Laser cutting vs CNC routing: sheet cutting cost comparison
Short answer: Lasers cut metal sheet faster with narrower kerf; routers handle wood, acrylic and composites at lower machine rates. The material usually decides for you - where both work (thin aluminum, plastics), the laser's speed generally wins on cost.
Cost comparison at a glance
| Sheet Metal Cutting | CNC Routing | |
|---|---|---|
| One-off part | $10-40 | $15-60 |
| Batch of 100 (per part) | $4-12 | $8-25 |
| Production volume (per part) | $2-6 | $5-15 |
| Typical lead time | 2-4 days | 1-3 days |
| Tolerance | ±0.1 mm | ±0.2 mm |
| Materials | mild steel, stainless, aluminum sheet | wood, MDF, acrylic, foams, composites |
These are indicative service-market ranges for a palm-sized part — your own costs depend on your machines, rates and region. Both calculators below let you price the same part both ways with your numbers and see the crossover for yourself.
Choose Sheet Metal Cutting when…
- steel and stainless sheet
- intricate contours and fine kerf
- high cut speeds on thin sheet
- minimal edge finishing
Choose CNC Routing when…
- wood, MDF, acrylic, foams
- thick non-metals
- 3D relief and pocketing (lasers only cut through)
- lower machine hourly cost
Price your part in seconds with the free Sheet Metal Cutting cost calculator — upload your file, quantities and machine time are estimated automatically.
Open the Sheet Metal Cutting cost calculator →Price your part in seconds with the free CNC Routing cost calculator — upload your file, quantities and machine time are estimated automatically.
Open the CNC Routing cost calculator →Put AI-powered instant quoting on your own website
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