Laser cutter recommendations.

[Anthon]

I'm looking for a decent laser for my DIY work.
I would say it's for semi-professional use, because I sell a lot of my work.

Work area that would fit at least a 19 inch 6U panel. (50cmx30cm would be good).
I need it for laser engraving of panels and cutting leather.

So the biggest dilemma for me, going with some Chinese model which would almost certainly need some modifications to run properly, or paying more and going with good quality brand that will work reliably out of the box.

Is there a particular model that you had experience with? (good or bad)
What else should be considered?

 

[iampoor1]

Well, for engraving aluminum you are going to need a fibre (not a co2) laser, so pretty much every cheap machine would not be suitable...

Might be good to define a budget. I am pretty certain that manley and some of the other big companies that are using laser engraving are using epilog machines. Make sure to be sitting when you see the price tag.  ;D

 

[Gold]

Would a CO2 laser be suitable for engraving through powder coat on aluminum?

 

[Anthon]

Well, for engraving aluminum you are going to need a fibre (not a co2) laser, so pretty much every cheap machine would not be suitable...

Might be good to define a budget. I am pretty certain that manley and some of the other big companies that are using laser engraving are using epilog machines. Make sure to be sitting when you see the price tag.  ;D

I meant using some product like Cermark for printing on aluminium, which is possible with Co2 laser. I guess that wouldn't be engraving, but all I want is putting label on panels.

Come to think of it,  perhaps I should just go for silk screening instead.  :
I like how silk screens look more, and if you do multiple copies of panels it would probably be easier and cheaper. Plus you can work with any kind of surface, painted or not.

 

[gyraf]

Laser is very good on blasting color off anodized aluminum. Even a tiny 10W diode laser can actually mark black-anodized..

 

[[silent:arts]]

Both panels are done using a CO2 Laser.
Black on silver needs Cermark (since the laser marks on anodized aluminium are always white).

I use a Chinese model bought on eBay (50W, 50cm x 30cm workspace).

 

[gyraf]

+1 for [silent:arts]'s laser on anodized...!

 

[Marik]

When choosing the CO2 laser keep in mind that most of cheap 40/50/60 watt Chinese lasers will come with a crap Arduino type drivers and Chinese hacked old Corel, which will  not even have metric/imperial conversion and very poor, dated features, and very limited file conversion. You cannot really push that thing to go fast, as it will start distorting shapes and won't repeat, giving all kinds of errors, confusing work space zero, etc.

It will also not have ability of rotary attachment control. It won't have laser focus adjustment/or table lift feature, so you will be very limited in the thickness of engraving panels and it will take long time to change and adjust it every time. It also won't have an exhaust connected to the lens--just a generic fan, which is total crap. Not to mention, the cooling system is also total crap (make sure you fill it with distilled water) and comes with aquarium type of extremely unreliable water pump. Also, very probable you will get say, 60W machine with only 40W rated power supply. The list can go on forever...

Besides paying attention to all of those, as well as the machine size, also keep in mind the later DSP drivers/controllers such as say, Ruida, are much more versatile and flexible, and would be by far preferable. Most likely, if the machine has this kind of controller it will have most of the features I mentioned above, as it is a good indication of a higher end machine.

Still, be prepared to spend at least full day adjusting mirrors, making sure all the driving belt tensioned correctly, the limit switches are in the correct places, the rail bumps are of correct length, etc. etc. etc. But once you go through all of these and learning curve you will actually have lots of fun!!!

Best, M

 

[[silent:arts]]

I have been very lucky with my Chinese laser Marik, I can't confirm your experience.

 

[abbey road d enfer]

I'm looking for a decent laser for my DIY work.
I would say it's for semi-professional use, because I sell a lot of my work.

Work area that would fit at least a 19 inch 6U panel. (50cmx30cm would be good).
I need it for laser engraving of panels and cutting leather.

So the biggest dilemma for me, going with some Chinese model which would almost certainly need some modifications to run properly, or paying more and going with good quality brand that will work reliably out of the box.

Is there a particular model that you had experience with? (good or bad)
What else should be considered?

Flatbed UV printer seems to be a serious alternative. They can print on almost any material and offer a large choice of colours. the final result is similar to silk-screening.
I had ordered one with 400x600mm size at €3k, but they called me later asking an additional €800 if I wanted the machine.
I cancelled the order since this is not a good way of conducting business. I have checked others, it seems €5k is the minimum for a machine this size, with a reasonable furnishing of expandables (ink, cleaner...).

 

[Marik]

I have been very lucky with my Chinese laser Marik, I can't confirm your experience.

All machines are different. I merely pointed out what features to look for in CO2 laser machines in general and what to expect from something like cheapest K40 type of machine, so everyone chooses what s/he needs. Hopefully, it was helpful.

Best, M

 

[Rocinante]

Volker,
Any chance you have a link?  Yours look perfect to my eyes.

 

[[silent:arts]]

Volker,
Any chance you have a link?  Yours look perfect to my eyes.

No problem. I bought mine 5 years ago, so the listing doesn't exist anymore, but this one looks very similar.

 

[abbey road d enfer]

No problem. I bought mine 5 years ago, so the listing doesn't exist anymore, but this one looks very similar.

Have you tried to etch PCB's with it?

 

[[silent:arts]]

Have you tried to etch PCB's with it?

No. I only use it for laser etching front panels and transformer boxes.
You can see the outcome on my Instagram.

 

[boji]

I have been very lucky with my Chinese laser Marik, I can't confirm your experience.

Glad to hear you've had positive experience with it, since there's a lot of negative reviews / upgrade mods on YT.

Have you had to change the tube yet?

By the way, how have you set up your water recycler? Have any picts?

 

[[silent:arts]]

Glad to hear you've had positive experience with it, since there's a lot of negative reviews / upgrade mods on YT.

I didn't do any mods or upgrades. I first thought I need to buy Cornell Draw, but the included Software reads my Illustrator files and dxf if needed, and most pixel graphics customers send me are no problem too.

Have you had to change the tube yet?

No. I even didn't feel to change my settings yet (I'm doing the black anodized panels with 15% laser power).

By the way, how have you set up your water recycler? Have any picts?

It is just a container with 15 liter circulating water and antifreeze and the (included) pump.
Will do a pic next time I'm in the basement.

 

[Anthon]

No. I only use it for laser etching front panels and transformer boxes.
You can see the outcome on my Instagram.

Looks very nice. If the Chinese 50w laser can produce this kind of quality then I'm sold.

What about reliability and consistency?  Have you ever had panels ruined because the machine malfunctioned?

 

[[silent:arts]]

What about reliability and consistency?  Have you ever had panels ruined because the machine malfunctioned?

No, not because of the machine, only because of me.

 

[Anthon]

No, not because of the machine, only because of me.

Well, it seems like a no-brainer to me then. Even if there is some tuning and upgrading to be done it's fine by me, as long as you end up with something that usable and reliable.

I guess you had no issues with the laser tube and cooling because you are running it on 15% power. A lot of people are saying the tubes are not actually rated for 50W, they burn down fast if you use maximum settings.
Cermark seems to works best on low power anyway.