6kw VS 12kw fiber laser cutting machine,which is more cost-effective?
For a manufacturing company, choosing a suitable cutting opportunity has a multiplier effect. People often choose fiber laser cutting machines from the perspective of cost and benefit. Which is more cost-effective.
Today, let’s compare the power of 6kw fiber laser cutting machine and 12kw fiber laser cutting machine which is more cost-effective.
Cost analysis
Power Item | Total power consumption | Total operating power consumption of 3Mpa air compressor | Oxygen | Nitrogen |
6kw fiber laser cutting machine | 38kw | 15kw | 1. The oxygen consumption is calculated according to 6m³/Hr; 2. The cost is calculated at 2.9 yuan/m³ | 1. The oxygen consumption is calculated according to 6m³/Hr; 2. The cost is calculated at 2.9 yuan/m³ |
12kw fiber laser cutting machine | 68kw | 15kw | ||
Note:1. Industrial electricity cost is 1 yuan/kWh; 2. Since the consumption of small parts such as nozzles, lenses, etc. will vary according to different users, and will take up a relatively small proportion of the overall processing, this cost is not included. |

Stainless steel cutting cost comparison

Aluminum cutting cost comparison
12kw and 6kw laser cutting cost comparison | |||
Material | Thickness | Auxiliary gas | Compared with 6kw, 12kw Processing cost reduction ratio |
Carbon steel | 6~14mm | 6kw:oxygen 12kw:Nitrogen | 43%~63% |
16~25mm | oxygen | 25%~40% | |
Stainless steel | 6~16mm | Nitrogen | 55%~75% |
Air | 72%~85% | ||
Aluminum | 6~14mm | Air | 43%~55% |
It can be seen from the above data that compared to the cost of 6KW laser processing, the cost of 12kW laser cutting can basically be reduced by more than half. Among them, stainless steel has the largest advantage, followed by carbon steel and aluminum. When cutting stainless steel, air is used as an auxiliary gas, and the unit price is the lowest in processing cost, which can meet the requirements of products with low cutting end faces.
Cutting speed comparison

Aluminum cutting speed comparison

Carbon steel cutting speed comparison

Stainless steel cutting speed conparison
From the tested cutting speed: when cutting carbon steel, the 12kW laser cutting speed is 87%—493% faster than the 6kW laser cutting speed; when cutting stainless steel, the 12kW laser cutting speed is 163 faster than the 6kW laser cutting speed %—289%; When cutting aluminum, the cutting speed of 12kW laser cutting is 150%-213% faster than that of 6kW laser cutting.
Processing result
Processing cost | Processing efficiency | Processing result | |
6kw fiber laser cutting | 12kw laser cutting cost is basic Cost than 6kw laser cutting Reduce by more than 50% | 12kw laser cutting speed is 87%-493% higher than that of 6kw laser cutting | Cutting stainless steel 16mm, 20mm has more slag; carbon steel 16mm, 20mm can only cut the matte surface and the taper is large |
12kw fiber laser cutting | Cutting stainless steel 16mm, 20mm almost no dross; carbon steel 16mm, 20mm can cut smooth and bright surface, and the taper is small |
From the perspective of overall economic benefits, the price of a 12kW fiber laser cutting machine is 30%-40% higher than that of a 6kW fiber laser cutting machine, but the production efficiency is several times that of a 6kW laser cutting machine, and the processing cost is also higher than that of a 6kW laser cutting machine. The equipment is reduced by more than half, which greatly reduces the processing time and processing cost of a single workpiece, and the processing effect is better, which can create a value-multiplier effect for users.
Of course, specific issues need to be analyzed in detail, and users need to purchase processing equipment and choose their own processing methods according to the actual needs of their own enterprises.