cnc fiber laser cutting machine factories
Buying a laser cutter & engraver isn’t the simplest thing in the world, but I intend to make it as easy as possible for you with this guide.
Although there are dozens of factors to consider when buying one, I want to emphasize the most dominant elements that separate decent and good laser cutters from the best of the best, so let’s start from the top:
1. Fiber Lasers
Without a shadow of a doubt, ever since fiber laser machines came to the market, crystal and gas-powered laser cutting tools were nearly completely forgotten. This new type of technology produces a more focused, much stronger laser beam via fiber optics, which makes cutting through the heaviest of metals a breeze.
To top it all, more power means faster cutting and engraving, meaning that the laser’s lifespan won’t wear as much (or as frequently).
2. Laser Lifespan
The average lifespan of a laser tube spans between 1,200 to 2,000 hours. Although that may not seem like a lot, that’s about 12 weeks of continuous operation. You probably won’t be using a laser cutter for the full length of your work hours, and you probably won’t use it even half the time, so 12 weeks with 2,000 hours isn’t such a bad number after all.
However, what makes the best laser engravers and cutters better and more cost-effective than ’average’ ones is the superior laser lifespan. Some of the better models on this list, especially professional laser engravers, feature advanced laser tubes that boast 10,000 hours of operation, which essentially means that you can, should you want to, use the machine for a full year non-stop.
This is a feature that is characteristic of some of the best laser cutting machines, as you will be able to mitigate your long-term costs of maintenance.
3. Large Work Area
In simple terms, the bigger the surface you have to work with, the easier your job becomes. High speeds and wattage may be important, but you won’t be able to utilize your laser cutting machine’s full potential without a work surface that is large enough – a work area that will provide you with the much-needed flexibility to make adjustments on the fly and prevent potential accidents.
By ’large’ work area, I mean a surface with dimensions that measure at least 100 by 100 millimeters. Obviously, some of the more expensive models I’ve included on the list offer four times that size and are, in my personal experience, some of the best machines I’ve had the pleasure of working on.
4. Wattage/power
Not to be confused with voltage (V), wattage (W) influences the sheer power of any machine operating on electricity. As with any such machine, its strength makes it suitable or not suitable for certain tasks.
For instance, if you’re looking for a laser engraver to use at home for hobby-inspired purposes, you can make do with a weaker model easily. For professional use, however, I recommend going with a machine with at least 30 watts of strength.
5. Price to Value ratio
Price-to-value is not cost-effectiveness or subjective value. This element is completely objective and encompasses both. There’s a big misconception that the bigger the machine is, the more expensive it should be.
Buying a laser cutter & engraver is different from casual shopping and is more akin to long-term investing. Not many people can cash out thousands of dollars and switch over to a different model if they aren’t fully satisfied.
Take a good look at the list below, and you’ll find machines in virtually all price ranges – starting below $500, and ending with the range below $12,000. Consider your needs and the intended use for your machine before making the final call.