The Ultimate Laser Cutter Buying Guide
Last Updated - November 2024
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.
What Are CO2 Laser Cutters?
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.
How Much Do Laser Cutters Cost?
A co2 laser system can cost anything from a few hundred pounds to several thousand, depending on the make, model, processing area and country of purchase. However, if you're serious about getting a co2 laser with all the necessary equipment, including installation, software, training, and extraction, you should expect to spend between £3,500 - £12,000 for a reliable system.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Laser Cutter?
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.
Determine Your Budget
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.
What Materials Are You Looking To Process?
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.
The Power of the Laser
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.
Size and Weight of the Machine
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.
Co2 Laser Training
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.
Safety features
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.
Software
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.
Warranty
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.
Ongoing support
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 phone 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.
Maintenance, repairs and replacements
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.
Buying the Perfect Laser Cutter
Choosing the suitable co2 laser system can seem daunting, but by carefully considering the ten points above, you'll be well on your way to finding the best laser cutter for your needs!
When in doubt, speak to the experts. At Focused Laser Systems, we are the UK's leading laser cutter supplier and repair specialists, where we focus on affordability and reliability.
Our laser machines have been designed with decades of industry knowledge at their core, using only the highest quality components.
From desktop laser cutters to large format laser machines, our laser systems are available in an array of bed sizes and power levels, ideally suited for various applications and industries, ranging from creatives and hobbyists to schools, universities, small businesses and manufacturing.
