Do you have a CNC laser machine for wood, or do you want to purchase one? This is not surprising since CNC laser is a popular machine that is used in many areas of manufacturing.
Souvenirs, furniture, promotional items - this is not the entire list of items that can be made with its help. Laser machines today have become an excellent alternative to manual cutting, burning, carving, which has greatly simplified these processes and reduced the time spent on work.
Rating of laser engravers
When compiling the review, equipment of varying power and performance was studied. The features of the work, the availability of services and applications, and the quality of engraving on various materials were analyzed. User reviews and opinions of printing professionals were taken into account. The main attention was paid to the following characteristics:
- Power – the performance of the equipment depends on this parameter;
- Processing material – affects the piercing depth;
- Accuracy – the higher, the more complex the displayed pattern;
- Cooling system – increases the time of non-stop operation;
- Control - from the keyboard or using the application;
- The size of the working field affects the productivity and dimensions of the workpiece.
Inconsistency with the declared power indicators, rapid failure, constant overheating, lack of accuracy - machines with such defects were excluded from our rating.
Approximate order of use
The basic rules for operating the machine are quite simple, but you still need to know the step-by-step order so as not to get confused later:
- First you need to select a pattern that will be cut out;
- Then you should load the image (photo) into the operating program of the device, while simultaneously checking the cleanliness of the working surface of the lens. If contamination occurs, then the lens should be wiped with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol;
IMPORTANT! You cannot wipe the lens with vodka, since the essential oils contained in its composition form a thin film on the lens when it dries, which will lead to scattering of the beam!
- After turning on the unit, you must wait until it warms up;
- Next, you should select a processing method: “raster” for engraving and “vector” for cutting;
- Then you need to determine the width of the line for the cut (it is worth remembering that wide lines take a long time to complete);
- Upon completion of all operations, the process will begin to execute, and the production time will depend on the processing material and the set speed mode.
The best laser wood engravers
When choosing a laser wood engraver for your home, the main attention is paid to the size of the working field. Wood blanks traditionally have large dimensions. There are no special requirements for equipment. It is better to buy a machine with several operating modes, this will allow you to create inscriptions and drawings of different colors - from light yellow to black. The machines can be used to make souvenirs, signs, portraits, and kitchen utensils.
Ortur Laser Master 2
The portal laser engraving machine works in tandem with a computer, to which it is connected via a USB port. The manufacturer offers free and paid software. The user can adjust brightness, white balance, contrast, speed, and select a raster or vector image. Two power modes - constant and variable. In the second case, you can select any parameter from 0 to 100% of the standard characteristics.
The work area of 40x40 cm allows you to work with large pieces of wood. The model has high positioning accuracy - up to 12.5 microns, which makes it possible to create complex patterns. The motherboard maintains optimal data transfer speed. The power is enough to work with wood, plywood, plastic and leather. There is a protective screen and individual glasses that will help maintain perfect vision. The profile frame made of aluminum ensures structural rigidity and increases service life.
Advantages:
- Protection of the active beam position;
- Fixed focus;
- Wide range of adjustment;
- Speed up to 30 cm per minute;
- PWM mode support.
Flaws:
- Supplied semi-assembled - assembly takes 15-20 minutes.
The manufacturer offers a rotation module for the mini engraver for working with cone-shaped and cylindrical workpieces. Burning designs can be edited in all popular graphic editors.
Ruka 4040 Start
The model is designed for working on wood, plywood, plastic, acrylic, glass. Copes well with cutting materials. It is equipped with a laser tube with a power of 50 W; this parameter can be increased if desired. The machine is controlled using the Ruida board. For movement, a Nema 17 engine is installed, which is reliable and low noise. The motor provides an engraving speed of 40 cm per second, which is one of the best in its class.
Increased performance is ensured by a water cooling system equipped with a water flow sensor. The honeycomb working surface guarantees precise positioning of the workpiece. The accuracy reaches 15 microns, which allows you to print readable letters measuring 1x1 mm. The desktop is motorized and height adjustable.
Advantages:
- Lightweight, durable body;
- Wide selection of graphic formats;
- Free software;
- Increased service life of the generating tube to 3000 hours;
- Remote configuration by manufacturer representatives.
Flaws:
- Overcharge.
Zareff M2
Professional machine for solving commercial problems. This equipment is installed on a stable frame equipped with wheels for movement. The working field has dimensions of 600x400 mm, which allows it to be used for processing large workpieces. It is equipped with an 80 W generator, which easily cuts plywood and plastic. A water cooling system with a reliable pump, an exhaust hood with an installation system ensure the possibility of intensive work throughout the day. A piston compressor is used to blow the cut.
The machine has a convenient control panel and is connected to a computer via a USB cable. The work table has an electric drive; the user can choose a platform made of lamellas or with a honeycomb coating. Free software allows you to work with graphic files of various formats.
Advantages:
- The table rises by 250 mm;
- High performance;
- Consistent quality when working with any wood;
- Low price;
- Possibility of choosing a complete set.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
The best MFPs for home
The best laser engravers for metal
The high heat capacity of the material being processed and the reflective ability of its surface impose their own requirements on a CNC laser engraver for metal. The equipment is equipped with fiber energy generators, which have increased power ratings. An alternative solution is to use carbon dioxide, in which the metal is burned.
Artis 1325
The industrial fiber laser engraver is designed for high-precision metal cutting. Equipped with an American-made ytterbium emitter, which provides increased efficiency. It works effectively in an oxygen environment, when high cutting speed is required, and produces good results when cutting without scale in inert gases. The edges are perfect with minimal taper. Allows you to create metal elements with strict corner geometry.
The precision cut has a width of 0.1 mm, heating is narrow-sectional - allows you to create parts of very complex shapes. Equipped with Swiss optical heads specially designed for powerful machines. The height of this unit and focusing are controlled automatically. The water cooling system ensures high work intensity.
Advantages:
- The emitter does not require maintenance and maintains its characteristics for 10 years;
- Quick replacement of head consumables;
- Backlash-free servomotors made in Japan;
- Easy integration into the production line;
- Automatic control of temperature in the working area.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Alfa 1390
For cutting and perforating steel workpieces in a small enterprise, you can buy an Alfa series metal laser engraver. This is professional equipment that operates on the principles of supplying active gas to the processing zone. The model is equipped with Reci emitters with a power of 150 W. The characteristics of the generator allow you to cut steel 4 mm thick. The equipment provides a smooth and even cut, absence of scale and thermal deformation.
The accuracy of the equipment reaches 2500 dpi, and the speed of movement of the emitter is 50 cm/s. This is ensured by installing YAKO three-phase stepper motors. The presence of a controller with non-volatile memory allows you to use CorelDraw without a control program. The belt drive bearings are made of tool steel, can withstand high loads, and are easily replaced during maintenance.
Advantages:
- Wide linear guides;
- Automatic lifting table;
- The mirror settings are not lost during operation;
- Efficient air pump;
- Precise positioning sensors.
Flaws:
- A rotating device for the cylinder is not included in the basic configuration.
The best laser printers
Price Dependence
Often, in the laser machine market, you can encounter the following situation: it would seem that devices with identical technical characteristics should cost the same, because they may even have the same desktop dimensions? But the cost, first of all, will consist of the overall configuration and the quality of individual parts. And these include:
- Frame;
- Table size;
- Ray tube;
- Warming block;
- Power supply;
- Motors and other control elements.
Also, additional options will have a significant impact on the price, such as a residual current device, the presence of a hood, the presence of a rotating device, the presence of a photo-video camera, etc.
It is worth mentioning that for complex technical devices the name of the manufacturer always and everywhere plays a big role. Indeed, small, unknown companies can attract a potential buyer with the extremely low prices of their equipment, but it is difficult to find truly good equipment among such samples. And when purchasing a laser device from such companies, the user risks paying double the price, which will result in frequent repairs.
You can visually distinguish a good model even just by looking at the body. If it is made of thin sheet metal and has cheap articulated shaft guides installed, then such a machine is unlikely to be suitable for working at high speeds. High acceleration will create additional vibrations, which will inevitably lead to the violation of the correctness of the cut lines or the production of uneven engraving. It is also worth paying attention to the age of the manufacturing company - figures of 3 - 5 years are considered optimal. An age of 9 years or more already indicates a well-deserved place in the market. And in addition, it is worth discussing service issues with the seller - if a lifetime warranty or at least a 5-year service period is offered, then such a seller is trustworthy.
The best laser engravers from Aliexpress
For your home, you can buy an inexpensive laser engraver from Aliexpress, which will allow you to master the technique of working with different materials. The equipment is equipped with low-power emitters and has a compact work table. With its help you can create souvenirs, cut plastic, plywood, make drawings on glass, leather, aluminum and steel. The Chinese marketplace website has a wide selection of gadgets; our experts settled on two basic desktop models.
TwoWin 3000mw laser engraver
The desktop laser engraver from China has a working field of 80x80 mm. The model is equipped with a 3000 MW laser, which is powerful enough to work with wood, leather, plastic and cardboard. It connects to a computer via a USB port, the software is free and easy to set up. The burning speed can be varied in the range from 0 to 100 cm per minute. Positioning accuracy reaches 10 microns.
It has a portal layout, which allows you to use the device when working with large flat surfaces. The software supports the most famous graphic formats. The main device control functions are located on the top panel. A screen is used to protect the eyes from radiation.
Advantages:
- Housing made of impact-resistant plastic;
- Laser service life – 10,000 hours;
- Easy replacement of the emitter;
- Great power.
Flaws:
- No safety glasses included.
Yofuly Cnc 3018 Pro Max
The CNC machine runs on professional GRBL software, this allows you to master the technology that is used in industrial enterprises. The equipment is designed to work with wood, soft metal, plastic, acrylic. The 300x180 mm table allows you to process large workpieces. It is equipped with a fiber laser, which provides high burning speed.
The standalone controller supports the processing process without a personal computer. The body is made of aluminum and impact-resistant plastic. Reliable stepper motors have variable speed control. The built-in ventilation system allows non-stop use for 45 minutes.
Advantages:
- It is possible to choose a more powerful laser;
- Good equipment;
- Clamps for fixing the workpiece on the work table;
- Supports the best graphic formats;
- Low price.
Flaws:
- There is no adjustment of laser characteristics.
Instead of an epilogue
The analysis of the market showed that the leaders in it are not Western companies. Russian buyers prefer to purchase Asian-made analogues, since the components used for their assembly are still produced in Europe. And this already allows us to talk about overall quality. At the same time, most Chinese companies do not have their own service centers in the Russian Federation, which means there may be some problems with repairs. However, from the beginning of 2022, this situation began to improve - authorized centers appeared in Siberia and the Far East, which provide the services of visiting specialists in the regions of Russia (even within the framework of warranty service).
How to choose a laser engraver
To choose a machine, you need to evaluate its power and take into account what materials will be processed. The more complex the applied patterns, the higher the positioning accuracy should be. For commercial equipment, it is important to have a cooling system that will allow for longer periods of use without interruption. Only taking into account all these parameters can you choose a gadget capable of solving the assigned tasks.
Power
An important parameter when choosing equipment. The higher the power, the better the performance. We recommend machines with the following characteristics:
- 10-15 W – for cutting materials 4-5 mm thick, suitable for making souvenirs and small advertising;
- 25-30 W – for processing wood up to 10 mm in thickness, used to create plates and stamps;
- 40-60 W – for plywood, boards up to 13 mm. The performance of this equipment approaches that of industrial equipment;
- 80-100 W – universal machines with a beam penetration depth of up to 16 mm;
- 100-200 W – industrial devices capable of processing 25 mm material.
Power affects cutting speed. The higher the indicator, the greater the energy consumption.
Processing material
Most models are designed for processing wood, plastic, leather, cardboard, and plywood. These devices can be used in everyday life and commercial applications. They are equipped with lasers with a coregent monochrome beam. Metals require more powerful devices. To prevent the steel from reflecting the beam, carbon dioxide is supplied to the cutting area. If the machine does not have such a function, then use special pastes and varnishes. For processing leather and felt, it is recommended to choose a model that has a hood. When heated, these materials emit a lot of smoke and an unpleasant odor.
Accuracy
Characterization is important for the production of highly detailed products. Equipment used in the commercial field may have a resolution of 2500-4500 dpi. The positioning accuracy of such devices is 10-12 microns. The characteristic also plays an important role when cutting metal. The accuracy of the angles and the absence of cone-shaped deviations make it possible to obtain parts from which units and housings are assembled with a long service life.
Availability of a cooling system
The availability of an effective cooling system determines the duration of operation without interruption. Household models that do not have fans are cooled by ambient air. Such equipment can be used for 15-20 minutes. When installing the fan, depending on its characteristics, use it without interruption for 40-60 minutes. Industrial machines intended for intensive use are equipped with water cooling systems.
Which laser engraver is better?
The review presents different types of models, which laser engraver should you choose for your activity? You need to choose equipment taking into account the field of activity, the material being processed, and productivity. The VyborExperta.ru team recommends the following models:
- Ortur Laser Master 2 – for home workshops and small businesses;
- Zareff M2 – commercial wood processing;
- Artis 1325 – for cutting sheet metal;
- Yofuly Cnc 3018 Pro Max – for learning technology.
All the models presented in the review are worthy of the attention of amateurs and professionals, but only the most efficient and functional devices were awarded the title of the best machines in their classes.
