Are you looking for a desktop laser cutter but confused which one is right for you? You have come to the right place! We will discuss some of the most important things to consider when you are about to buy a desktop laser cutter.
Anyway, what is a laser cutter? A laser cutter is a machine that cuts designs into substances, like the name indicates. The source of the cutting power is gained from a powerful and super hot laser beam, which is focused by a curved mirror or a specific lens. The result of this focusing process is enabling the laser to cut the design layout in a high-precision level.
Desktop laser cutters come in different shapes, sizes, and features as well. Which is why, sometimes you may find confusion to choose which laser is the right one for you. Now let’s discuss how to choose the right desktop laser cutter for you.
What Do You Need It For?
The first thing that you have to consider is your needs. What are you planning to do with your desktop laser cutter? Every need requires different types of laser cutter. Which is why, to begin with, decide the purpose for which the machine will be used.
Decide which materials you are planning to work with. There are plenty of materials in the market such as wood, plastic, metals, acrylics, and paper which each of these materials requires a different level of laser cutter. Moreover, not every type of laser cutter is capable of cutting these materials. Ensure that you have done your research before buying.
Is It Accurate Enough?
Accuracy is important in engraving. Determining whether the laser cutter is good or not is by measuring its accuracy. There are many factors that are influencing the machine’s factors such as the precision level of the lead screw, the assembling techniques, the volume of the spindle power, etc.
Although countless factors are influencing the accuracy of the machine, it is a good thing to make sure that you get the best level of accuracy. To understand this, you can ask the technicians or the seller about the detailed specification, or you can do your own research.
Is It Easily Maintained?
The next critical thing is maintenance. How regular do you need to do maintenance on the machine? Since maintenance is heavily linked with costs, it is essential to ask the seller or technicians how long before you have to do the maintenance.
The common problem for laser cutters is sometimes it is difficult to maintain by yourself. Obviously, you have to call the technicians, which will cost you more than the costs you spend if you maintain it by yourself.
Another important aspect about maintenance is the replacement parts. You have to make sure that the replacement parts are easy to get, otherwise you will have a hard time searching for replacement parts if you have difficulties with your laser cutter.
Is It Affordable?
Desktop laser cutters have various prices depending on their type. If you need to cut thicker materials, you have to buy ones with a higher wattage and capabilities, which are costlier. On the other hand, if you only need to cut thinner materials, then you just need to buy the ones on the mid-range price.
The price of a desktop laser cutter is starting from $4000 up to $45000. There are two types of laser, the CO2 lasers and the fibre lasers. The CO2 priced $15000 at max whereas the fibre lasers can go up to $45000. Obviously, these two provide different outcomes and quality, while they also have different requirements of electricity.
Now that you have understood the four most important things to look for when buying a desktop laser cutter, it is up to your eyes to decide which desktop laser cutter is the one you’re looking for.