THE DIFFERENT LASER MACHINES

Laser machines for wood: the different characteristics and price scales

Wood laser machines are increasingly popular tools for professionals and hobbyists alike. They allow for high-precision engraving and cutting on a wide variety of materials , including wood.

There is a wide range of wood laser machines on the market, each with its own features and price. 

In this article we will not talk about laser marking machines (fiber, CO2, UV), nor metal cutting machines.

The different types of laser machines for wood

There are two main types of laser machines for wood: diode laser machines and CO2 laser machines .

• Diode laser machines are the most affordable. They are typically used for wood engraving, but can also be used for cutting thin materials. 

 

• CO2 laser machines are more powerful and larger than diode laser machines. They can cut thicker materials, including wood and acrylic.

 

Several important features to consider when choosing a Laser machine

1. Laser powers

Laser power is an important factor to consider when choosing your machine. The laser power determines the cutting depth and travel speed: the lower the power, the lower the travel speed to achieve the desired result.

• Laser machines from 5 to 10 watts (Diodes) are intended for wood engraving. They allow you to create fine and precise patterns.

• Laser machines from 15 to 40 watts (Diodes) can cut thin materials, such as plywood or MDF.

• Laser machines of 30 watts and above (CO2) allow cutting thicker materials, such as solid wood or acrylic.

2. Machine Features

In addition to laser power, it is important to consider other features when choosing a laser machine. These features include:

• Comfort: machines equipped with a protective hood, a fume and resin extraction turbine, or an air-assist (air compressor) are more pleasant to use every day.

• The size of the working area: the working area is the maximum surface on which the machine can work. It is important to choose a machine sized according to your projects.

• Engraving Speed: Engraving speed determines how fast the machine can engrave materials.

• Engraving Accuracy: Engraving accuracy determines how sharp the details of the engraving are.

• Safety: Laser machines can be dangerous. It is important to choose a machine with built-in safety features that comply with the country's standards (mandatory in schools or public buildings) such as a protective cap with a contactor (cuts the beam if the cap opens while the machine is running), a turbine or a filter for fumes and resins, etc.

 

3. Different features

Laser machines can include a variety of additional features, such as:

• A cooling system to protect the laser from overheating. CO2 lasers are usually equipped with water cooling that surrounds the glass tube that produces the laser beam.

• A camera for real-time viewing of work in progress or placement of files to be engraved or cut on parts scattered on the work table.

• A suction system for the evacuation of fumes, resins and dust.

• A honeycomb tray to have a support that is not afraid of cuts or resins and allows smoke to pass through from below to be evacuated.

• A rotary axis for engraving round parts.

• An air-assist (air compressor) improving cutting capabilities and safety.

• A smoke extractor with filter for cases where fumes cannot be evacuated outside.

 

 

Price scales of laser machines for wood

Wood laser machine prices vary depending on the laser power, the size of the work area, and other features. Desktop laser machines are the most affordable , with prices starting around $100.
Mid-size laser machines are more expensive, with prices starting around $500. Large laser machines are the most expensive, with prices starting around $1,000 and going into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

How to choose a laser machine for wood

Laser machines are versatile tools that can be used to complete a wide variety of projects.
When choosing a laser machine, it is important to consider your needs and budget.

If you are an individual, a small diode laser machine will probably be sufficient for you.
If you are a professional, you will need a larger CO2 laser machine although a portable machine might be enough to engrave just your company logo on furniture for example.

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