Industrial laser processing - Cost of ownership analysis

Abstract

A main obstacle to the implementation of laser processing is the perceived high costs associated with industrial laser systems. It was believed that many potential users were dismissive of the technology, because of this high cost reputation and failed to conduct meaningful project cost analyses. In addition, unfamiliarity with the technology tended to leave users at the mercy of system vendors. Although reputable vendors would generally provide process information and running costs, this data was not always tailored to the users’ particular circumstances and cost structure.This paper describes a cost analysis tool in the form of a spreadsheet, which prompts the potential user to input cost data based on their production requirements and internal cost structures. It also guides the user through their interaction with potential laser equipment vendors, prompting relevant inputs on laser system performance, capital costs, and running costs. The user inputs are processed by the spreadsheet to provide a full “cost of ownership” analysis in terms of annual cost, cost per hour, cost per part, and cost of meter of processing.This work was conducted at TWI and was part of a European project (Eureka project 194) aimed at encouraging the use of industrial lasers within Europe.A main obstacle to the implementation of laser processing is the perceived high costs associated with industrial laser systems. It was believed that many potential users were dismissive of the technology, because of this high cost reputation and failed to conduct meaningful project cost analyses. In addition, unfamiliarity with the technology tended to leave users at the mercy of system vendors. Although reputable vendors would generally provide process information and running costs, this data was not always tailored to the users’ particular circumstances and cost structure.This paper describes a cost analysis tool in the form of a spreadsheet, which prompts the potential user to input cost data based on their production requirements and internal cost structures. It also guides the user through their interaction with potential laser equipment vendors, prompting relevant inputs on laser system performance, capital costs, and running costs. The user inputs are processed by the spreadsheet to provide a full ...