Contents:
CO2 laser machines are usually available in two configurations: basic and extended. Understanding the components of each setup is important to choose the machine that meets your needs and to ensure long-term productivity and safety.
The basic configuration includes the machine housing, laser tube, optical system, motors, and essential mechanical components. The extended configuration expands the machine’s capabilities by adding equipment such as a honeycomb table or conveyor table, an additional laser head, a rotary device, a pressure-controlled compressor, an industrial refrigerator, a scanning camera and, in some cases, a metal cutting head with a specialized CO2 regulator.
Basic configuration components
Machine housing
Let’s start with the basics. The laser machine must have a strong and stable frame — preferably with a wall thickness of at least 2 mm — to ensure structural integrity and vibration resistance during operation. The working area should correspond to the specific dimensions of your material, and the through hole in the bed allows you to process longer or larger workpieces. High-quality machines are equipped with mobile features such as lockable wheels, extended supports and waste collection compartments. For safety reasons, the water hoses must be separated from the electrical wiring in separate compartments to avoid accidents or short circuits.
Laser tube
The laser tube is the heart of the machine. A tube with a power of 40W to 60W is sufficient for engraving, while cutting usually requires 80W to 120W. The service life of a high-quality laser tube is approximately 7,000 to 10,000 hours. To achieve stable results, it is recommended to use universal tube mounts that support both vertical and horizontal adjustment. The potentiometer allows you to manually adjust the output power, which makes it easier to adjust the parameters.
Optical system
The optical system includes three mirrors and a focusing lens placed inside the laser head. Proper alignment plays an important role, so mirrors should have adjustment screws for easy calibration. The laser head must have a secure lens mount and easy access for cleaning. The elongated nozzle is great for engraving, while the shortened nozzle is better for cutting. The air hoses must be strong and withstand a pressure of up to 8 atm, as is the case with Wattsan machines.
Motors
Three-phase motors are preferable to two-phase models because they provide smoother rotation, more torque and less vibration due to the presence of three windings. The Y-axis alignment of the motor ensures balanced load distribution, preventing premature wear or mechanical misalignment.
Belts, sensors, and guide rails
The belt system is very important in ensuring accuracy. We recommend 3M serrated belts, which are ideally positioned above the gantry to minimize the risk of fire. Inductive end sensors are more reliable than mechanical ones, as they are resistant to dust, tar, and mechanical wear. For long-term stability, choose full guide rails. The reinforced aluminum profile of the portal helps to maintain the geometry during many years of intensive operation.
Optional equipment and extended configuration
Work tables
The worktable is made of anodized aluminum by default, which minimizes the risk of back reflection of the laser beam from the material. Honeycomb tables are suitable for cutting thin sheets, but iron tables have the advantage of having magnets installed on them to fix the material. Tables can be static or lifting — the decision is made at the time of purchase. Static tables can handle materials up to 40 mm thick, and lifting tables are needed to install pivoting devices or handle taller objects. A chain-driven lifting mechanism is more durable than a belt-driven one. Conveyor tables are designed for the transportation of rolled materials and are used in continuous production conditions.
Rotary device
The rotary device allows cylindrical objects to be handled and is only compatible with machines equipped with a lifting table. It is a necessary addition for manufacturers of glasses, glassware or cylindrical packaging.
Additional laser head
Some models, such as the Wattsan Duo, support simultaneous operation of two laser heads. This allows you to double the speed of symmetrical or repetitive work and increases productivity with large volumes of work.
Compressor
Join us on Telegram
- Showcases
- Engineer’s advices
- FAQ
- Reviews
Stay tunned with us for the latest news and updates
The standard compressor supplied with most machines does not have a pressure regulator and is only suitable for low-power tubes (up to 50W). For stable operation and improved cutting results, it is recommended to install a compressor with adjustable pressure. This allows you to fine-tune the air assist depending on the material being processed and extend the service life of your optics.
Chiller
A chiller is a water cooling system designed to maintain the optimal operating temperature of a laser tube. While standard water pumps require large capacities and are prone to contamination by dust or debris, industrial chillers actively cool and circulate water, maintaining its constant temperature — usually between 20°C and 25°C. This not only protects the laser tube from overheating, but also significantly prolongs its service life and ensures stable beam quality during long-term production. The cooler is necessary for machines with a power of 80W and above, as well as for professional or continuous operation.
Conclusion
Understanding the basic and extended configurations of the Wattsan CO2 laser machine helps you to make informed purchasing decisions. While the basic setup is sufficient for small-scale engraving and periodic cutting, investing in advanced equipment such as a chiller, rotary device, or dual-head configuration can significantly improve machine efficiency, accuracy, and service life. Choose the configuration depending on the tasks you plan to perform and the expected level of performance, since everything in laser processing depends on the correct configuration.
