How Will We Finance the Purchase?

While some manufacturers pay cash for a laser, the majority use some method to finance the purchase. Don’t assume that your bank is the best source for funding the laser equipment purchase. Look at other alternatives, including the OEM, many of which own their own financing arms.

Also, don’t assume you will receive better service if you choose the OEM’s financing option.

What’s Involved With Delivery and Installation?

Preparing for a successful delivery and installation. First, what type of foundation, if any, is going to be required? Second, the laser cutting machine has to be in the right place in the facility, preferably away from harsh environmental areas. You also should have found the best location for the laser so that it contributes to an efficient flow of laser-cut blanks to downstream manufacturing processes.

For a lot of companies, the delivery of a new piece of major manufacturing equipment is a new experience. The company that supplied the laser cutting machine can answer your questions about shipping and rigging; they do this all the time.

What Can Be Done to Make the Purchasing Decision Easier?

Answering these questions and obtaining quotes based on the feedback for narrowing down the selection of the supplier of a laser cutting machine to two to three sources. From there you need to find the right model, ask the right questions during equipment demonstrations, and work toward an acceptable price. Remember, there are many important items to discuss during the final negotiation.

The purchase of such a machine can be an overwhelming task. That’s why it might make sense to join an industry association, such as the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, to network with manufacturing peers to learn from them, or even seek out the assistance of someone that has been through or is familiar with this type of industrial equipment purchase. Such an effort likely would prove to be worthwhile.