93645 AP Laser Cutter Booklet A5 6pp v3 - Flipbook - Page 3
Financing
We’ll start with the most obvious one: Laser machines are significant investments
and determining whether it’s worth it requires a thorough cost/benefit analysis.
If a company is changing a current internal process to laser, then any increase in
output and other benefits must be weighed against the cost of the laser cutter and
its upkeep.2 If a manufacturer currently sub-contracts laser cutting and wishes to
bring it in-house; there may be significant benefits in terms of administrative load
and time savings - it’s important to factor these in.
The cost of auxiliary equipment and expendables can significantly increase
the cost of ownership: make sure to consider things like material handling
equipment, software requirements, and gas supply.
Process Changes
Changing processes to incorporate laser cutting can be complicated. As well as
changes to material handling, delivery modes, and storage; the introduction of a
laser machine may require changes to in-line tracking metrics.
Logistics
Most industrial laser cutters have a significant footprint. In terms of physical
space, having enough room on the factory floor is only part of the equation: it’s
also crucial to properly consider the position of the laser cutter in relation to
other processes and the space required for its installation. Placement relative
to other processes is also important – consider the optimal placement for the
machine as part of a production line.
Maintenance
As with all machinery, lasers must be regularly maintained. Scheduling regular
preventive maintenance can prevent unnecessary downtime, increase equipment
lifetime and improve workplace safety.3 Think about how best to incorporate this
into your business.
Training
The new equipment will only perform as advertised if it’s operated competently.
Who will operate the new laser cutter? Think about the financial and time costs of
upskilling – it may be worth training multiple operators to prevent possible downtime.
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