5 Great Money saving ideas from CutLaserCut 15 Feb 2023
Everyone is looking to save money at the moment, us included.
We thought we’d give you a few suggestions of money saving ideas for when you’re having a job laser cut by us.
Sometimes is as easy as replacing one material with another.
If you can’t see any switches which will help your company, get in touch, we’re always happy to talk through ideas and give suggestions.
1. Who needs metal?
Everyone uses metal for many applications, but the cost of raw materials is rising.
Metals are a time-intensive material to process, so is there a better way to make signs and plaques?
The answer of course is YES!

Jorvik metallic
Many of our suppliers offer Metallic laminates which are the ideal alternative to metals, like steel and aluminum, and they work just as well for many applications.
Why should you switch from metal to metallic laminate?
- These don’t tarnish or rust like metals
- Laser laminates are suitable for laser cutting, laser engraving, and mechanical processing
- They are suitable for UV printing
- Unlike metals, we don’t need additional chemicals to achieve a great engraving!
This is a silver top, black core laminate we used for Jorvik Viking Centre a few years ago

Jorvik speaker plate close up
These materials can also be easily cut to size using a laser and are very versatile.
2. No foam packaging? No problem!
Historically we’ve always used foam for packaging, but corrugated cardboard is a more economical solution for your packaging needs.

bat cardboard packaging
Cardboard can be layered up and stuck together easily to make the thickness needed

Bat cardboard packaging close up
The best part is, cardboard can easily be recycled as well!
Another great money saving idea!
3. Let us DIY for you!
Another simple swap is painting MDF or Birch instead of having a solid acrylic colour.
We can also stain our timbers to give a different colour effect.

stained birch plywood
Please get in touch if you’re interested as some exciting eco-dyes and stains can be used.
4. Go BIG!
Just like anything, laser cutting becomes more economical the more you have at the same time.
We can provide large production runs of your products for reduced prices.

production run medals
Medals, awards, custom cut parts, we can do it all, get in touch for more info and a quote
5. Swap Birch for Spruce
Due to the Russia/Ukraine conflict, the price of birch plywood has skyrocketed.
But, we have found an alternative for money saving!
Spruce plywood

Spruce
This material is well suited to our CNC machine and is about half the current price of Birch.
It isn’t the same quality as birch and has natural knots.

Close up of spruce plywood
The density is between birch and poplar plywood.
Get in touch if you would like a quote for this CNC material