How to read the result
Cost per hour is an input. Labor is a separate input.
A machine rate tells you what ownership and operation consume for every hour the laser is producing. The job calculator then multiplies that rate by actual machine minutes. Your hands-on labor, design time, packing and customer service belong in the labor field, where they can be evaluated at the rate you need to earn.
The formula
Depreciation per hour = (purchase price − resale value) ÷ expected life hours
Maintenance per hour = annual maintenance ÷ annual machine hours
Energy per hour = watts ÷ 1,000 × electricity price per kWh
Machine cost per hour = depreciation + maintenance + energy + other overhead
Maintenance per hour = annual maintenance ÷ annual machine hours
Energy per hour = watts ÷ 1,000 × electricity price per kWh
Machine cost per hour = depreciation + maintenance + energy + other overhead
Expected life should be conservative. Laser tubes, diode modules, belts, lenses and extraction systems do not last forever. If you are unsure, run the calculator with two life estimates and use the higher resulting cost when the quote is for a customer.
What not to include
- Material consumed by a specific job: enter it in the job calculator.
- Your hourly wage: enter hands-on labor and design time separately.
- Sales tax or VAT collected on behalf of a government.
- The final hourly price you charge. Price is a business decision; this calculator estimates cost.
Read the complete explanation in laser engraving cost per hour.