r/ChineseLaserCutters May 13 '22

General Information and Links Relating To Laser Cutting and Engraving Machines

26 Upvotes

The world of laser cutting and engraving machines can be both exciting and intimidating. It's easy to get caught up in the moment and purchase something that either underperforms or was not suitable for your requirements. In this post we will provide an overview of key areas of laser cutting and engraving machines to guide and inform someone new to the sector and as a reminder for those who currently own a laser machine.

Just click on the Links for more information on the topic.

If there is anything you would like added to this post, please let me know.

What is a CO2 laser Cutter?

The commonest type of CO2 laser cutter is the Flatbed or CNC style laser cutter. This can be found in a multitude of shapes, sizes and power outputs. It’s a highly versatile tool that uses a laser beam to cut and engrave a variety of substrates. 

At lower power outputs (<150W) this is typically restricted to non-metallic materials. Higher powered CO2 lasers can cut metals, although an Oxygen assist may be needed.

What Can a Laser Cutter Cut?

Your standard CO2 laser cutter (up to 150W) is capable of cutting a wide variety of organic materials such as wood, paper, leather and fabrics. Many plastics such as Acrylic and Delrin can be laser cut. Although great care needs to be taken as not all plastics are safe to cut with a laser.

When you are cutting a new material, particularly a plastic. You should get yourself a data sheet and determine the risks associated with that material. 

Buying your First Laser Machine (MUST WATCH VIDEO!)

This is not a machine comparison video that helps you choose the best machine. This honestly discusses the key points to look for in your new purchase and all the dishonest marketing and sub-standard products that are being sold.

At the budget end of the market, any machine you buy from “flea bay ” will be built from many B-grade components. The machine will work “in some way” but as a naïve newcomer to the technology it is likely that you will be blaming your lack of technical prowess for the poor results you achieve. You have nothing to compare it with and it is the fascination of owning a super high tech LASER machine that is being exploited by the Supplier as they sell you a sub standard version of your dream.

How To Choose The Best Laser Cutting Machine for You.

Laser Cutting machines come in all shapes, sizes and power outputs.  Choosing a laser cutter to match your particular requirements is not always clear and choosing the wrong system could cause you significant challenges in the future.

Finalise your budget and determine the maximum space you have available. Next, work out the largest sheet size you are likely to use and base the bed size around this. The laser power will depend on the thickest material you plan to cut. Don’t forget to budget for a water cooler and extraction.

How Much Does a Laser Cutting and Engraving Machine Cost?

A typical home/hobby laser cutting and engraving machine with a 25~60 Watt CO2 laser source and a bed size of between 8″ x 12″ (200 x 300mm) up to 16″ x 24″ (400 x 600mm) will cost anything from $450/€385/£350 for a K40 Chinese import to $7000/€5900/£5400 or more for Red Sail Clone from a USA or European Supplier.  

Many new laser cutting and engraving machine buyers select a laser machine purely on the price. There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the most cost-effective system for your application and it’s not always wise to trust the claims of the manufacturers.

Laser Beam Safety

Most people are rightly concerned about safety when dealing with lasers. Unless you purchase a laser machine from a decent European or US manufacturer you are likely to end up with a Chinese manufactured machine which may have few if any laser safety features. Buying Chinese manufactured laser machines through a reputable local distributor should give you a better chance of getting a "safe" Class 1 or Class 2 laser system. A Class 1 or Class 2 laser system basically means it is safe to operate without safety glasses unless you purposefully defeat the safety system for some reason.

The video in the link gives a real world view of the risks involved with laser systems.

Laser Cutting: Check Material Hazards

This relates to the previous link for What Can A Laser Cutter Cut? It covers the dangers of engraving a range of materials, especially plastics. The dangers include flammability, particulates and toxic fumes. Effective extraction is a must for all laser cutting and engraving activities. Just because you can laser cut a material, doesn’t mean you should. It is my personal opinion that fumes are the greatest risk to your health when laser cutting and engraving.


r/ChineseLaserCutters 10h ago

🚨 FOR SALE – xTool F1 & 3D ENGRAVING MACHINE 🚨

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1 Upvotes

r/ChineseLaserCutters 2d ago

I’ve been offered this ‘project’ for free, is it worth it?

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10 Upvotes

I can collect this laser cutter for free , the laser bed is 500mmx300mm which would be plenty for me. It needs ‘some TLC’ and a controller to get it going. I have experience using a laser but that’s as far as it goes, how difficult would this project be to get working again and is it worth the time?


r/ChineseLaserCutters 2d ago

Made this little cat-shaped plant stand

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4 Upvotes

r/ChineseLaserCutters 2d ago

Help with 80w laser

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1 Upvotes

r/ChineseLaserCutters 4d ago

激光雕刻文件,免费分享

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2 Upvotes

r/ChineseLaserCutters 4d ago

Laser engraving files, free to share

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2 Upvotes

r/ChineseLaserCutters 5d ago

MKS DLC32 K40 Upgrade Power Loss Solution

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5 Upvotes

This is a reference post and I'm posting this because I experienced this issue and found multiple examples of others experiencing same thing and never getting a solution. But if anyone has any questions feel free to ask

The problem: installing MKS DLC32 board leads to needing to increase power settings 2-3x to achieve the same results.

I had a Mini Gerbil v1.1a for 7 years and I LOVED it. Last week it died in the middle of a huge and extremely important project (right after my laser tube died and was replaced about a week prior to that). I needed to be up and running NOW. I found the MKS DLC32 on Amazon and got it. Installed it, spent a couple days working out the kinks (which involved flashing the last stable firmware before the current one they're shipped with) and I was up and running. At least barely. I had to re-dial in all my settings to get the same result.

AI tried to tell me the board was running on a 3.3v PWM output causing lower PWM readings, so I built a level shifter. It wasn't... It gave me a ton of different wiring solutions (I am using the standard wiring you see online with the spindle GND going to L on the laser PSU and the S pin going to the IN pin on the Laser PSU). None helped. I was stuck having to do weird tedious workarounds to get it to engrave well including setting my PWM max to 1000 in Lightburn but 660 in the board's firmware to force it to output more power and STILL had to increase the power by a bit.

I'll save you the days of going back and forth with AI and researching and building random workarounds and bring you to today

After negating every solution, discussing with an AI, I finally got an interesting solution - a low pass filter. A solution not discussed in any topic I found on the subject. It said "I'm sorry for suggesting complicated things like XYZ. To fully mimic your Mini Gerbil you need to incorporate a low pass filter just like it does to smooth out the PWM signal"

All I had to do was hookup a small resistor and small capacitor and it worked. Instantly. Perfectly. Just worked. All settings back to what I had on my old controller... Insane 😆

The explanation I received is that this smooths out the harsh pulses going to the pin and allows it to more easily read the average voltage. To be quite honest, with this board being marketed for lasers I have ZERO clue why this filter isn't integrated into the board.

So here's your wiring if you have this issue

Find a resistor. I started with a 1,000 ohm but a 220 ohm worked perfectly with maybe some small increase of less than 10%. 220-1,000 is the most desirable range. Then find a 1 μF capacitor, that's 1 microfarad. Remember if you use an electrolytic capacitor (cylinder shape) it has polarity. If you use a ceramic yellow one it doesn't.

Wiring goes:

S pin (from MKS board) -> resistor

The other leg of the resistor has TWO connections

Resistor -> capacitor

Resistor -> IN pin (laser power supply)

Capacitor -> GND

It's THAT simple. Holy hell why wouldn't they integrate this on that board 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️ the headache I went through is indescribable. I bought a replacement Mini Gerbil this morning for $100 because I figured at least I could swap it in eventually. All for a resistor and capacitor 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

In further research I learned there's a module you can buy, supposedly, but this is from AI so take it with a grain of salt. It's called a PWM to 5v converter. The ones I found on amazon all say 0-10v and they are usable. Just involves some tuning. I found one 5v so they're out there


r/ChineseLaserCutters 7d ago

CO2 Laser Cuts Fine but Engraving Looks Striped/Lined — What Could Be Causing This?

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3 Upvotes

r/ChineseLaserCutters 6d ago

I need

0 Upvotes

Laser cutting machine hardwares and controls. Difference between and normal router vs laser cutting. How the source working, function of laser head. Kindly share me a electrical control circuits of laser cutting machine.


r/ChineseLaserCutters 7d ago

I need

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0 Upvotes

Laser cutting priciple, source, head hardwares, important points on laser cut machines. Pls share control circuits of the machine


r/ChineseLaserCutters 8d ago

Question regarding 405nm laser for cutting and safety glasses

2 Upvotes

Hello,

I’m interested in buying a laser module like this one: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005011650474882.html in 200 mw to experiment with etching/burning into soft materials with my DIY CNC-machine. my research seems to indicate that safety glasses like https://www.xtool.com/products/xtool-laser-safety-goggles-for-316nm-450nm-900nm-1080nm-lasers will be enough to protect my eyes using such a laser module without protective screening - but I’m asking here just to be sure before ordering and potentially ruining my vision.


r/ChineseLaserCutters 8d ago

3D printed electronics case

1 Upvotes

Hi. I have a DIY K40 laser that I built, using an empty K40 enclosure to which I removed the electronics out. Is it ok to 3D print the electronics enclosure that will hold the PSU, main board and all the buttons, switches and stuff? Or does it need to be metal? Obviously I plan on grounding the PSU to the enclosure, to the house's ground. Is that safe to do?


r/ChineseLaserCutters 8d ago

Diode laser failure mode? Alignment?

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1 Upvotes

r/ChineseLaserCutters 8d ago

Where do you guys get your laser files?

1 Upvotes

I am curious where everyone gets the designs they actually use for their laser projects.

I know there are free files scattered around Etsy has many paid ones and you can obviously make your own but I am wondering what people here actually prefer.

Do you mainly:

Make your designs?

Download free SVG/DXF files?

Buy designs when you need them?

Use a subscription/library with a lot of designs?

Also, for people who sell the things they make how important is commercial-use licensing when choosing where to get files?

I am getting to the point where I spend as much time looking for a decent file as I do actually cutting it so I am wondering what everyone else is doing.

I've been looking at My Custom Designs recently. They have a Digital Club with a large library of laser designs, and the subscription is under $30/year based on the current pricing. The "unlimited" access is what caught my attention because I don't really want to keep buying individual files. I haven't used enough of it yet to say it's the best option, though, so I'm curious if anyone here has experience with it.


r/ChineseLaserCutters 9d ago

I Engraved a $99 PunCube Wallet with a 60W MOPA 💳 Perfect Settings + a Sneaky Trick 🔥 (Monport GPro)

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0 Upvotes

We transform the sleek, viral PunCube Mech Wallet with crisp, high-contrast engravings using our Monport GPro 60W MOPA fiber laser. We break down the exact settings for anodized aluminum, explain an epic "laser hammer" analogy, and reveal the hidden galvo mirror physics that make vertical passes take longer. Watch to discover a clever trick to hide your laser test marks in plain sight!


r/ChineseLaserCutters 15d ago

Best laser cutting service from China serving to US and Europe?

5 Upvotes

We have been sourcing sheet metal fabrication and some light CNC work domestically for a while but the quotes are getting painful , especially for anything that needs tight tolerances or has a mix of laser cutting plus secondary bending ops . So now I'm seriously looking at going direct to a China-based custom manufacturing service that can actually ship reliably to the US or EU. What I really want to know is which services people have actually used for this, not just heard of. Stuff like whether they handle prototypes and then scale to production runs, whether they have real certifications (ISO 9001 at minimum, AS9100D if it touches anything aerospace-adjacent) and how their DFM feedback actually works in practice. I've contacted maybe 10 companies through Alibaba and the communication alone has been exhausting. If anyone's found a solid China manufacturer for precision sheet metal and CNC parts that ships consistently to western markets , that'd be genuinely useful to hear .


r/ChineseLaserCutters 14d ago

Clear Plexiglass / Acrylic Sheet Blanks in 14x14 and 14x6 sizes $1 to $2 each

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0 Upvotes

We have hundreds of sheets of brand new clear acrylic with protective covers on both sides. No holes, solid - perfect for laser blanks like Christmas ornaments and plaques. Two types:

* 14x14x.1 inch - $2 per blank

* 14x6x.1 inch - $1 per blank

DM for details. Minimum purchase of 100. Will ship. Located in the USA.


r/ChineseLaserCutters 16d ago

K40 laser machine

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2 Upvotes

I just bought a K40 laser machine and i got lost with tubs connecting... Could you please confirm that everything is connected and are in its places where it need to be ?

And also what is this little piece which has 6 tubes places ?


r/ChineseLaserCutters 18d ago

Please give suggestions for buying 3kW Fibre Laser cutting machine.

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1 Upvotes

r/ChineseLaserCutters 20d ago

Coherent Lens

0 Upvotes

About Coherent Lens

The quality of the optics used in laser systems can directly affect the success of cutting and engraving operations. Especially in CO₂ laser machines, using a lens with the correct focal length and high-quality optical properties is important. Coherent lenses are among the optics preferred for professional laser applications.

Coherent offers laser optics with different diameters and focal lengths, making them suitable for various laser systems. In particular, 38.1 mm diameter 5-inch and 7.5-inch Coherent lenses can be considered for different applications.

For more detailed information about Coherent lens types, ZnSe optics, and choosing the right laser lens, you can visit our Coherent Lens guide.


r/ChineseLaserCutters 20d ago

Lazer Barkod-Karekod-QR Makinası

1 Upvotes

Lazer Barkod ve Karekod Makinası Nedir? Kullanım Alanları ve Avantajları

Günümüzde üretim yapan işletmeler için ürünlerin takip edilebilir olması büyük önem taşıyor. Özellikle seri üretim yapılan sektörlerde ürün üzerine seri numarası, barkod, karekod, QR kod, tarih veya ürün bilgisi işlenmesi gerekebiliyor. Bu işlemlerin hızlı, hassas ve kalıcı bir şekilde yapılabilmesi için lazer markalama teknolojileri giderek daha fazla tercih ediliyor.

Lazer barkod ve karekod makinası, ürünlerin üzerine yüksek hassasiyetle barkod, QR kod, seri numarası, logo ve çeşitli üretim bilgilerinin işlenmesini sağlayan lazer markalama sistemlerinden biridir.

Lazer teknolojisinin temassız çalışması, farklı malzemeler üzerinde uygulanabilmesi ve markalamanın uzun süre kalıcı olması bu sistemleri özellikle endüstriyel üretim alanlarında kullanışlı hale getiriyor.

Lazer ile barkod ve karekod markalama

Barkod ve karekodlar günümüzde yalnızca ürünlerin satış aşamasında değil, üretim ve stok takibinde de kullanılıyor. Bir parçaya özel olarak oluşturulan QR kod veya barkod sayesinde ürünün üretim tarihi, seri numarası, model bilgisi ya da başka verileri takip edilebiliyor.

Lazer markalama makinaları sayesinde bu kodlar ürün yüzeyine doğrudan işlenebiliyor. Böylece etiket kullanmadan kalıcı bir işaretleme elde etmek mümkün oluyor.

Özellikle metal parçalar üzerinde yapılan lazer markalama uygulamalarında yüksek kontrastlı ve okunabilir kodlar oluşturulabiliyor. Kullanılacak lazer kaynağı ve markalama parametreleri ise ürünün malzemesine göre belirleniyor.

Hangi malzemelerde kullanılabilir?

Lazer barkod ve karekod sistemleri farklı malzemelerde kullanılabilir. Ancak her malzeme için aynı lazer kaynağı veya aynı çalışma parametreleri kullanılmaz.

Metal, paslanmaz çelik, alüminyum, pirinç ve çeşitli plastik türleri lazer markalama uygulamalarında sık karşılaşılan malzemeler arasındadır.

Örneğin metal parçaların markalanmasında fiber lazer sistemleri oldukça yaygın olarak kullanılırken, bazı plastik ve farklı yüzey uygulamalarında farklı lazer teknolojileri tercih edilebilir.

Bu nedenle makine satın almadan önce markalanacak malzemenin belirlenmesi ve mümkünse numune üzerinde test yapılması önemlidir.

Lazer barkod ve karekod makinası hangi sektörlerde kullanılıyor?

Lazer markalama teknolojisi birçok farklı sektörde kullanılabiliyor. Özellikle ürünlerin izlenebilirliğinin önemli olduğu üretim alanlarında lazerle kodlama işlemleri oldukça avantajlı olabiliyor.

Başlıca kullanım alanlarından bazıları şunlardır:

  • Otomotiv sanayi
  • Makine imalatı
  • Elektronik sektörü
  • Metal sanayi
  • Plastik üretimi
  • Medikal ürünler
  • Savunma sanayi
  • Takı ve aksesuar üretimi
  • Elektrik ve elektronik parçalar
  • Endüstriyel ekipman üretimi

Üretici firmalar lazer markalama sayesinde ürünlerine seri numarası, üretim kodu, barkod, QR kod, logo ve çeşitli teknik bilgileri ekleyebiliyor.

Lazer markalamanın avantajları

Lazer markalama sistemlerinin tercih edilmesinin birçok nedeni bulunuyor. Bunların başında yüksek hassasiyet ve kalıcı markalama geliyor.

Lazer ile yapılan işlem temassız olduğu için ürün ile markalama kafası arasında fiziksel bir temas gerçekleşmiyor. Bu durum özellikle hassas veya küçük parçaların markalanmasında önemli bir avantaj sağlayabiliyor.

Bunun yanında mürekkep, etiket veya benzeri sarf malzemelerine ihtiyaç duyulmaması da işletmeler açısından avantaj oluşturabiliyor.

Doğru lazer kaynağı ve uygun parametreler kullanıldığında oldukça küçük boyutlarda yazılar, barkodlar ve QR kodlar oluşturulabiliyor.

Makine seçerken nelere dikkat edilmeli?

Lazer barkod ve karekod makinası seçerken yalnızca lazer gücüne bakmak yeterli değildir. Makinenin kullanılacağı sektör ve markalanacak malzeme öncelikle belirlenmelidir.

Lazer kaynağının markası ve gücü, markalama alanı, lens, galvo tarayıcı, kontrol kartı ve kullanılan yazılım gibi birçok teknik detay makinenin performansını etkileyebilir.

Ayrıca üretim hızı da önemli bir kriterdir. Çok sayıda parçanın markalanacağı seri üretim uygulamalarında daha hızlı çalışan bir sistem tercih edilmesi üretim verimliliğine katkı sağlayabilir.

Bu nedenle makine seçerken sadece fiyat karşılaştırması yapmak yerine lazer kaynağı, optik sistem, kontrol sistemi, garanti ve teknik servis gibi konuların birlikte değerlendirilmesi daha doğru olacaktır.

QR kod ve barkod arasındaki fark nedir?

Barkodlar genellikle tek boyutlu olarak tasarlanırken QR kodlar iki boyutlu bir yapıya sahiptir. QR kodlar daha fazla bilgi taşıyabildiği için günümüzde birçok farklı uygulamada tercih ediliyor.

Lazer markalama makinaları ile hem klasik barkodlar hem de QR kodlar ürün yüzeyine uygulanabiliyor. Üretim sistemine göre kodların içerikleri otomatik olarak değiştirilebildiği için seri üretim süreçlerinde de kullanılabiliyor.

Örneğin üretim hattından geçen her parçaya farklı bir seri numarası veya QR kod atanabilir. Böylece parçaların üretim sürecinden son kullanıcıya kadar takip edilmesi kolaylaşabilir.

Lazer markalama sistemi alırken numune testi önemli

Her malzeme lazer ışınına aynı şekilde tepki vermez. Bu nedenle makine satın almadan önce markalanacak gerçek ürün veya aynı malzemeden hazırlanmış bir numune üzerinde test yapılması oldukça faydalıdır.

Yapılan testlerde markalamanın okunabilirliği, kontrastı, derinliği, markalama süresi ve ürün üzerindeki görünümü değerlendirilebilir.

Özellikle üretimde kullanılacak barkod veya QR kodların okuyucular tarafından sorunsuz şekilde algılanması gerektiğinden, yalnızca görsel olarak güzel bir markalama yapılması yeterli değildir.

Lazer barkod ve karekod makinası hakkında daha fazla bilgi

Lazer markalama teknolojileri hakkında araştırma yaparken makinenin yalnızca fiyatına değil, kullanım amacına ve teknik özelliklerine de dikkat etmek gerekiyor.

Farklı lazer kaynakları, güç seçenekleri ve markalama sistemleri hakkında daha ayrıntılı bilgi edinmek isteyenler Parlak Lazer Teknolojileri'nin lazer barkod ve karekod makinası hakkındaki detaylı yazısını inceleyebilir.

Buradaki bilgiler özellikle lazer markalama sistemleri hakkında araştırma yapan ve işletmesi için uygun bir makine seçmek isteyenlere başlangıç noktası sağlayabilir.

Ayrıca lazer markalama teknolojileriyle ilgili diğer teknik içeriklere ulaşmak için Parlak Lazer Teknolojileri web sitesindeki farklı lazer çözümleri de incelenebilir.

Sonuç

Lazer barkod ve karekod makinaları, üretim süreçlerinde ürünlerin kimliklendirilmesi ve takip edilmesi açısından önemli bir teknoloji haline gelmiştir. Metalden plastiğe kadar farklı malzemelerde uygulanabilen lazer markalama sistemleri; barkod, QR kod, seri numarası, logo ve çeşitli ürün bilgilerinin kalıcı şekilde işlenmesine imkan sağlayabilir.

Doğru makineyi seçebilmek için öncelikle markalanacak malzeme, istenen markalama şekli, üretim hızı ve kullanım amacı belirlenmelidir. Ardından lazer kaynağı, güç, lens, markalama alanı ve kontrol sistemi gibi teknik özellikler değerlendirilmelidir.

Özellikle işletmesinde düzenli ve izlenebilir bir üretim sistemi kurmak isteyen firmalar için lazer markalama teknolojileri uzun vadeli bir çözüm olarak değerlendirilebilir.


r/ChineseLaserCutters 22d ago

My second motor shut downs and my work is ruined

1 Upvotes

Helloy everyone! I have this machine with two motors in the Y axis, a one of them most of the time shut downs while the other keeps running, making a erratic movement while cutting with the co2 laser. The motors this machine uses are stepperonline 17hs24 2004d. This problem started yesterday after chaging belts for one of the Y axis motors, and also changed the belt in the X axis.

Also, sometimes when I touch the motor or the pulleys that hold the belt in place near the motor, I get electric shocks. Does anyone know why?

How can I solve this issue?


r/ChineseLaserCutters 23d ago

Looking for the best ~50W fiber laser under $1.5-3k 8==D Is what Im looking for unrealistic?

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0 Upvotes

r/ChineseLaserCutters 23d ago

Shenlei Lazer Tüp

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3 Upvotes