=====Laser cutters for potential purchase===== Objective: Identify 3 laser cutters (economy, mid-range, high-end) for potential purchase. ====Economy==== [[http://www.amazon.com/Orion-Motor-Tech-Engraving-Interface/dp/B01AJHKCKG/ref=sr_1_58?ie=UTF8&qid=1453137136&sr=8-58&keywords=laser+cutter| Orion Motor Laser Cutter]] ===General Specifications=== *Engraving Area: 28" x 20"(700 x 500 mm) - Maximum Material Thickness: 5 mm - Laser Wattage: CO2: 60, watts *Laser Source: Digitally controlled, air-cooled CO2 laser tubes are fully modular, permanently aligned and field replaceable. - Speed and Power Control: Vector color mapping links speed, power and focus to any RGB color. *Air Assist: Attach an air compressor to our included Air Assist to remove excess heat and combustible gases from the cutting surface by directing a constant stream of compressed air across the cutting surface. *Shenzhouyi Software: The Shenzhouyi software controls your K40-0350 Laser's settings from a wide range of software packages - from design programs to spreadsheet applications to CAD drawing packages. Electrical Requirements: Auto-switching power supply accommodates 110 volts, 60 Hz, AC. *Red Dot Pointer: Since the laser beam is invisible, a Red Dot Pointer on the Fusion Laser allows you to have a visual reference for locating where the laser will fire. X-Axis Bearings: Ground and polished stainless steel long-lasting bearing system. ==Pros== *Price is about $2,500 USD, which includes shipping. *Would arrive within a week. ==Cons== *The maximum material thickness is 5mm. *The air compressor is a separate purchase. *Appears to come from a company that recreates off brand hardware. The quality is questionable. ====Mid-Range==== [[https://fslaser.com/Products/View/| Full Spectrum Laser Compact Laser Cutter]] ===General Specifications=== *New powerful RetinaEngrave 3D Ethernet + USB controller and software developed by FSL in Las Vegas, NV *True 20” x 12” cutting area *Patent pending focusing mechanism allows for fully removable Z floor (allows work on materials too big to fit in machine) *US direct print software drivers work with any program that prints: CorelDraw, AutoCAD, Solidworks, Adobe Illustrator, PDF - even MS Word! *Air assist connection to blow away smoke at the laser head while laser is cutting *Through the lens red pointing laser + beam combiner to see exactly where the cutting will occur *Compact space saving design and weighs only 70 lbs *Optional rotary attachment for engraving round bottles *30 day money back 100% satisfaction guarantee *Designed and assembled in the USA ==Pros== *Price is around $3,500 and is manufactured locally. *The bottom comes out so we can laser cut materials that may not fit inside of the machine ==Cons== *Does not sit on a stand. This product would have to be placed onto a table due to its design. May not necessarily be a con, but it may also take up table space that could otherwise be used for other items. ====High-End==== [[https://www.morntechusa.com/shop/laser-machines/mt-l570-detail.html| Morntech MT-L570 60W Laser Cutter]] ===General Specifications=== - Laser Power: 60W, 80W CO2, Water Cooled. (60W Standard) - 2" Lens for Engraving and Cutting. 1000DPI - Work Area: 28"x20" - Cutting Depth Approx. : 15mm Acrylic, 10mm MDF - Water CHILLER and hoses - Honey Comb cutting table - Z axis height: Approx. 10" - Motorized Z Axis table - Air assist - Red Dot Pointer - Direct 110V Power Connection ( able to work through you normal 110v home power outlet) - Power consumptions is 900w ~ - Software compatibility: MS.Windows XP, VISTA, 7. and Windows 8.1 - Corel Draw 12,X3,X4.X5, X6, X7, AutoCAD plugins for direct engraving - MornTech LASER OEM software *U.S based support and training CO2 laser machine can be used in a lot of materials, such as leather, cloth, wool, fur, acrylic, plexiglass, wooden board, plastic, resin, rubber, bamboo product, double color board, marble, paper and other non-metal materials. Advantages: 1. USB port, support offline work. 2. Newest laserwork software, support Coreldraw and Autocad. 3. Imported focus len make engraving with higher accuracy. 4. Up and down work table, this machine can be added with rotary camp. 5. Machine's front and back door open, can process on long materials. ==Pros== *Will operate with front and back slots open to work on longer materials *Can cut through slightly thicker materials than the first laser cutter by 20mm. This is dependent upon the material in question. *Worktable can move up and down to give more space for the project. ==Cons== *If using longer materials, the material still has to fit inside of the workspace *Price is $5,900. Can get similar laser cutter for close to half the cost. *Is made in California. May not be a con, but we would have to tolerate a longer shipping time over a local manufacturer.