Cost per Square Inch?

[ArturoV]

Does anybody have an idea of what the rates are for laser engraving/cutting per square inch? I am trying to figure out what a good rate to charge. Thanks.

[lamicron]

I charge it for minute of machine work, most of my competitors do the same, as the machine simulate and give you the time for the job made,

[ArturoV]

That seams reasonable. So I guess vector or raster dont matter nor the material just straight time? I swear someone told me they charged 2.00 a sq/inch. Which I taught was a little too much.

[lamicron]

I charge the same price for any operation, cutting uses more laser power than engraving, then should be cheaper (you spend less laser tube), other issue is the simulation time from the machine software.. DO NOT BELIEVE IT!!! some times is much more time(good for sales.. HEHE) but sometimes is less, I take the time with the machine running without laser...

[mxtras]

About two years ago, I determined that my laser guy was charging me between .05 and .07 per linear inch to cut 1/4" Aluminum.

I do not have any more recent data than that.

Scott

[bisjoe]

Originally Posted by ArturoV That seams reasonable. So I guess vector or raster dont matter nor the material just straight time? I swear someone told me they charged 2.00 a sq/inch. Which I taught was a little too much.

That would make a 1x3 one line namebadge $6, pretty close to right, but a 12"x12" sign with the word "EXIT" in 3" letters $60 plus materials or about $70, a great profit if you can get it.

I use $1/minute plus double the material cost, so that the number of letters and size of letters, and any logos are taken into account rather than just the size of the engraved area. That would come out more like $30 for the 12x12.

[mxtras]

I think it also depends on the material. Most laser cutting folks I have run into do not like cutting aluminum even if they have the capacity and many refuse to do so as it is hard on their equipment. I think the pricing I mentioned above includes an elevated fee to cover maintenance costs associated with laser cutting aluminum.

Scott

[ArturoV]

Good to know!
As far as the Artwork? Some people Ive heard do it free? What is a good minimum charge? 50 dollars and hour?

[bisjoe]

Originally Posted by ArturoV Good to know! As far as the Artwork? Some people Ive heard do it free? What is a good minimum charge? 50 dollars and hour?

That depends on things like the economy where you are, how much competition you have and so on. I charge $75/hour with a $10 minimum for most jobs. If someone wants one name badge with only one name then $10 is silly so I'll do it free. Some people still charge a minimum, even more like $25-30 mainly because they don't want those small jobs. I don't either, really, but I try to look at it as helping people, good customer service to take the small ones without ripping them off. Maybe one day they''ll remember me when they have a big job.

[spacer777]

hi can onyone help me with my LG900 laser software, dsp 4.0

[bisjoe]

Originally Posted by spacer777 hi can onyone help me with my LG900 laser software, dsp 4.0

You are much more likely to get answers if you start a new post with an appropriate title.