What are your options for laser cutting / engraving machines?
Overview of your laser cutter options
In this section I'll give you a brief overview of your options for laser cutting/engraving machines. This list is certainly likely to change quickly now that the market has opened up for lower end laser systems so be sure to send us a note with a link to information if you know of a system that should be included on this page. I'll do my best to keep this page up to date.
CO2 lasers
CO2 lasers are the most common choice for hobbyists and small businesses because they cut and engrave a wide range of materials. 40 watt CO2 lasers are the most common and can cut up to 1/4" thick materials easily. Some common laser cut and engraved materials are acrylic, plywood, MDF, leather, some fabrics, stone, painted surfaces and many others. Epilog Laser offers a laserable materials chart that shows what materials may be cut and/or engraved. In some cases materials up to 1/2" thick may be cut but this may required uncommon materials or special processes. Some brands offer CO2 lasers in this category up to 150 Watts which lowers cutting and engraving times. Prices range from $350 for a Chinese K40 40W laser to around $4,000 to $5,000 for most other options.
Popular CO2 laser cutter models
Chinese K40 lasers - $500 - $1000 They typically require an upgraded power supply and some other upgrades but they can be made into decent machines for a total of around $1,000. Don't get one unless you are comfortable modifying and tinkering to make it right. You can get similar machines in 60 and 100 watt versions. I include a link to a Facebook support group vs. a purchase link because you need to do some homework before buying one of these machines.
Thunder Laser - $6600 - $15000 - A Chinese import distributed in the US but possibly a little higher quality than the Boss brand. That's only based on reviews I've read over time though.
Legacy Laser - $3500 - $13000 - Similar to Thunder Laser. Worth investigating.
Boss Laser - $4000 - $20,000 - This is a Chinese import that is distributed in the US. I see it recommended quite often but I also see a fair number of complaints about them. Better than a K40 but more expensive.
Hobby Level Desktop Machines
Glowforge - $2500 - $6000
Full Spectrum Muse - $3500 - $5500
Dremel - $6500 - $8500
CO2 lasers are the most common choice for hobbyists and small businesses because they cut and engrave a wide range of materials. 40 watt CO2 lasers are the most common and can cut up to 1/4" thick materials easily. Some common laser cut and engraved materials are acrylic, plywood, MDF, leather, some fabrics, stone, painted surfaces and many others. Epilog Laser offers a laserable materials chart that shows what materials may be cut and/or engraved. In some cases materials up to 1/2" thick may be cut but this may required uncommon materials or special processes. Some brands offer CO2 lasers in this category up to 150 Watts which lowers cutting and engraving times. Prices range from $350 for a Chinese K40 40W laser to around $4,000 to $5,000 for most other options.
Popular CO2 laser cutter models
Chinese K40 lasers - $500 - $1000 They typically require an upgraded power supply and some other upgrades but they can be made into decent machines for a total of around $1,000. Don't get one unless you are comfortable modifying and tinkering to make it right. You can get similar machines in 60 and 100 watt versions. I include a link to a Facebook support group vs. a purchase link because you need to do some homework before buying one of these machines.
Thunder Laser - $6600 - $15000 - A Chinese import distributed in the US but possibly a little higher quality than the Boss brand. That's only based on reviews I've read over time though.
Legacy Laser - $3500 - $13000 - Similar to Thunder Laser. Worth investigating.
Boss Laser - $4000 - $20,000 - This is a Chinese import that is distributed in the US. I see it recommended quite often but I also see a fair number of complaints about them. Better than a K40 but more expensive.
Hobby Level Desktop Machines
Glowforge - $2500 - $6000
Full Spectrum Muse - $3500 - $5500
Dremel - $6500 - $8500
Diode lasers
Diode lasers are low power lasers that are most often used to engrave materials. The lower power makes them MUCH slower to cut or engrave than a 40W CO2 laser.
They are often rated in milliwatts (one thousand milliwatts equals one watt) because many have an output of less than one watt. 4 watts is on the high end for a diode laser. These lasers can be purchased as a full system or they can be attached to CNC routers or 3D printers that will accept code generated by software specifically designed to be used with these lasers. These lasers are capable of cutting very thin materials such as paper or very thin plastics using very slow speeds and multiple passes. However, they are most often used to engrave items since engraving doesn't require as much power.
Diode lasers are low power lasers that are most often used to engrave materials. The lower power makes them MUCH slower to cut or engrave than a 40W CO2 laser.
They are often rated in milliwatts (one thousand milliwatts equals one watt) because many have an output of less than one watt. 4 watts is on the high end for a diode laser. These lasers can be purchased as a full system or they can be attached to CNC routers or 3D printers that will accept code generated by software specifically designed to be used with these lasers. These lasers are capable of cutting very thin materials such as paper or very thin plastics using very slow speeds and multiple passes. However, they are most often used to engrave items since engraving doesn't require as much power.
Fiber lasers
Fiber lasers are used almost exclusively to cut or engrave metals. They will not cut organic materials such as wood, plastic, leather, etc...
Epilog offers a chart listing materials compatible with fiber lasers
Fiber lasers are used almost exclusively to cut or engrave metals. They will not cut organic materials such as wood, plastic, leather, etc...
Epilog offers a chart listing materials compatible with fiber lasers
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