May. 12, 2025
Agriculture
Last Updated - November
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Do you want a powerful cutting and engraving tool to help take your projects to the next level? Then a co2 laser cutter might be just the system you need! Surpassing any manual blade or CNC machine's capability, these laser systems offer unparalleled precision when processing a wide range of materials. But there are various factors to consider when purchasing a co2 laser. From setting a budget to laser power options, processing requirements, software and safety features – below we'll explore ten key factors you should consider before buying a laser cutter.
Before we begin, let's start with the basics. What is a co2 laser cutter?
CO2 laser stands for carbon dioxide laser. These machines use a CO2 laser tube to generate a laser beam that is projected out the end of the tube, reflected by a series of mirrors and refined by a focal lens onto the material's surface to either cleanly cut or etch a specific design.
With their ability to process a wide range of materials, ranging from plastics to wood, glass and stone, and paper to foam co2 lasers are a popular choice for manufacturing, small businesses, schools, artists and hobbyists who want fast, flawless results on their projects and production line every time.
If you're looking to expand your business or hobby and want to purchase a laser cutter, there are several important factors to consider. Unfortunately, with so many options available on the market, choosing a suitable laser cutter can be overwhelming. Below, we'll discuss the key factors you should consider when purchasing a laser cutter.
Of course, cost will always be a major consideration when it comes to any purchase – including laser cutters! However, by establishing your budget upfront, you can narrow down your options and avoid overspending. In addition, determining your budget can help you prioritise which features are essential and which ones you can compromise on. For example, you may need to settle for a smaller bed size or lower laser power if you have a limited budget. On the other hand, if you have a more significant budget, you can invest in higher-quality components and additional features that may improve your workflow and productivity. Additionally, knowing your budget enables you to explore financing options or consider purchasing a refurbished laser machine.
Financing options are available for all laser cutters at Focused Laser Systems, including our Vision co2 lasers and dual-source laser systems and our refurbished machines to help you spread the cost.
When purchasing a laser cutter, it's essential to consider what materials you're planning to process. For example, some materials like certain plastics emit harmful fumes when processed by a laser. In these cases, you'll need to purchase a more powerful extraction system to avoid health risks, or consider purchasing a fume filtration unit with your laser. You'll also want to consider the size and shape of the materials you're looking to process and make sure the bed size of the laser cutter you choose can accommodate the largest piece of material you plan on processing. Additionally, if you want to engrave around spherical objects, you'll need to factor in the cost of a rotary attachment.
When we talk about the power of a laser machine, we're talking about the laser tube, which is measured in watts, with higher-wattage tubes having the ability to cut or engrave materials faster and with greater precision than lower-wattage tubes. And equally the more powerful the laser tube, the thicker the materials you are able to process.
For example, if you're working with thin materials like paper or cardboard, a lower-wattage laser tube around 40 watts would be a great choice. However, if you want to cut through thicker materials like 2mm - 6mm wood or acrylics, we recommend a higher-wattage laser tube around 60w - 100w. And for those really thick pieces around 10mm - 20mm you would need to go for the larger wattage laser tubes around 130w - 150w.
Higher-wattage laser tubes can also help increase cutting speed and efficiency, thus reducing production time and costs. However, it's important to note that higher-wattage laser tubes require stronger cooling systems, which can affect the overall setup and maintenance costs, not to mention the replacement laser tube cost further down the line in a few years time.
Ultimately, the power level of your Co2 laser tube should match the specific needs of your project and business, which can be determined when you consult with a laser machine expert to determine the best option for you.
Co2 lasers come in various shapes and sizes, from small desktop laser cutters to large industrial-sized machines.
Firstly, consider the space you have available. Depending on the laser system, you'll need to factor in any additional equipment, like the cooling and extraction systems, along with the computer and space for users to operate the machine safely. Also, don’t forget about space to put your materials and products that you will be lasering !
Additionally, is there sufficient space to move the machine through the building to the designated area? Due to the size and weight of these systems, larger machines may need to be professionally dismantled and reassembled within the space or require specialised transportation equipment. So when buying a laser cutter, it's important to clarify if it includes professional installation.
When purchasing a CO2 laser, it's essential to consider the training requirements for operating the machine. Here are a few reasons why:
Safety: CO2 lasers can be dangerous if not used properly. They emit high-powered beams of light that can cause severe injury or even blindness. Proper training is necessary to ensure you and your staff know how to operate the machine safely and avoid accidents.
Efficiency: Learning how to use your CO2 laser properly can help you improve efficiency and productivity in your workflow. With proper training, you can optimise your settings for different materials and create higher-quality products in less time.
Maintenance: CO2 lasers require regular maintenance to keep them in tip-top working condition. Proper training will teach you how to identify and address common issues with the machine and how to clean and replace parts as needed, which can help you extend the life of your laser and minimise downtime due to repairs.
Be sure to factor in any necessary training expenses. More often than not, when you purchase from a reputable laser machine supplier, this can all be included upon delivery.
When you purchase a laser system from a supplier in the UK, laser machines are classified, according to their safety levels, with a class range of 1-4. Class 1 is the safest and the perfect choice for schools, hospitals, and businesses looking for peace of mind. These features would include independent safety sensors on all doors, a laser tube protection circuit, a machine axis and laser power cut-off upon lid opening during operation or keys for hatch openings to negate accidental opening.
On the other hand, a class 4 laser system wouldn't have these safety features in place and require additional precautionary measures to protect the user, such as supervision or protective eyewear.
At Focused Laser Systems, all our Vision laser machines are class 1 and have an impressive suite of safety features.
Control software is essential for operating a laser cutter, as this will allow you to tell the machine what part of your design to cut, engrave or score and at what speed and power settings to produce the desired result.
LightBurn software is highly regarded in the laser industry because of its ability to work with nearly all laser machines and its advanced features that experts love. Alternatively, you have LaserGRBL and RDWorks to use, should you only require a more basic software package.
When you purchase a laser system from a reputable company, the supply, installation, setup and training of this software are generally provided when the machine is delivered. These types of software include some simple design features, such as shapes, lines and the ability to write text. However, for more complex design work, consider purchasing Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, or using InkScape.
To avoid costly repairs or replacements, you should buy a laser cutter with an extensive warranty covering any potential defects or malfunctions. A manufacturer who offers a warranty on their products stands behind their product and is confident in its quality. Buying a laser cutter with a warranty ensures you're getting a high-quality product and the added peace of mind that if anything goes wrong, you can contact the manufacturer to resolve the issue.
At Focused Laser Systems, our entire Vision Laser range comes with a 24 Month warranty, and our refurbished machines come with a 12 Month warranty. We also provide lifetime technical support with every machine purchase in case you run into any difficulties.
Laser systems are relatively simple to use. However, in the beginning, you'll inevitably face the odd hiccup. For example, if you're in the middle of a large production run and come across an issue, the last thing you want is to be told to submit a support ticket that will be responded to within 48 hours by your supplier.
It's always worth asking what after sales support a laser company has in place. For example, can you pick up the and speak to a technician directly? Do they provide online resources or training videos? Faqs on processing particular materials?
A reliable customer service team can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and successful experience with your new laser system.
At Focused Laser Systems, we tell all our customers, when in doubt, to call us. For any issues that may arise, we will always try to fix or diagnose the problem remotely to ensure you are up and running again as soon as possible.
Like owning a car or a property, the expenses associated with owning a co2 laser don't end when you get it set up and plugged in. The truth is, even the most reliable laser systems need some TLC every once in a while.
When purchasing a CO2 laser, it's essential to understand the types of maintenance required, such as cleaning and replacing mirrors and lenses and adjusting the beam alignment. In addition, it would help if you also considered the cost and availability of replacement parts, laser tubes, power supplies, and other components that may need to be repaired or replaced over time.
When considering the purchase of a CO2 laser machine, it's essential to research the availability and quality of maintenance, repair, and replacement services offered by the manufacturer or distributor.
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If you want to purchase a laser machine to start a laser engraving business (laser etching business), you most likely have a list of questions needing answers. In this post, we’ve answered some common questions about buying a laser engraver machine.
The capacity of your laser machine plays a pivotal role in defining the scope and competitiveness of your business in the targeted market. A high-capacity, versatile laser engraver and precision part cutter allows you to adapt and tap into new markets, especially when facing saturation in your current niche.
Before you purchase a laser machine, matching its capabilities with your business growth is crucial. Here are vital aspects to consider:
The power of your laser impacts the engraving speed and depth. Higher power will allow you to cut thicker materials in one path. Opt for a higher-power laser engraver-cutter if your business demands swift, deep engraving, especially for more rigid materials, or if you plan to have laser cutters for wood or acrylic into signages. This is vital for maintaining efficiency and expanding material versatility. Please study the following chart for laser power and the material thickness it can cut.
CO2 laser power vs. Thickness of materials
The bed size of your CO2 laser etching machine determines the maximum area available for engraving. It is the machine’s x-y motion range, and it is the ultimate cutting size as well. A larger bed size means the ability to handle more significant items and the convenience of engraving multiple smaller items simultaneously, thus boosting productivity. However, note that the bed size, often indicated in dimensions like 48 “x36”, differs from the maximum size of engravable objects.
The capacity of a laser engraving machine to accommodate various sizes and heights of objects is crucial. Your ability to engrave from small keychains to bulky or irregularly shaped items can significantly broaden your market reach. Ensuring your laser machine can handle diverse object dimensions is critical to expanding your marketing and sales potential.
That question is difficult for us to answer, as it depends on your plans for the laser machine and the most oversized size material for engraving or laser cutting machines. AP Lazer’s patented open architecture provides you with limitless opportunities, but the size of the machine will ultimately determine the size of the material and ease of engraving ability. Generally, bigger is better simply because if you have a giant machine, you have more options and opportunities to engrave larger objects than if you purchase a smaller machine. It’s entirely up to you and which revenue streams you’d like to tap into.
Laser machines range drastically in size, from small desktop engraving machines to large gantry-style laser engraving machines. For your laser engraving business, you also need to know the space requirements of AP Lazer machines. The largest of our machines require at least an 11′ by 8′ space. If less space is available, our smaller line of machines can fit in an area as little as 8′ by 5′. It is best if your laser engraving machine is in a space that shares a wall with the outdoors for convenient ventilation. Installing a 6″ fan will push any fumes or smells from the top of the machine to the outdoors. The AP Lazer should also be near a standard 110v power outlet, so extension cords aren’t unnecessary. One less tripping hazard is always better. Read more about safety tips.
Besides the space for your laser machine, You also need to consider your workspace, what products you plan to inventory, and if you need to meet customers in your space.
When selecting a laser engraving machine to start or diversify your business, it’s essential to consider the learning curve involved with its operation. Assessing how user-friendly the hardware and software are is crucial, as is the availability of training resources such as online videos and comprehensive knowledge bases. Understanding the level of ongoing support, including one-on-one training and technical assistance, is vital for smooth operation.
AP Lazer’s comprehensive one-on-one virtual or onsite hands-on training at our Las Vegas branch and 24/7/365 tech support can dramatically reduce your learning curve.
Another critical factor is the software compatibility of the laser engraver or etching machine. Compatibility with popular industry software like Lightburn can simplify learning, which often means more accessible online resources and community support.
It’s essential to recognize that the learning curve can be a hidden cost, especially for entrepreneurs focused on business growth rather than intricate machine operations. Choosing a laser engraving or etching machine that balances technical capabilities and ease of use is crucial for effective business integration.
Highly skilled technicians will spend one day assisting you in getting your machine up and running and helping you get familiar with the machine. Following the step-by-step instructions and assembling your machine before the one-on-one virtual training will leave more time for a technician to answer more detailed questions. Additionally, we offer 24/7 technical support, and Advanced Training is available should you require it.
Ready to grow your business? Download our free guide: The Ultimate Guide to Business Growth With a Laser.
When investing in laser engravers or laser etching machines, understanding the scope of included technical support is crucial. The value of tech support cannot be overstated, as business downtime due to machine issues can lead to significant financial losses, ranging from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of dollars per hour.
Often, machines become unusable due to lack of support, running in a faulty mode until they become unfixable, or replacement parts are unavailable. LIFETIME support is crucial for your machine’s life span and resell value.
Consider the support format provided: Via , , or chat? Also, it’s essential to have customers know the availability of this support – is it only during working hours, or is it more extensive?
AP Lazer stands out by offering 24/7/365 North America-based support for the lifetime of your machine. This support, including Facetime for on-the-spot troubleshooting and remote login capabilities for adjusting settings, can swiftly resolve issues, correct user errors, and answer your queries.
Such robust support ensures that even a machine that has been in use for ten years receives the same level of care as a new one, significantly extending the machine’s lifespan and ensuring continuous operation for your business. The best CO2 laser for small businesses has the most versatile capability and, most importantly, the best support.
Ask about the warranty duration. AP Lazer machines carry a three-year parts warranty, a two-year tube and mirror warranty, and the lens is warranty for one year. When researching machine warranties, the tube, mirror, and lens are essential to pay attention to, as most other laser cutter and engraver warranties count these parts as “consumable items” and cover them from 90 days to not at all. On top of everything, we also include a year of technical support and 24/7/365 lifetime technical support.
Laser machines can be paid for in various ways, but most commonly are purchased with cash (capital purchase) or by financing the laser equipment.
Laser machines can be paid for in various ways, but most commonly are purchased with cash (capital purchase) or by financing the laser equipment.
● Cash. It is an excellent option for existing businesses, as any profit you make with the machine is 100% yours from the beginning.
● Finance-to-own. Financing a laser engraving machine provides many convenient options to suit your financial needs best. Most financing companies offer some deferment option, giving you time to get the machine in your possession, receive training, pass the learning curve, and generate profits before you write the first check. Financing allows you to deduct the full amount of the purchase price of your laser in the first year when you utilize Section 179.
● Credit Card. You may pay for your complete diode laser engravers machine with a credit card. (3% fee applies).
● Utilize a bank of your choice for the option of a standard equipment or business loan, home equity loan, or line of credit. Federal grants are readily available if you are a non-profit or for-profit organization such as a school or university.
Making money with a laser machine is essentially up to the owner/operator. AP Lazer machines boast unique features that will set you apart from other laser machines and allow you to make money quickly.
Realizing the potential and taking advantage of our patented open architecture is extremely valuable and will provide you with many opportunities. With AP Lazer, you have no boundaries and never have to say “no” to anyone capable of completing their job. Your only limitation is your creativity and desire to laser-cut metal, but you can engrave metal with coating or bare metal with Cermark spray.
When entering the Emotional Marketplace with no size or weight limitations, you can diversify your business into unlimited low-competition and high-profit markets.
Please download the FREE eBook: The Ultimate Guide For Business Growth With AP Lazer
We hope to have answered some of your common questions about purchasing a laser machine and inspired you along the way. If you have additional questions we didn’t cover, feel free to contact us or give us a call at 800-585-
By Tong Li
January 9,
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