quality, cut-to-spec parts – delivered on time, every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do you offer quotes for custom jobs?
Absolutely. Just send your drawing file (DXF, DWG, etc.) and we’ll give you a fast, tailored quote – often within the hour.
2. Do I pay more for express delivery?
Urgent jobs may cost more, depending on queue and capacity. Let us know your deadline – we’ll do everything we can to meet it.
3. Can I supply my own material?
Yes. If you have specific material requirements, we can cut from your own stock. This may reduce cost, but we’ll confirm it suits our equipment first.
Summary
So, how much does laser cutting cost?
It depends on several factors: material, design, volume, and finishing. But at Stephens Gaskets, we ensure every quote is:
- Transparent
- Competitive
- Delivered quickly
Need a precise answer for your next project? Let’s talk.
Call: +44 (0)121 544 5808
Email: sales@stephensgaskets.co.uk