I currently have a 10W diode and am thinking about stepping up to the next level but I’m stuck in a bit of analysis paralysis. I’d like to eventually own a machine of each technology (e.g., CO2, MOPA Fiber, UV…) but I’m not sure which one to buy next.
I know there are a good number of community members that own multiple technologies so I thought I’d ask. How did you progress in your laser journey? What would be the best bang for the buck for the next machine?
I know this is very dependent on “what do you want to make” but eventually I’d like to have the capabilities to pretty much do anything laser. Any insights would be appreciated.
I have several lasers, so I suppose I can give my personal reasoning.
100W CO2 gantry laser: Excellent for cutting plywood, acrylic, etc. Set up with multiple lenses, including one with a long throw for engraving/using the rotary. I use this laser extensively.
60W MOPA fiber laser: My favorite for having fun with rocks, stainless steel (e.g. plant stake label plates), aluminum (e.g. colored business cards turned into ID badges), and so on. Can be my slowest if I’m doing a detailed deep engrave, but it can do that.
30W CO2 galvo laser (with notable upgrades):Drastically faster on many wood engraving jobs than the gantry laser, but worse resolution/spot size. I prefer it to the gantry laser where it can be cromulent, but if I need extreme line detail, I go to the gantry laser with my shortest focal length lens. Often, I’ll use both in the same project.
4W and 44W diode lasers on my CNC router: The only option when I’m doing some specialized jobs (e.g. engraving trails and details on a terrain relief model I just carved with the spindle), but otherwise not on my standard rotation.
Potential Future UV Laser(s)?: I’ll get one eventually, I’m sure, but the two potential killer apps for me, engraving glass and 3D interior engravings in acrylic, appear to be mutually exclusive (at least, the controllers, lenses, and available software all present constraints when last I checked).
I started off with a 60w CO2 laser gantry setup. It’s been solid for the last 5 years. Lots of 1/8 and 1/4 ply projects along with acrylic. Hundreds of painted tumblers. It’s time for a new laser tube replacement though.
My second is a 50w fiber laser. It has a 300mm lens and I only use this machine for large projects.
My third is a 60w MOPA. I use this for bottle openers, aluminum business cards, and marking on stainless steel tumblers.
My 4th laser is a 5w UV. I purchased this to engrave on glassware mostly. I also find it does an amazing job with the aluminum business cards and cork coasters.
My last laser is a 30w CO2 galvo. I just received this laser. I’m still messing with the settings but so far painted tumblers come out decent with little cleanup after.
It all depends on your budget and what you want to accomplish. I’ve done other projects with each laser I just mentioned the most popular.
@ClayJar & @micrololin , nice equipment list! I’d eventually like to build up to your levels.
@fins , that is a crazy unit. I can’t imagine how much that would cost. I am leaning towards a 60W MOPA at the moment but I guess we’ll see what direction I actually end up going.
This is the challenge. I’d like to do everything (i.e., rocks, leather, coins, clear acrylic, colored stainless, 2D/3D glass, thicker wood cutting…).
