---
title: Are the Fastest Laser Cutting Systems Worth the Investment?
description: This article discusses how Laser Cutting Speed is only part of the equation in metal fabrication and how focusing solely on laser cutting speed could be a costly mistake down the road.
image: https://www.southernfabsales.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_270873192.jpeg
---
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Posted By: Southern Fabricating Machinery Sales | Posted On: May 3, 2021
# Are the Fastest Laser Cutting Systems Worth the Investment?
Laser Cutters
Laser cutting systems have come a long way in recent years with the addition of the newer Fiber Delivery Methods. Previous to Fiber Lasers the market was seeing an increase in demand for higher and higher powered laser cutting systems and the trend hasn’t stopped yet. But is a High Powered Ultra fast Laser cutting system worth your investment? Is it right for your shop? Let's dig in and see if we can’t help make you better informed in order to make the best decision for your needs and budget.
## Understanding How Speed & Power Affect Your Fabrication Time
In order to understand what is right for your application it's important to understand how Speed and Power are related.
- ### Speed
Speed has always been the most sought after factor in laser cutting as we all want to achieve the shortest and least expensive cycle time, but the machine can only move so fast and perform the necessary cutting and etching operation you need. Move too fast and the beam does not cut all the way through. Move too slow and you're wasting valuable time and possibly damaging consumables. The correct speed is a balance between the material you are cutting or etching and the power you are using.
- ### Power
Power in laser cutting and engraving is measured in Watts or Kilowatts (KW) with the lower wattage systems (500 and below) reserved for engraving and light duty cutting applications. Metal cutting industrial Laser Cutting Systems machinery starts in the 1KW range and increases from there with 2-6KW systems in the highest demand. Today we see laser cutting systems offered with 40KW of cutting power, power that if correctly applied would mean a machine capable of the highest of speeds as well as acceleration and deceleration.
## Balancing the Speed and Power of Your Laser Cutting Machine
Having the fastest laser machine on the planet is useless if you don’t have enough power produced to cut through the material. Adversely having very high KW on your laser cutting system also can be useless if your machine’s motion system simply cannot keep up with the capability. Somewhere in between there is a balance and the most important aspect of that balance is what YOUR cutting in YOUR shop and whether or not your laser cut parts are used internally or you are a laser job shop.
### Optimize for Laser Cutting in a Job Shop Scenario
If you are a laser cutting job shop you are competing with every other table out there with open time. You need a very fast and capable machine yet one that is affordable enough that your per part costs rise above the market expectations. In these cases take a good look at your customers around you; What materials are you cutting for them? What thicknesses? What quantities and how often?
Answering some simple questions up front can help you determine the right need for your application and budget
### Optimize for Laser Cutting for In-House Applications
If your laser cutting system needs are for your own use, such as parts or components for an assembly you really need to take a close look at the overall requirements you might have in a laser. Typically these cases will not require the highest power, heaviest automated and fastest machines. These applications usually do very well with a 2-3KW system.
A second aspect of in house laser cutting systems to consider is how long the machine may be running. Applications where the machine may sit ideal for 2-3 days are typical in laser cutting due to the secondary work required on the parts post laser processing. Other work required such as forming, welding, painting, assembly etc. can have a large impact on the need for speed in your laser cutting system.
## Is Having the Fastest Laser Cutting Machine Worth the Investment?
Having the fastest laser cutting machine that's right for your application is indeed worth the investment, having one designed for some other shops needs certainly isn’t. Laser cutting systems can not only be expensive to purchase, but to maintain as well. And therefore should be selected based on your application
### Investment Opportunities in Used Machinery
At [Southern Fabricating Machinery Sales](https://www.southernfabsales.com/) we can assist you in making the right selection from the hundreds of available options in machines, resonator power, automation accessories and more. Whether you select a used laser cutting system for your needs or a new high power Fiber Optic System, the choice can only be best made when you have all the details and options laid out in front of you.
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Southern Fabricating Machinery Sales
Southern Fabricating Machinery Sales (SFMS) has been an expert in buying, selling, and brokering used machinery and used industrial equipment since the 1980's. We work in and with machine shops, tool dies, mold and fab shops just like yours, running the very machinery we now offer as solutions for your manufacturing needs!
## Related Articles
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### [ The Advantages of a Fiber Laser Metal Cutting Machine for Sheet Metal Posted On: February 17, 2023 Fiber laser metal cutting machines have revolutionized the sheet metal fabrication industry. These machines are equipped with a fiber laser that generates a ... Continue Reading **](https://www.southernfabsales.com/blog/the-advantages-of-a-fiber-laser-metal-cutting-machine-for-sheet-metal)
### [ Fiber Lasers - Why the Kilowatt is not the King Posted On: January 25, 2019 For many years we as manufacturers, distributors and OEM’s of laser cutting systems were taught that Power (KW) IS Capacity & Speed. We had the data to ... Continue Reading **](https://www.southernfabsales.com/blog/fiber-lasers-why-the-killowatt-is-not-the-king)
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