Is laser cutting charged per metre or per part?

Both, in a sense. The processing cost depends mainly on the cutting length and the number of laser pierces of each part, plus the material (calculated by weight) and any bends. The result is a price per part, then multiplied by the quantity ordered.

Why does a small part with many holes cost more than a large, simple one?

Because every hole requires a laser pierce and an extra stretch of cutting. A small part with dozens of holes can have more cutting length and far more pierces than a large sheet with just its outer contour, even though it weighs less.

Is it worth ordering several identical parts?

Yes. The setup cost is paid once per order, not per part, so it is spread across all parts; in addition, above certain quantities a quantity discount applies to the whole order.

Is the calculator's price final?

The calculator applies the same pricing rules we would use manually, starting from the real geometry of your file. If the file contains errors (open contours, wrong units, unexploded blocks) the price may not be correct: that's why the system flags warnings to check before ordering.

Do the prices shown include VAT?

The quote summary shows the net amount, VAT and the total separately, so you can clearly see both values before ordering.

Quote guide

How much does sheet metal laser cutting cost: what drives the price

Published on 7 October 2026

The price doesn’t depend on the part’s size

The most frequent question about laser cutting is “how much does it cost per square metre?”. In reality, the sheet’s surface area is only part of the cost: two parts with the same overall size can have very different prices depending on how complex their profile is. The real cost comes from three main factors — machine time, material and additional operations — to which any discounts are applied.

Below we look at how the site’s calculator breaks down the price, item by item. Knowing these items helps you design cheaper parts without giving up functionality.

1. Cutting length

This is the total length of the path the laser must travel: the outer contour plus the perimeter of every hole, slot or internal cut-out. It is measured directly from the geometry of the DXF file.

The cost per metre is not fixed: it grows with thickness, because the thicker the sheet, the more slowly the cutting head advances. An identical profile therefore costs more in 6 mm than in 2 mm, even with the same cutting length.

2. Laser pierces

Every time the laser has to start a new closed cut (the outer contour, each single hole, each slot) it needs a pierce: the beam must first perforate the sheet, and only then can it start following the profile. This operation takes time and is counted separately.

The cost per pierce also depends on thickness: above 3 mm piercing takes longer and the rate is higher. That’s why a part with many small holes can have a surprising cost: little cutting length, but many pierces.

3. Material

Material is paid by weight. The calculator derives the part’s net area from the drawing — the outer contour minus the holes — multiplies it by the thickness and obtains the weight. A markup for scrap is applied to the net weight: the part of the sheet left between one part and the next that can’t be reused.

The price per kilo varies a lot from one material to another: mild steel costs considerably less than stainless steel, and among stainless steels AISI 316 costs more than 304. The surface finish (2B, brushed, bright) can also affect the price of the sheet.

4. Setup cost

Every order requires the cutting path to be programmed and the machine to be prepared. This is a fixed cost paid only once per order, regardless of the number of parts. On a single small part it weighs heavily in proportion; on a batch it is spread across all parts.

5. Bends

If the part also needs bending, a cost is added for each bend, which depends on the part’s size: bending a part longer than one metre takes more time and more careful handling on the press brake. On top of this there is a fixed press brake setup cost, also paid once per order.

6. Discounts

The calculator applies three types of tiered discount, each on its own line:

quantity discount: applied to the order subtotal when the number of parts exceeds certain thresholds;
cutting length discount: applied to the cutting cost when a single part has a long cutting path;
pierce count discount: applied to the pierce cost when a single part has many holes.

The cutting length and pierce tiers are evaluated on the single part, not on the order total: this way a discount earned by the part’s complexity stays valid whatever the quantity ordered, and the price per part never goes up just because you add a unit.

How to reduce the cost of your part

Choose the minimum thickness needed: thickness raises cutting cost, pierce cost and material weight all at once.
Cut down on unnecessary holes: every hole is an extra pierce. If some holes are only needed during assembly, consider whether they’re really necessary or can be merged into a slot.
Simplify decorative profiles: jagged edges and very fine details lengthen the cutting path.
Order in batches: the setup cost is spread across the parts and the quantity discount kicks in.
Choose the material based on real use: for a painted indoor component mild steel may be enough; stainless steel, and 316 in particular, pays off when you really need corrosion resistance.
Prepare the file properly: duplicate lines or superfluous geometry can increase the counted cutting length.

The fastest way to know the exact price is to upload your DXF or STEP file to the site’s calculator: the quote shows each item separately, so you can immediately see which factor weighs most on your part.

Frequently asked questions

Is laser cutting charged per metre or per part?: Both, in a sense. The processing cost depends mainly on the cutting length and the number of laser pierces of each part, plus the material (calculated by weight) and any bends. The result is a price per part, then multiplied by the quantity ordered.
Why does a small part with many holes cost more than a large, simple one?: Because every hole requires a laser pierce and an extra stretch of cutting. A small part with dozens of holes can have more cutting length and far more pierces than a large sheet with just its outer contour, even though it weighs less.
Is it worth ordering several identical parts?: Yes. The setup cost is paid once per order, not per part, so it is spread across all parts; in addition, above certain quantities a quantity discount applies to the whole order.
Is the calculator's price final?: The calculator applies the same pricing rules we would use manually, starting from the real geometry of your file. If the file contains errors (open contours, wrong units, unexploded blocks) the price may not be correct: that's why the system flags warnings to check before ordering.
Do the prices shown include VAT?: The quote summary shows the net amount, VAT and the total separately, so you can clearly see both values before ordering.