Laser Cutting Service from a Small Unit

Sign makers, architects and model makers, designers, small manufacturers, shopfitters, schools and local businesses.

Charge by machine time plus material, with setup fees for small jobs. Regular trade customers and repeat batch work give more predictable income.

• Machine operation and maintenance
• Preparing vector files (CAD or design software)
• Quoting, scheduling and invoicing

• Fire risk and fume extraction: check requirements with your landlord, insurer and local fire safety guidance
• Public liability insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire anyone
• Business rates and planning use class of the unit: check with the landlord and council
• Laser safety classification and training for anyone using the machine
• Machines and extraction can be expensive to repair, so budget for maintenance and downtime

Startup costs are typically around £25,000 to £100,000, depending on the size and type of laser, extraction, the unit, materials and insurance. These are estimates, so get your own quotes for the machine you plan to run.

Monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on your customers, pricing, machine capacity and how consistently you win trade work. These are estimates, not guarantees, and revenue is not the same as profit.

Check fire risk and fume extraction requirements with your landlord, insurer and local fire safety guidance. Also check business rates and the planning use class of the unit, laser safety classification and training, and public liability insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire anyone.