Machine Comparison
GF LASER P 400 vs GF LASER S 500 U
GF Machining Solutions vs GF Machining Solutions · CNC Laser Cutting
Summary
The GF LASER P 400 and GF LASER S 500 U are both from GF Machining Solutions's cnc laser cutting lineup, making this a common upgrade or lineup decision for shops already invested in the GF Machining Solutions ecosystem. The GF LASER P 400 leads in x travel (600 mm (23.6 in) vs 550 mm (21.7 in)). These machines are closely matched across most specifications, making the decision more about specific feature priorities, dealer support, and your existing shop ecosystem than raw spec advantages. Both machines are proven performers in production environments and represent solid investments for shops in the market for a cnc laser cutting.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | GF LASER P 400 | GF LASER S 500 U |
|---|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 600 mm (23.6 in) ▲ | 550 mm (21.7 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 400 mm (15.7 in) | 400 mm (15.7 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 300 mm (11.8 in) | 500 mm (19.7 in) ▲ |
| Machine Dimensions | 1,227 x 1,659 x 2,379 mm (48.3 x 65.3 x 93.7 in) | 2,174 x 1,387 x 2,556 mm (85.6 x 54.6 x 100.6 in) ▲ |
| Machine Weight | 2,400 kg (5,291 lb) | 4,000 kg (8,818 lb) with coolant ▲ |
| Electrical | 3 x 400 VAC + ground; 6 kVA | 15 kVA nominal ▲ |
| Pneumatic | 6 bar; 500 l/min | 6-8 bar; 300 l/min max flow |
| Price Range | $250,000 - $500,000 ▲ | $400,000 - $700,000 |
Advantages
GF LASER P 400
- Greater x travel of 600 mm (23.6 in) accommodates larger workpieces
- More competitive pricing at $250,000 - $500,000 compared to $400,000 - $700,000
- Backed by GF Machining Solutions's dealer and service network for parts and support
- Mold shops evaluating laser texturing technology that want an accessible entry point before committing to larger LASER S or LASER P U-series platforms
GF LASER S 500 U
- Greater z travel of 500 mm (19.7 in) accommodates larger workpieces
- Superior machine dimensions at 2,174 x 1,387 x 2,556 mm (85.6 x 54.6 x 100.6 in) vs 1,227 x 1,659 x 2,379 mm (48.3 x 65.3 x 93.7 in)
- Superior machine weight at 4,000 kg (8,818 lb) with coolant vs 2,400 kg (5,291 lb)
- Superior electrical at 15 kVA nominal vs 3 x 400 VAC + ground; 6 kVA
Verdict
This is a close matchup. The GF LASER P 400 and GF LASER S 500 U trade advantages across different specifications, making neither a clear winner on paper alone. Your decision should come down to practical factors: which dealer is closer, which control system your operators already know, what tooling ecosystem you're invested in, and which machine's specific strengths match your highest-volume work. Get quotes on both, run test cuts with your actual parts if possible, and factor in long-term service and support costs.