Cost comparison

for a more detailed breakdown, please visit the cost comparison page

• American Laser Cutter: $56.70 (Cutting $46.20 + Material $10.50)

• Local Competition #1: $168.00 (Cutting + Material)

• Local Competition #2: $125.00 (Cutting + Material)

• Ponoko: $74.61 (Cut $68.96 + File check $5.01 + Finishing $0.64)

• SendCutSend: $126.40 (no itemized breakdown)

• Rent our laser: $26+ (see bottom for breakdown)

Laser Cutting Quotes and Production in Los Angeles — From First Prototype to Full-Scale Manufacturing

Get a fast, accurate quote for laser-cut parts and scale confidently from a single prototype to large, repeatable production. This page explains exactly how to work with American Laser Cutter for precision 2D parts, model components, signage elements, jigs and templates, brand pieces, and simple packaging elements that support a product launch. Quotes are handled through a form. Visits are by appointment only.

What we make

Laser cutting is ideal for parts that demand clean edges, tight repeatability, and efficient turnaround without the tooling costs of other processes. Typical outputs include:

• Product components in non-metallic sheet materials

• Acrylic panels, covers, windows, risers, and display elements

• Spacers, shims, and non-metallic brackets

• Stencils, templates, and assembly jigs

• Sign and brand elements for retail and events

• Study models for education and client reviews

• Light packaging aids such as sleeves or cards when helpful for a launch

Full production, not just short runs

Whether you need one unit for a fit check or thousands for a release, the workflow is designed to scale. After your first approved run, we retain process details such as cut parameters, masking preferences, score depth, labeling conventions, and packing notes. That record keeps later orders consistent. For steady demand, we can plan rolling releases, group by SKU, and kit parts to match your assembly order. If your schedule is cyclical, we can align batches to your internal milestones so replenishment is predictable.

Materials we work with

We process clearly identified, laser-safe sheet materials including cast acrylic (clear, translucent, and opaque colors), hardwoods, plywoods, paperboard and cardstock, chipboard, and oil board. If you plan to provide your own laser-safe material, note sheet size, thickness, and quantity in the quote request so yield can be estimated and handling can be planned.

Materials we do not process

For safety and edge quality, we do not process metals or unknown plastics. We also decline MDF, faux leather, PVC, ABS, PETG, polycarbonate, and Delrin.

How quoting works

Quotes are straightforward and based on the specifics of your file and the outcomes you want.

1. Use the quote form to upload your vector file and share key details such as material, thickness, quantity, largest part size, operations needed, and fulfillment preference.

2. Your file is reviewed for manufacturability and material safety. If something would affect cost, fit, or finish, you will receive concise notes with options.

3. You receive a written estimate with clear line items. Nothing proceeds until you approve.

What to include for the fastest, most accurate estimate

Providing a few specifics up front eliminates guesswork:

• Material and thickness, or a request for a recommendation

• Quantity of each part or a simple total part count

• Largest single part size and any constraints on overall panel size

• Operations required: cut only, cut plus light vector score, or cut plus vector engrave

• Edge preference: standard clean cut; request a line item for flame-polished edges if needed

• Organization preferences such as bag by SKU, stack by assembly, or flat-packed sets

• Fulfillment preference: local pickup by appointment or shipping within the U.S.

• Any critical dimensions, slot fits, or assembly notes we should preserve

Pricing factors and ways to control cost

Laser-cut pricing is driven by total cut length and complexity, material type and thickness, part count, and setup. Because these inputs are predictable, careful preparation often lowers cost without changing the look or function of your parts.

• Remove doubled or overlapping lines that would otherwise cut twice

• Share edges between adjacent parts where appropriate to reduce cut length

• Convert nonfunctional cuts to light scores for folds or registration marks

• Orient parts for efficient nesting while protecting visible edges

• Label parts in the artwork so packing and kitting can be efficient
  When a choice affects price meaningfully, the estimate will call it out so you can decide.

File preparation guidelines

Clean vector files make quoting faster and production more reliable.

• Accepted formats: AI, DXF, or PDF (vector only)

• Scale: set units and supply 1:1 geometry

• Separation: keep cuts, scores, and vector engraves on distinct layers or colors

• Text: convert to outlines

• Geometry hygiene: remove hidden objects and duplicates, and join open paths that should cut continuously

• Multi-SKU jobs: label parts in the artboard or include a simple part list
  If the file needs a small adjustment for consistency or clarity, you will receive a short note describing the change that will preserve intent and improve results.

Prototype to production continuity

Consistency matters as you scale. Once a first article is approved, the parameters that produced it become the reference for future runs. That includes lens settings for edge clarity, pass counts for delicate features, masking decisions for surfaces that must remain pristine, and packing methods that keep sets organized. If a design revision changes any behavior, the estimate will highlight the difference so you know what to expect.

Quality and tolerances

The goal is repeatable fit and finish. In practice, that means controlled kerf, edges that present well on visible faces, and parts that sit flat right out of the box. Tolerances are kept realistic for the chosen material and thickness, and heat-affected behavior is considered for features like small slots, fine internal radii, living hinges, and narrow bridges. If a specific geometry risks charring or weakness, it will be flagged before production so you can adjust with confidence.

Production workflows for every size

Every project is different. Some teams need quick one-offs during a sprint, others need reliable short runs for pilots, and many require full-volume releases with recurring replenishment. The production workflow supports:

• Single pieces and engineering samples for verification and demos

• Short runs for launches, pilots, limited editions, and events

• Large releases for established products, with repeatable setup and packing

• Ongoing replenishment coordinated to your internal schedule or rolling purchase orders

• Kitting and labeling that mirror the way your team assembles or ships finished goods

Fulfillment and handling

Local pickup is available by appointment in Downtown Los Angeles. For projects outside the area, shipping is available throughout the United States. Packing is designed to protect edges, preserve flatness, and keep parts grouped in a way that aligns with your build sequence. If you need a specific labeling convention or kitting order, include that instruction in your quote request and it will be reflected in the estimate.

Why teams choose this approach

A human reviews your artwork before pricing, which reduces errors and exposes cost-saving opportunities early. Communication is concise and focused on outcomes. Estimates are transparent about material, operations, and options. Production settings are preserved so reorders match the standard you approved. The process is built to scale, which removes friction as your product moves from prototype to steady production.

Frequently asked questions

Do you accept raster images such as JPEG or PNG
No. Vector artwork is required. Accepted formats are AI, DXF, and PDF.

Can I provide my own material
Yes, provided it is clearly identified and laser-safe. Include sheet size, thickness, and quantity so yield can be estimated and handling can be scheduled.

Can you handle very large orders
Yes. The workflow supports everything from single pieces to large, repeatable releases. Once a first article is approved, the same look and fit are maintained for full-volume production.

How do you keep costs reasonable without changing the design
By removing overlapping lines, sharing edges where appropriate, converting certain cuts to scores, and nesting parts efficiently. When these choices are relevant, the estimate will show them as options so you stay in control.

How do I get started

Use the quote form to upload your AI, DXF, or PDF file along with material, thickness, quantity, largest part size, operations needed, and fulfillment preference. You will receive a clear estimate before production. Quotes are handled by form only. Local visits are by appointment.