How much does laser cutting cost in Canada?

It is the first question everyone asks, and the honest answer is: it depends on the part. But the price is not a mystery. Every laser cut part is priced from the same handful of things, and once you know them you can predict your cost and lower it.

The short answer

A simple, small steel part, like a 6" square plate with four holes, usually costs somewhere around $30 to $45 for a single piece at Canadian online shops, and much less per part when you order ten or more. Big, thick or complicated parts cost more. The fastest way to know your exact price is to upload your file and see it instantly.

What goes into the price

Material. You pay for the sheet area your part uses, not just the part itself. Thicker metal costs more, and stainless and aluminum cost more than mild steel.

Cut length. The laser charges by time, and time depends on how many inches of outline it has to trace. A plain rectangle is cheap. A detailed sign with lots of curves takes longer.

Holes and pierces. Every hole means the laser has to stop, pierce through the metal and start again. Twenty small holes can cost more than one big outline.

Thickness. Thicker material cuts more slowly, so the same shape costs more in 1/4" plate than in 16 gauge sheet.

Quantity. Setting up a job takes the same effort for one part as for a hundred. Spread over more parts, that setup cost per part drops fast.

Extra steps. Bending, tapping, countersinking, powder coating and galvanizing each add to the price, but doing them in the same order is almost always cheaper than taking parts to another shop.

How quantity changes the price per part

Five ways to lower your cost

1. Order a few spares. Because setup is shared, five parts often cost not much more than two.
2. Choose the thinnest metal that does the job. Dropping one thickness can cut the price noticeably.
3. Combine holes where you can. One slot instead of three small holes means fewer pierces.
4. Stick with mild steel when looks don't matter. Galvanize or powder coat it for protection instead of paying for stainless.
5. Put everything in one order. Cutting, bending and finishing together avoids extra setup and shipping.

Watch for the hidden costs

When comparing prices, look at the delivered total. Ordering from outside Canada can add exchange rate costs, duties, brokerage fees and longer shipping. A price that looks lower in U.S. dollars can end up higher once it reaches your door. We explain this in ordering metal parts in Canada vs the U.S.