Cut time, machine cost and material cost for a laser cutting job — set material, thickness, cut length and machine rate.
Cutting speed scales with thickness relative to a 12mm reference figure for each material: speed = reference speed × (12 ÷ thickness), matching the rule that doubling thickness roughly halves speed. Cut time per part is travel time (cut length ÷ speed) plus pierce time (pierces × pierce seconds), and total job time multiplies that by quantity. See the pierce time guide for why hole-heavy parts take longer than cut length alone suggests.
Job weight uses part area × thickness × material density, and material cost multiplies that by your price per kg — see the metal sheet weight & density guide for density figures by material. Machine cost is simply total job time × your hourly rate. For plasma or waterjet instead, see the plasma cost calculator or waterjet cost calculator, or compare all three in the process comparison guide.