The Ultimate Laser Cutter Buying Guide

The power of the laser

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.

Size and weight of the machine

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.

Training

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.

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Safety features

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.

Software

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. 

Choosing the right portable laser engraving machine comes with understanding how the machine works and other needed prerequisites. These might be highly demanding. However, below are a few factors that will help choose the best portable laser engraver.

·         Price

Price is a huge factor when deciding to get a portable laser engraver. Unlike traditional laser engravers, a portable engraving machine is portable while still exceptionally good for industrial use. A portable engraving machine also boasts of heightened ease of operation due to its features. Therefore, the price of getting one is higher than the conventional laser engravers.

·         Software Compatibility

Software compatibility is an important factor when looking to get a portable laser engraver. There are two options available. You can get a portable laser engraver with its software. Therefore, you have to ensure your designs fit into the engraver&#;s software. The second option is to get a portable laser engraving machine that can work with your software. Therefore, when you create a design with your software, it will be compatible with it. A good example of a software-compatible engraver you can get is the portable 20w fiber laser marking machine.

·         Power Source

What do you think will improve the ease of operation the portable laser engraving machine is popular for in terms of power source? Battery support, of course! In conjunction with a corded power source, having a portable laser engraver with a battery option also makes it easy to use in any condition.

·         Laser Source

The laser source is also an important feature to look at when getting a portable laser engraver. Look for a machine using a noiseless laser source that makes the process environmentally friendly.

·         Connection Options

Although this might not be essential, it is never the less important. It is better to find a portable laser engraver that does not need to connect directly to a computer. Most portable laser engravers we know use USB sticks to connect to the computer. This further ensures ease of operation.

·         Weight

Portable laser engraver also varies in their portability due to the weight factor. This is based on the different features of the machine and the optimization given by the manufacturer. Therefore, when choosing a portable laser engraver, choose one with the right size and weight that can complement the functions. However, note that weight also drives prices. Therefore, portable laser engravers with a smaller size that can be used industrially, such as the portable fiber laser marking machine, have more features and higher prices.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Rechargeable handheld laser engraver.