Hello this is Geordie and I wrote the "10 Tips and Tricks for Laser Cutting and Engraving" instructable. For close to 2 years I ran the laser cutter/engraver at my local maker space, ADX Portland and I continue to use their laser to make my own artwork and designs.
With competitive price and timely delivery, SIEME sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
One of the most common questions I've received since posting the "Tips and Tricks" instructable, is people asking me for advice on buying their own laser. So I've decided to write a quick instructable about that.
Disclaimer:
I’ve only ever used one machine and that is the Epilog Helix laser at ADX Portland. So that is the only machine I can talk about directly. So rather than reviewing specific companies and machines this article is going to be more about what to look for and think about when buying a laser.
There are a lot of cheap imports, mostly from China, on the market. But lasers are complicated machines and they do break and need to be repaired. Make sure the company you buy from is reliable and offers good support for you and their machine after you buy it.
Here are some questions to think about:
How hard or easy is it to get replacement parts?
Do they have tech support?
How easy is it to get a question answered?
Do they have a good website?
Are there tutorials on how to use and/or fix the machine?
Can it be upgraded?
The two main issues I would focus on when it comes to picking a machine are the size of the bed and the power of the laser.
The machines bed size will determine how big a piece of material you can fit in the machine to cut or engrave. A bigger bed will allow you to cut or engrave larger pieces and even if your doing something small, like laser cut jewelry, a bigger bed will allow to cut out multiple pieces at once rather than one at a time. Also some machines have a fixed bed and some have a bed that can go up and down. A bed that goes up and down allows you to engrave different sized objects. The cutting depth doesn’t change but if you want to engrave a logo on a leather shoe rather than on a flat piece of leather, having a bed that you can lower to get the shoe in the machine is important.
The next issue is the power of the laser. The strength of the laser is measured in Watts. The more watts the more powerful the laser is. The laser, I used, started out with a 30 watt laser and was then upgraded to a 50 watt. The strength of the laser is most important for cutting. Remember the thickness of material that a laser can cut is determined by the focal point of the lens and not the power of the laser. So adding a more powerful laser won’t allow you to cut thicker material. But it will allow you to cut faster and more reliably. A weaker laser will mean having slow the laser down to be able to make good cut.
I would suggest getting the largest machine you can and starting with a weaker laser. A bigger bed will allow you to work on bigger designs or cut and engrave multiple pieces at once. You can upgrade the laser in it to a more powerful one later.
Hope this information helps out. If you can’t afford your own laser I would suggest looking for Maker space where you can use their laser or find a shop that will engrave and cut for you at a good price.
Geordie
Last Updated - November
Do you want a powerful cutting and engraving tool to help take your projects to the next level? Then a co2 laser cutter might be just the system you need! Surpassing any manual blade or CNC machine's capability, these laser systems offer unparalleled precision when processing a wide range of materials. But there are various factors to consider when purchasing a co2 laser. From setting a budget to laser power options, processing requirements, software and safety features – below we'll explore ten key factors you should consider before buying a laser cutter.
Before we begin, let's start with the basics. What is a co2 laser cutter?
CO2 laser stands for carbon dioxide laser. These machines use a CO2 laser tube to generate a laser beam that is projected out the end of the tube, reflected by a series of mirrors and refined by a focal lens onto the material's surface to either cleanly cut or etch a specific design.
With their ability to process a wide range of materials, ranging from plastics to wood, glass and stone, and paper to foam co2 lasers are a popular choice for manufacturing, small businesses, schools, artists and hobbyists who want fast, flawless results on their projects and production line every time.
If you're looking to expand your business or hobby and want to purchase a laser cutter, there are several important factors to consider. Unfortunately, with so many options available on the market, choosing a suitable laser cutter can be overwhelming. Below, we'll discuss the key factors you should consider when purchasing a laser cutter.
Of course, cost will always be a major consideration when it comes to any purchase – including laser cutters! However, by establishing your budget upfront, you can narrow down your options and avoid overspending. In addition, determining your budget can help you prioritise which features are essential and which ones you can compromise on. For example, you may need to settle for a smaller bed size or lower laser power if you have a limited budget. On the other hand, if you have a more significant budget, you can invest in higher-quality components and additional features that may improve your workflow and productivity. Additionally, knowing your budget enables you to explore financing options or consider purchasing a refurbished laser machine.
Financing options are available for all laser cutters at Focused Laser Systems, including our Vision co2 lasers and dual-source laser systems and our refurbished machines to help you spread the cost.
When purchasing a laser cutter, it's essential to consider what materials you're planning to process. For example, some materials like certain plastics emit harmful fumes when processed by a laser. In these cases, you'll need to purchase a more powerful extraction system to avoid health risks, or consider purchasing a fume filtration unit with your laser. You'll also want to consider the size and shape of the materials you're looking to process and make sure the bed size of the laser cutter you choose can accommodate the largest piece of material you plan on processing. Additionally, if you want to engrave around spherical objects, you'll need to factor in the cost of a rotary attachment.
When we talk about the power of a laser machine, we're talking about the laser tube, which is measured in watts, with higher-wattage tubes having the ability to cut or engrave materials faster and with greater precision than lower-wattage tubes. And equally the more powerful the laser tube, the thicker the materials you are able to process.
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For example, if you're working with thin materials like paper or cardboard, a lower-wattage laser tube around 40 watts would be a great choice. However, if you want to cut through thicker materials like 2mm - 6mm wood or acrylics, we recommend a higher-wattage laser tube around 60w - 100w. And for those really thick pieces around 10mm - 20mm you would need to go for the larger wattage laser tubes around 130w - 150w.
Higher-wattage laser tubes can also help increase cutting speed and efficiency, thus reducing production time and costs. However, it's important to note that higher-wattage laser tubes require stronger cooling systems, which can affect the overall setup and maintenance costs, not to mention the replacement laser tube cost further down the line in a few years time.
Ultimately, the power level of your Co2 laser tube should match the specific needs of your project and business, which can be determined when you consult with a laser machine expert to determine the best option for you.
Co2 lasers come in various shapes and sizes, from small desktop laser cutters to large industrial-sized machines.
Firstly, consider the space you have available. Depending on the laser system, you'll need to factor in any additional equipment, like the cooling and extraction systems, along with the computer and space for users to operate the machine safely. Also, don’t forget about space to put your materials and products that you will be lasering !
Additionally, is there sufficient space to move the machine through the building to the designated area? Due to the size and weight of these systems, larger machines may need to be professionally dismantled and reassembled within the space or require specialised transportation equipment. So when buying a laser cutter, it's important to clarify if it includes professional installation.
When purchasing a CO2 laser, it's essential to consider the training requirements for operating the machine. Here are a few reasons why:
Safety: CO2 lasers can be dangerous if not used properly. They emit high-powered beams of light that can cause severe injury or even blindness. Proper training is necessary to ensure you and your staff know how to operate the machine safely and avoid accidents.
Efficiency: Learning how to use your CO2 laser properly can help you improve efficiency and productivity in your workflow. With proper training, you can optimise your settings for different materials and create higher-quality products in less time.
Maintenance: CO2 lasers require regular maintenance to keep them in tip-top working condition. Proper training will teach you how to identify and address common issues with the machine and how to clean and replace parts as needed, which can help you extend the life of your laser and minimise downtime due to repairs.
Be sure to factor in any necessary training expenses. More often than not, when you purchase from a reputable laser machine supplier, this can all be included upon delivery.
When you purchase a laser system from a supplier in the UK, laser machines are classified, according to their safety levels, with a class range of 1-4. Class 1 is the safest and the perfect choice for schools, hospitals, and businesses looking for peace of mind. These features would include independent safety sensors on all doors, a laser tube protection circuit, a machine axis and laser power cut-off upon lid opening during operation or keys for hatch openings to negate accidental opening.
On the other hand, a class 4 laser system wouldn't have these safety features in place and require additional precautionary measures to protect the user, such as supervision or protective eyewear.
At Focused Laser Systems, all our Vision laser machines are class 1 and have an impressive suite of safety features.
Control software is essential for operating a laser cutter, as this will allow you to tell the machine what part of your design to cut, engrave or score and at what speed and power settings to produce the desired result.
LightBurn software is highly regarded in the laser industry because of its ability to work with nearly all laser machines and its advanced features that experts love. Alternatively, you have LaserGRBL and RDWorks to use, should you only require a more basic software package.
When you purchase a laser system from a reputable company, the supply, installation, setup and training of this software are generally provided when the machine is delivered. These types of software include some simple design features, such as shapes, lines and the ability to write text. However, for more complex design work, consider purchasing Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, or using InkScape.
To avoid costly repairs or replacements, you should buy a laser cutter with an extensive warranty covering any potential defects or malfunctions. A manufacturer who offers a warranty on their products stands behind their product and is confident in its quality. Buying a laser cutter with a warranty ensures you're getting a high-quality product and the added peace of mind that if anything goes wrong, you can contact the manufacturer to resolve the issue.
At Focused Laser Systems, our entire Vision Laser range comes with a 24 Month warranty, and our refurbished machines come with a 12 Month warranty. We also provide lifetime technical support with every machine purchase in case you run into any difficulties.
Laser systems are relatively simple to use. However, in the beginning, you'll inevitably face the odd hiccup. For example, if you're in the middle of a large production run and come across an issue, the last thing you want is to be told to submit a support ticket that will be responded to within 48 hours by your supplier.
It's always worth asking what after sales support a laser company has in place. For example, can you pick up the and speak to a technician directly? Do they provide online resources or training videos? Faqs on processing particular materials?
A reliable customer service team can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and successful experience with your new laser system.
At Focused Laser Systems, we tell all our customers, when in doubt, to call us. For any issues that may arise, we will always try to fix or diagnose the problem remotely to ensure you are up and running again as soon as possible.
Like owning a car or a property, the expenses associated with owning a co2 laser don't end when you get it set up and plugged in. The truth is, even the most reliable laser systems need some TLC every once in a while.
When purchasing a CO2 laser, it's essential to understand the types of maintenance required, such as cleaning and replacing mirrors and lenses and adjusting the beam alignment. In addition, it would help if you also considered the cost and availability of replacement parts, laser tubes, power supplies, and other components that may need to be repaired or replaced over time.
When considering the purchase of a CO2 laser machine, it's essential to research the availability and quality of maintenance, repair, and replacement services offered by the manufacturer or distributor.
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