Laser cutting machines are not as expensive as they used to be and are getting cheaper every day, but nevertheless buying a laser cutter is still sizable investment for most people. Whether you are hobbyist looking for a new toy or a business owner looking to expand his tool collection, there are several questions you need to ask yourself before you decide to spend the money on a laser cutter machine.
Do you really need a laser cutter?
First question you need to ask yourself before spending any money is: do you really need a laser cutter. These days there are plenty of makerspaces and companies that offer laser cutting services. If all you need to do is create some prototypes for one off project, or make some models for personal use, then your money might be better suited where it is now – in your pocket. Other than makerspace, lots of universities and public libraries have laser cutters available for general public and all you need to do is create a reservation and bring your own material and designs with you. This way you will get you “feet wet” and really get better understanding about the entire process. And if for some reason you come to conclusion that this is not something you would be interested in doing, you are not stuck with several thousand dollar dust collector in your workshop.
Even if the answer to this question is YES, it is a still a good idea to look around your area for a laser cutter you can use before buying. That way you can get some experience with a machine and you will have a better idea of what to look for in a laser cutter so when the time comes to actually buy one you will be able to make better decision.
LaserHint: if you don’t know where to look for makerspaces or publicly available lasers try searching on google for “makerspace [name of your city]” or “[name of your city] public laser cutter” to find laser cutters in your area.
Another thing to consider, depending on what you are planning on doing with your machine, is getting a CNC router or even a 3D printer. We covered pros and cons as well as different application for each of the machines in this article.
What’s your budget?
If you still want to buy a laser cutter then the next thing you need to determine is how much money you are willing to spend. Laser cutters prices can vary a lot (from 400$ up to 50000$ and more) depending on different things like brands, size, wattage, specific features etc. Like with any other product, the less money you want to spend the more compromises you will need to make. Take into consideration that cheaper machine will need some upgrades for them to be useful, and that will require some additional spending. Consider not only the initial purchase cost but also ongoing expenses such as maintenance, replacement parts, and materials.
When determining your budget you don’t need a specific number, but you do need to at least know the price range in which you are going to look at.
What are you going to do with it?
How are you going to use your machine (and what for) will have an impact on how much money do you need to spend on it. Bed size, wattage and controller type are main factors that will determine what you can and what you cannot use your laser for, so chose wisely.
Bed size will limit the maximum size of the product you can create. Also, the raw material you use will have to be cut to that size, so keep that in mind when picking bed size.
Maximum wattage will limit the thickness of the material you can cut and the speed at which you can cut it, but more is not always better because higher wattage tubes have wider beam (larger dot size) and higher minimum fire wattage, which can (for example) cause problems when trying to cut something thin (like paper) or affect details when trying to engrave photos etc. We have a separate article covering this topic in particular, you can check it out here.
Controller type will determine what software you can use and how easy/pain-in-the-ass will be operating your machine.
If, for example you are a hobbyist searching for a new “toy” to play with, looking to cut thin wooden jewelry or board game figures, and have all the time in the world to do it, then you will probably be OK with small, cheap 40W laser cutting machine.
On the other hand, if you are planning on building a business around this machine then you will need to shell out more for “bigger”, stronger”, “smarter” and more reliable machine.
What materials are you going to cut/engrave
Depending of a type of material you are planning to cut/engrave, there are different types of laser cutters. They work in a slightly different ways and are used for cutting /engraving different materials.
| Laser Cutter Type | Common Materials | Specialty Uses |
|---|---|---|
| CO2 Laser Cutters | Wood, acrylic, paper, cardboard, fabric, leather, rubber… | Engraving on glass, stone, ceramics |
| Fiber Laser Cutters | Metals (steel, aluminum, brass, copper) | Marking and engraving on metals, some plastics |
| Diode Laser Cutters | Thin wood, paper, cardboard, some plastics | Lightweight engraving on wood, soft materials |
| Crystal Laser Cutters | Metals, certain ceramics | High-precision engraving and cutting of hard materials |
Keep in mind that there are materials which are not suitable for laser cutting due to safety reasons, you can check the out here.
How comfortable are you getting your hands dirty?
Laser cutter, or any machine for that matter, is bound to break sooner or later. If you are someone who is not comfortable fixing things around the house and is not really tech-savvy, then it’s better to spend more money and go for the bigger, respectable brands that offer out-of-the-box-ready machines, longer warranties, spare parts and always have technicians available in case something malfunctions.
On the other hand, if you are willing (and knowledgeable enough) to get your hand “dirty” and are comfortable learning how the machine works, then you can go for the cheaper, Chinese-made options with questionable (or no) warranties. They may not last as long as the branded ones, and will require some degree of tweaking, even out of the box, but other than that you should be good to go.
Another important aspect to be aware is that manufacturers of cheep Chinese machines often have poor quality control for their products so it’s a good idea to check all the wirings to avoid hazards. You can read more about it here
Where are you going to put it?
Before buying a laser cutter, think about its size and where you’ll put it. Machine dimensions are the obvious thing to check and make sure you have an enough space in your workshop for it (make sure to account for some extra room for easy access and maintenance).
But dimensions aren’t the only thing to consider. Make sure you have plan for other things like:
Infrastructure:
- Power Supply: Place the machine near a power outlet. Some machines might need a dedicated circuit.
- Ventilation: Laser cutters produce fumes, so they need proper ventilation. Ensure there’s space for an exhaust system or place the machine near a vent or window.
- Space for Operation: Besides the machine’s footprint, you should also account for additional space needed around the machine for operation, access, and maintenance. You’ll need enough room to load and unload materials, perform regular maintenance, and access all sides of the machine for maintenance if necessary.
Noise and Safety:
- Noise: Laser cutters can be loud. Consider if the noise will be a problem for you or others, and if needed, place the machine in a separate room or choose a location that minimizes noise disturbance.
- Safety: Keep clear space around the machine for safety. Workshop fires caused by a laser cutter are not so uncommon. Make sure it doesn’t block any exits and that you can easily move materials in and out.
Material Handling:
- Storage: Have space nearby for your materials and finished projects.
- Handling Space: Ensure there’s enough room to maneuver large materials in and out of the machine without damaging them or the machine itself. Also, Make sure it’s easy to move materials in and out of the workshop, as you’ll need to do this often.
Environmental Factors:
- Temperature and Humidity: Some laser cutters have specific environmental requirements, such as operating within a certain temperature. Lots of commonly used laser cutters are water cooled, and that water can get frozen if its cold enough in your workshop. Hight humidity can affect machine but also your materials, especially if you work with wood for example. Make sure to store them in somewhere dry.
- Dust and Debris: The area should be relatively free from excessive dust and debris, which could affect the machine’s operation or longevity.
Laser cutters have wide range of application and are used in lots of different industries. Whether you are planning to create decoration, gifts, toys and models or use it in your specific industry, there is countless number of products you can create with it.
Answering these questions can help you narrow down your options and choose a laser cutter that best suits your needs and circumstances.
After reading all of this, the final question for you is: are you going to get one for yourself?
