A 12kW fiber laser cutting machine is significantly more expensive than a 6kW model, typically 30-40% higher in price. However, the higher power allows for much faster cutting speeds, especially on thicker materials.
Speed and Productivity
A 12kW laser can cut through 1.125 inch (28.5mm) thick steel plates at up to 150 m/min (492 ft/min), which is up to 3 times faster than a 6kW laser for thick materials.
Processing time can be reduced by up to 50% compared to lower power lasers due to the higher cutting speeds.
The high acceleration of nearly 2.5G enabled by the rigid machine design further increases productivity.
Cost Justification
The higher upfront cost of a 12kW laser may be justified for production environments with high volumes of thick plate cutting where the increased throughput can provide a quicker return on investment.
For lower production volumes or thinner materials, a 6kW laser may be more cost-effective as it can run continuously without the higher capital expense.
Other factors like material handling, secondary operations, and overall manufacturing process capabilities also need to be evaluated to fully utilize the higher output rates of a 12kW laser.
In summary, while a 12kW fiber laser costs significantly more upfront, the exceptional speed and productivity gains on thick materials can make it an economical choice for high-volume cutting of thick plates in a production environment designed to take advantage of the increased throughput