Laser cutting systems offer unmatched cutting performance. However, they also pose a significant monetary investment.

Therefore, like any capital investment, it’s crucial to be aware of some critical factors before integration.

Application Requirements

The most significant factor affecting your choice of machine is the application requirements. Different applications have varying demands for factors like:

• Speed
• Precision
• Reach
• Range of motion

By understanding your application’s demands, you can make an informed decision on the type of machine that would be best for you.

Material Characteristics

Material characteristics are especially significant for cutting tasks. Materials behave differently depending on the medium to which they’re exposed.

As a result, particular cutting methods can only cut some materials. Multiple processes can cut others, but the material may perform better under a specific solution.

Alternative Cutting Methods

Be prepared to be flexible with your choice of cutting method. Laser cutting is incredibly performant but isn’t optimal in all scenarios. For example, laser cutting could be overkill for some applications.

Alternatively, sometimes the application’s demands may make laser cutting the only reasonable option. Be aware of the alternatives to laser cutting to ensure you make the best decision as you embark on your automation journey.