How to Choose the Right Laser Cutter – The Only Guide You’ll Need
Last Updated - May 2025
Do you want a powerful cutting and engraving tool to help take your projects to the next level? Then a CO2 laser cutter might be just the system you need! Surpassing any manual blade or CNC machine's capability, these laser systems offer unparalleled precision when processing a wide range of materials. But there are various factors to consider when purchasing a CO2 laser. From setting a budget to laser power options, processing requirements, software and safety features – below we'll explore ten key factors you should consider before buying a laser cutter.
How Much Do Laser Cutters Cost?
A CO2 laser system can cost anywhere from a few hundred pounds to several thousand, depending on the make, model, processing area, and country of purchase.
However, if you're serious about getting a complete CO2 laser setup—including installation, software, training, and extraction—you should expect to spend between £4,500 and £20,000 for a reliable, high-quality system.
Not sure whether to stretch your budget? Read our take on the pros and cons of budget laser cutters. Alternatively, see how a laser can pay for itself in real workflows: why investing in a laser cutter can transform your business.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Laser Cutter?
If you’re looking to expand your business or hobby and want to purchase a laser cutter, there are several important factors to consider. With so many options on the market, choosing the right machine can feel overwhelming. Below, we’ll cover the key factors to consider when buying a laser cutter.
What Materials Are You Looking To Process?
When buying a CO2 laser etching machine, it is crucial to consider the types of materials you're looking to process. CO2 laser machines are versatile and can cut and/or engrave a wide variety of materials, such as wood, acrylic, glass and even some types of stone. Ultimately, the thickness and composition of the materials you plan to process will dictate which laser system—and specification—best suits your needs.
For example, thicker or denser materials may require higher laser power to cut effectively. In contrast, certain synthetic materials, especially plastics, emit toxic fumes when processed and will require a more powerful extraction system. Additionally, if you want to engrave around spherical objects, you’ll need to factor in the cost of a rotary attachment.
Determine Your Budget
Of course, cost will always be a major consideration when it comes to any purchase — including CO2 laser machines! However, by establishing your budget upfront, you can narrow down your options and avoid overspending. In addition, determining your budget can help you prioritise which features are essential and which ones you can compromise on. For example, you may need to settle for a smaller bed size or lower laser power if you have a limited budget. On the other hand, if you have a larger budget, you can invest in higher-quality components and additional features that may improve your workflow and productivity. Additionally, knowing your budget enables you to explore financing options or consider purchasing a refurbished laser machine.
Financing options are available for all laser cutters at Focused Laser Systems, including our Vision CO2 lasers and refurbished laser machines, to help you spread the cost.
The Power of the Laser
When buying a laser machine, it's crucial to consider the power level, which refers to the laser tube, measured in watts. The higher the wattage, the faster your laser machine can cut or engrave. Additional power also enables the machine to cut through thicker materials.
For example, if you're working with thin materials (paper or cardboard), a ~40 W laser tube is a great choice. However, if you want to cut through thicker materials like 2–6 mm wood or acrylics, we recommend a 60–100 W laser tube. And for very thick pieces (10–20 mm) you would need to go for 130–150 W laser tubes.
Higher-wattage laser tubes can also help increase cutting speed and efficiency, thus reducing production time and costs. However, it's important to note that higher-wattage tubes require stronger cooling systems, which can affect overall setup and maintenance costs, not to mention the replacement laser tube cost further down the line.
To keep performance high as tubes age, check our laser-tube life extender tips.
Size and Weight of the Machine
CO2 lasers come in various bed sizes, from small desktop laser engravers to large industrial laser cutters.
First, consider the space you have available—factor in additional equipment like cooling, extraction systems, the computer, and a safe operating workspace. Don’t forget storage/working space for materials and finished products.
Also, check access routes: is there sufficient space to move the machine to its final location? Because of size and weight, larger systems may require professional dismantling/reassembly or specialised transport. When buying, confirm whether professional installation is included.
CO2 Laser Training
When purchasing a CO2 laser, it's essential to consider the training requirements for operating the machine. Here are a few reasons why:
Safety: CO2 lasers can be dangerous if not used properly. They emit high-powered beams that can cause severe injury or even blindness. Proper training ensures you and your staff operate safely and avoid accidents.
Efficiency: Learning how to use your CO2 laser properly can improve efficiency and productivity. With proper training, you can optimise settings for different materials and create higher-quality products in less time.
Maintenance: CO2 lasers require regular maintenance to stay in top condition. Training teaches you to identify and address common issues, clean and replace parts as needed, and extend the life of your laser while minimising downtime.
Be sure to factor in training expenses. Often, when you buy from a reputable laser machine supplier, training is included upon delivery.
Safety features
In the UK, Laser cutters are classified according to their safety levels, with a class range of 1–4. Class 1 is the safest and the perfect choice for schools, hospitals, and businesses looking for peace of mind.
Typical Class 1 features include independent door interlock sensors, a laser-tube protection circuit, axis & laser power cut-off when the lid opens, and keyed hatch access to prevent accidental opening.
By contrast, a Class 4 laser system lacks these built-in safety interlocks and requires additional precautions, such as supervision and protective eyewear.
At Focused Laser Systems, all Vision laser machines are Class 1 and come with an extensive suite of safety features.
Software
Control software is essential for operating a laser cutter—it lets you specify what to cut/engrave/score and at what speed and power to get the desired result.
LightBurn is highly regarded for its broad machine compatibility and advanced features. For simpler needs, consider LaserGRBL or RDWorks as more basic options.
When you buy from a reputable supplier, the software supply, installation, setup, and training are typically included with delivery. These packages offer simple design tools (shapes, lines, text). For more complex design work, use Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or Inkscape.
Warranty
To avoid costly repairs or replacements, buy a laser cutter with an extensive warranty covering defects or malfunctions—a manufacturer who stands behind their product signals quality and reliability. A good warranty gives peace of mind—if anything goes wrong, you can contact the manufacturer to resolve it.
Ongoing support
Laser systems are relatively simple to use. However, in the beginning, you'll inevitably face the odd hiccup. For example, if you're in the middle of a large production run and come across an issue, the last thing you want is to be told to submit a support ticket that will be responded to within 48 hours by your supplier.
It's always worth asking what after-sales support a laser company has in place. For example, can you pick up the phone and speak to a technician directly? Do they provide online resources or training videos? FAQs on processing particular materials?
A reliable customer service team can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and successful experience with your new laser system.
At Focused Laser Systems, we tell all our customers, when in doubt, to call us. For any issues that may arise, we will always try to fix or diagnose the problem remotely via telephone support, video call on WhatsApp, or by email to ensure you are up and running again as soon as possible.
Maintenance, repairs and replacements
Like owning a car or a property, the expenses associated with owning a CO2 laser don't end once it's set up and plugged in. The truth is, even the most reliable laser systems need some TLC every once in a while.
When purchasing a CO2 laser, it's essential to understand the types of maintenance required, such as cleaning and replacing mirrors and lenses and adjusting the beam alignment. In addition, you should also consider the cost and availability of replacement parts, laser tubes, power supplies, and other components that may need to be repaired or replaced over time.
Before purchasing a CO2 laser, confirm that the manufacturer or distributor offers comprehensive maintenance packages, reliable repair services, and affordable replacement parts.
Follow our essential maintenance checklist to prevent downtime or explore our guide to common CO2 laser repairs.
Buying the Perfect Laser Cutter
Choosing a suitable CO2 laser system can seem daunting, but by carefully considering the ten points above, you'll be well on your way to finding the best laser cutter for your needs!
When in doubt, speak to the experts. At Focused Laser Systems, we are the UK's leading laser cutter supplier and C02 laser repair specialist, and we focus on affordability and reliability.
Our laser machines are designed with decades of industry knowledge at their core, using only the highest-quality components.
From desktop laser cutters to large-format laser machines, our laser systems are available in an array of bed sizes and power levels. They are ideally suited for various applications and industries, from creatives and hobbyists to schools, universities, small businesses, and manufacturing.
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