Laser Cutting Cost Guide UK

Laser Cutting Cost Guide UK: What Affects Pricing and How to Plan Your Project
Call 0121 544 5808 Today



Bespoke Manufacturing

l

Instant Quote Service



Worldwide Delivery

R

Various Gauges/Thicknesses



Bespoke Manufacturing

l

Instant Quote Service



Worldwide Delivery

R

Various Gauges/Thicknesses

At Stephens Gaskets, we specialise in high-precision laser cutting services for engineering, manufacturing, and industrial clients across the UK.

As experts with decades of experience, we understand that one of the most common questions from customers is:

“How much does laser cutting cost?”

This guide provides a clear, accessible breakdown of the factors that influence Laser Cutting cost in the UK. We’ll also show you how to get a fast, tailored quote for your next project – whether it’s a one-off prototype or a large-scale production run.

What Determines the Cost of Laser Cutting?

Several factors impact the price of your laser cutting job. By understanding each one, you can optimise your design and budget more effectively.

1. Material Type

Different materials vary in price, cutting speed, and energy required.

Common materials we cut include:

Mild Steel (affordable and fast to cut).
Stainless Steel (requires more power and gas, thus higher cost).
Aluminium (reflective, needing specialised settings).
Brass and Copper (require fibre lasers for effective cutting).
Plastics (like acrylic or acetal; fast and lower-cost).
Technical Materials (mica, PTFE, laminates – priced case-by-case).

2. Material Thickness

Thicker materials take longer to cut and may require multiple passes.

For example:

<1mm sheet: fast and economical.
1-3mm sheet: moderate cost, standard cut time.
>5mm sheet: slower cut speeds, more expensive gases.

3. Part Complexity

Intricate shapes with many internal cut-outs or tight radii increase cutting time and setup. A simple disc will cost far less than a part with complex inner geometry.

Cutting path optimisation is part of our process, helping to reduce cost even on detailed parts.

4. Tolerances and Precision Requirements

Tighter tolerances (±0.05mm or better) may involve:

Slower cutting speeds.
Additional inspection and quality control.
Post-processing or deburring.

If you require highly accurate parts, such as for aerospace or electronics, expect a slight increase in cost due to added care in manufacturing.

5. Batch Size and Quantity

Laser cutting is ideal for both one-off prototypes and high-volume batch runs.

Unit price decreases significantly as quantity increases:

Quantity	Approx. Unit Cost (Mild Steel, 1mm, 50mm dia disc)
1	£15-20
10	£5-8 each
100	£1.50-3 each
1000+	Get in touch for volume pricing

6. Additional Services

Need more than just cutting?

Add-on services may include:

Deburring or edge polishing.
Plating or anodising.
Heat treatment.
Packaging and labelling.

These value-added services offer convenience but can affect the final cost.

How to Get a Custom Laser Cutting Quote

To get an accurate quote quickly, we recommend sharing:

A drawing (DXF, DWG, or PDF).
Material type and thickness.
Quantity.
Tolerance requirements.
Any surface treatments or finishing.

Email: sales@stephensgaskets.co.uk
Phone: +44 (0)121 544 5808

We usually respond to RFQs the same day, and often even on weekends. Our team can assist with technical queries, material recommendations, and cost-saving advice.

Cost Optimisation Tips for Laser Cutting Projects

Want to reduce your costs? Try the following:

Combine multiple parts on one sheet to minimise waste.
Use standard materials and thicknesses.
Avoid unnecessary cut-outs or internal features.
Tolerances: only specify tight ones where essential.

We’re happy to review your design and suggest changes that preserve function while reducing spend.

Typical Laser Cutting Costs by Material (Guide Prices)

Material	Thickness	Price Range (Per Unit)*	Notes
Mild Steel	1mm	£1-£5	Very economical, fast cutting
Stainless Steel	2mm	£2-£8	Requires inert gas, corrosion-resistant
Aluminium	3mm	£2-£10	Lightweight, harder to cut cleanly
Brass	1.5mm	£4-£12	Decorative and conductive
Acrylic (Clear)	3mm	£1.50-£6	Smooth edges, ideal for displays

*Approximate pricing for small-to-medium batches, subject to design complexity and finish.

Why Choose Stephens Gaskets for Laser Cutting?

At Stephens Gaskets, we combine engineering experience, precision, and service. As a UK manufacturer, we control every step in-house.

Over 70 years in component manufacturing.
Fast turnaround on prototypes and production runs.
ISO 9001:2015 certified quality systems.
Experts in metal and plastic cutting.
Value-added services in one place: bending, forming, finishing.

Whether you’re a product designer, purchasing manager or project engineer – our team helps you deliver quality parts on time and on budget.

FAQs

Can you supply just one part?

Yes – we regularly support one-off projects and prototypes.

What's your standard lead time?

For standard jobs: 2-5 working days. Urgent orders? We can priorities them.

Do you offer design support?

Yes. We’ll review your files for manufacturability and suggest improvements if needed.

What's the minimum order value?

Our minimum order value is typically £50, including setup.

Can you cut customer-supplied material?

Yes, but we’ll first assess suitability and flatness before proceeding.

Final Thoughts: Transparent, Expert Laser Cutting Cost Advice

Understanding Laser Cutting cost in the UK helps you plan better, reduce waste, and maximise performance. With Stephens Gaskets, you get more than just a cutting service – you get a manufacturing partner committed to quality, precision, and speed.

We don’t just quote – we help you optimise.

Get in Touch Today

Let’s cut your parts, not corners.

Looking for high-quality, competitively priced laser cutting services?

Contact Us

Call: 0121 544 5808 | Email: sales@stephensgaskets.co.uk

Laser Cutting Cost Guide UK