Laser cutter machines are a large group of equipment designed for machining almost any material. Such machines are used everywhere, from souvenir production to shipbuilding. Laser cutter machines perform complex processing with the highest productivity. That is why they are in high demand.
What mistakes can be made when choosing a machine tool
A laser cutter is professional equipment that is capable of increasing your production output tenfold. Therefore, it is important to deeply consider the choice of a laser machine.
We have analyzed two most serious mistakes of buyers in order to help you to find the right approach to choosing a laser-cutting machine.
Desire to save money
It is the most common mistake when buying machine tools.
Even though this solution seems profitable, in the end the losses will be much greater. The purchase of cheap equipment jeopardizes the efficiency of the whole production process.
Laser cutters of a low quality are equipped with cheap components, which manufacturers are often unknown. Thus, there are often problems and the warranty does not protect the owner of the machine. Furthermore, you are unlikely to find suitable components if some parts of the machine need to be replaced.
What are the risks of buying a cheap laser cutter machine tool?
- large number of undercuts (as a consequence, high percentage of rejects);
- poor quality of edges (also defective products);
- lack of adaptability to the material features;
- fast failing of components (sometimes repairs are needed after several days of use);
- high costs and difficulties when looking for the parts and components to replace;
- production downtime (the worst thing that can happen).
Think about it, would it really help you to save money?
Purchase at random
The second common mistake is to choose equipment irresponsibly. We understand that not everyone is ready to spend a lot of time studying laser equipment features. For novices, the task is especially daunting. Nonetheless, the truth is that you do not need a deep understanding of the topic to choose the optimal machine tool. To know the basic criteria is quite enough.
Haste in purchasing is also unnecessary and even harmful. When in doubt, you can always consult the manufacturer’s managers.
Choosing the wrong laser cutter causes losses, which can jeopardize new ventures. In order to avoid these traps, we would like to remind you to pay attention to the following when choosing a laser-cutting machine.
How to select a CNC laser cutter machine
To purchase a suitable machine tool, there is no need to understand the details of laser machine design and operating process. We have listed four main criteria when choosing a machine for you to read : the purpose of the purchase, the size of the pieces to be machined, the amount of power required to fulfill these necessary tasks and assessing the trustworthiness of the manufacturer.
Purpose for purchasing cutter equipment
It is one of the main things you should pay attention to when selecting a laser cutter. To determine the future use of the machine, you need to answer the following questions:
- What will be the volume of production? For small-scaled production, you do not have to purchase a powerful machine tool. A tabletop model would be just fine while for large industries, professional equipment is required.
- Do you plan to expand your production? If yes, a machine with a larger working area and more powerful laser source would be a better choice.
- What type of material will you machine? To cut metals, we recommend purchasing fiber metal cutters while for other materials CO2 laser machines are more suitable.
If you are not sure of your answers, please contact one of our managers. They will offer you a free consultation, no strings attached.
Workpiece sizes
The working area of the machine depends on workpiece dimensions.
Some models are equipped with a lifting table function however, it only allows processing thicker materials or cylindrical objects. The size of the working area remains the same.
Laser cutter machines can be divided into three types according to the working area size:
- Small-size (desktop). The working area of such machines does not exceed 600 x 400 mm thuswise they are suitable for small-size workpieces.
- Medium-format. The most versatile type of laser machine with a working area up to 1600×1000 mm. The equipment is perfectly suited to the dimensions of most materials on the market.
- Large-format. Professional machines with a working area up to 2000 x 3000 mm and more. These lasers are in high demand in large-scale production.
The working area size should always be chosen according to the dimensions of the material to be processed. The cost of the machine as well as the power of a laser source increases pro rata with the size of the working area.
Laser source power
The choice of the power of a laser source also depends on the features of the material to be processed (its dimensions, thickness, and variety). For example, a 40 W laser is suitable for thin non-metallic materials.
In addition, the laser source power determines the machining speed. Laser sources have a quite wide range of power from 20-40 W to 25kW. For manufacturing souvenirs, tabletop models with 40-60 W laser sources are mainly chosen. To cut a 3 mm sheet of aluminium, you will need a laser source with a power of at least 1.5 kW.
Criteria for choosing a machine tool manufacturer
Some buyers do not pay much attention to the equipment’s brand, though it is the wrong approach. On the machine tools market, there are many manufacturers but very few of them produce high quality reliable equipment.
How can you understand the manufacturer is worth trusting? To answer this question, we have put together several criteria that will help you to select the best manufacturers.
- Scope of supply. The number of machines sold and geolocating of their sales performs the manufacturer’s demand. Poor quality equipment is unlikely to be often sold outside the region of its production.
- Manufacturing experience. The long-established brands always try to optimize machine technology as much as possible. That is why experienced companies often produce high quality equipment.
- Warranty. Being confident in the quality of their equipment, such brands always provide a warranty on their machines.
- Further assistance. Laser cutter machines are not extremely complex and learning how to use them can be done rapidly. However, for setting them up, you might need the help of technical specialists. Reliable manufactures always provide assistance with such work as well as training of the buyer’s personnel.
We also recommend reading customers’ feedback before buying a laser-cutting machine. Their experience can help you to understand whether this equipment is good or not and what accessories you might need in the future or how to prepare the room for your future machine.
Top laser machine tools for cutting
Wattsan has been manufacturing machine tools for more than 12 years. Our range of laser cutter machines is quite large, and with so many to choose from, it is easy to get confused. Therefore, for customers, we have compiled our rating of laser machines for machining different types of material.
CO2 Laser machines
This type of laser equipment is designed for processing non-metallic materials. Versatile CO2 laser cutters can be adapted to a quite large number of materials different in thickness and structure:
Moreover, CO2 lasers are capable of engraving, too. The material is processed with a laser beam that is formed inside the laser tube by the reaction of gas mixtures.
Here is the list of the best CO2 laser cutters from Wattsan.
Wattsan 0203
| Work area | 200 x 300 mm |
| Tube power | 40W |
| Max engraving speed | 700 mm |
| Dimensions | 810 mm * 500 mm * 265 mm |
A miniature CO2 laser-cutting machine with a 200×300 mm working area. Because of its small size, it can be used even in the smallest workshops.
A 40 W laser tube allows easily processing a wide range of materials, for example, plywood up to 3 mm or plastic up to 6 mm. The machine tool can be also used for engraving. This model is the optimal choice for manufacturing small batches of products.
Wattsan 6040
| Work area | 600 x 400 mm |
| Tube power | 80-90W |
| Max engraving speed | 500 mm |
| Dimensions | 765 mm * 1165 mm * 600 mm |
Another CO2 laser cutter with a small working area (600×400 mm). A more powerful laser tube (80 W) ensures high quality cutting of medium-thick materials (plywood up to 10 mm or plastic up to 15 mm). A through table extends the functionality of the laser by allowing you to process roll material. The machine is in high demand both for single and medium series production.
Wattsan 1610 LT
| Work area | 1600 x 1000 mm |
| Tube power | 100-120W |
| Max engraving speed | 700 mm |
| Dimensions | 1410 mm * 1790 mm * 670 mm + 315 mm (if on its wheels) |
It is a highly precise CO2 cutting machine designed for industrial use. As standard, it is equipped with a 100-120 W laser tube, which is quite enough to process thick material such as 20mm acrylic or 10mm plywood. If necessary, the laser tube can be replaced with a more powerful one.
The working area of 1600×1000 mm allows material sheets of up to 160 cm wide to be machined. The through-feeding and lifting table enable material to be cut from a roll.
Laser machines for wood
Laser cutters for wood are designed for processing (cutting, engraving, and marking) any kind of wood. These can be:
- soft and hard kinds of wood;
- plywood;
- veneer;
- chip board and others.
All CNC (computer numerical control) models are fully automated. A machine operator only has to prepare the material, switch on the machine, set the control program, and watch the machining process. Automation allows significantly increasing productivity and reducing energy and labor costs.
Laser cutter for wood can be used to manufacture different types of products. For example:
- furniture;
- souvenirs;
- signs;
- stencils;
- interior elements;
- caskets and much more.
Some laser wood cutting machines can perform 3D engraving providing more possibilities for creative production.
Wattsan 0503
| Work area | 500 x 300 mm |
| Tube power | 60W |
| Max engraving speed | 700 mm |
| Dimensions | 650 mm * 1040 mm * 575 mm |
It is a compact laser cutter for wood with a reasonable price. The model is very simple and easy in use. It can be used in both small workshops and large industrial halls. The machine tool has a 500 x 300 mm working area and a 50W laser tube that is quite enough for small batch production. With the Wattsan 0503, you can produce souvenirs, signs, number plates, and more. It is the best option for entrepreneurs starting their business.
Wattsan 1290 LT
| Work area | 1200 x 900 mm |
| Tube power | 100-120W |
| Max engraving speed | 700 mm |
| Dimensions | 1410 mm * 1790 mm * 670 mm + 315 mm (if on its wheels) |
The best-selling model among Wattsan laser cutters for wood. The high demand for this machine is due to the following advantages:
- universal size of the working area (1200х900 mm);
- sliding front wall for through-feeding;
- frame construction;
- three-phase stepper motors with 3M belts;
- automated control.
This CNC machine is a must have for entrepreneurs and SMEs which ought to be able to process an important workload in a limited amount of time.
Wattsan 1290 LT duos
| Work area | 1200 x 900 mm |
| Tube power | 100-120W |
| Max engraving speed | 700 mm |
| Dimensions | 1410 mm * 1790 mm * 670 mm + 315 mm (if on its wheels) |
The modified counterpart of the previous model. The 1290 LT duos is capable of handling an incredible workload thanks to its two laser heads. They move synchronously at a minimum distance of 13 cm from each other. This makes it possible to produce two products at the same time.
Each head has a laser tube with a power of 100-120 W. The indisputable choice for professionals searching for equipment processing a huge workload at a high speed.
CNC Laser Machines for Plywood
Laser cutting machines for plywood are similar to wood cutters. However, plywood is a more finicky material that requires special treatment. Machines made for processing plywood take into account all the peculiarities of this material and eliminate the risk of damage to the sheet of material and to the final products.
Such machines are equipped with a computerized control system and are simple to operate. With their help it is possible to produce:
- furniture;
- household items;
- personal souvenirs;
- promotional items;
- toys;
- nameplates and much more.
Laser cutting machines for plywood are used for both cutting and engraving the material.
Wattsan 6090 ST
| Work area | 900 x 600 mm |
| Tube power | 80-90 W |
| Max engraving speed | 700 mm |
| Dimensions | 1030 mm * 1490 mm * 670 mm + 315 mm (if on its wheels) |
The leader among small laser cutting machines for plywood. The working area (600×900 mm.) of this equipment is multipurpose and allows the processing of a large number of workpieces common in production. The through table expands the possibilities of the machine and enables it to cut rolled material.
Thanks to the medium power of the laser tube (80-95 W) the machine easily cuts plywood up to 8 mm in thickness. It can also be used for other materials such as cardboard or acrylic.
Wattsan 6090 LT
| Work area | 900 x 600 mm |
| Tube power | 80-90W |
| Max engraving speed | 700 mm |
| Dimensions | 1030 mm * 1490 mm * 670 mm + 315 mm (if on its wheels) |
Alternative version of the previous model. The main distinguishing feature of the 6090 LT is the automatic lifting table. The table lowering depth is up to 20 cm, which allows you to process large workpieces. The machine can also be optionally equipped with a rotating device.
This model of laser cutting machine for plywood is suitable for medium-sized woodworking. The machine can also be purchased as additional equipment for a large production facility.
Wattsan 1610 ST duos
| Work area | 1600 x 1000 mm |
| Tube power | 100-120W |
| Max engraving speed | 600 mm |
| Dimensions | 2200 mm*1800 mm*1105 mm |
A laser machine designed for cutting and engraving plywood. The machining area has a working area of 1600×1000 mm. The table is also equipped with a through-feed function.
The Lasea F4 laser tube installed on the equipment has a power of 100-120 W. It is enough to process plywood sheets up to 10 mm thick.
A computerized system RDC6442G is responsible for comfortable control of the machine. A TFT color display is available for operator’s control.
This model of laser cutting machine for plywood is in high demand among woodworking companies.
Machine tools for plastic and acrylic
Laser cutting machines for plastic enable you to manufacture products with perfectly smooth and polished edges. They can be used to produce:
- trinkets;
- luminaires;
- nameplates;
- tags;
- medals;
- bijouterie and much more.
We invite you to take a closer look at the best models of laser cutting machines for acrylic and plastic.
Wattsan 1290 ST
| Work area | 1200 x 900 mm |
| Tube power | 100-120W |
| Max engraving speed | 700 mm |
| Dimensions | 1410 mm * 1790 mm * 670 mm + 315 mm (if on its wheels) |
Professional all-purpose equipment with high precision and processing speed. This laser cutting machine for plastic and acrylic can also be used for engraving other types of materials (wood, rubber, etc.).
The laser is equipped with a wide table for processing (1200x900mm.). Also, the equipment has a mechanical table lift for working with large-sized workpieces.
The power of the laser transmitter (100-120 W) enables you to process acrylic and plastic with thickness up to 20 mm. The laser metal cutting machine is controlled by a controller and computerized system.
Wattsan 1290 ST DUOS
| Work area | 1200 x 900 mm |
| Tube power | 100-120 W |
| Max engraving speed | 700 mm |
| Dimensions | 1410 mm * 1790 mm * 670 mm + 315 mm (if on its wheels) |
Like the previous laser cutting machine for acrylic and plastic, but for those who need a very fast processing speed. This model has two laser heads. Thus, this equipment enables you to work on two workpieces at the same time.
Wattsan 1610 CAM
| Work area | 1600 x 1000 mm |
| Tube power | 100-120W |
| Max engraving speed | 700 mm |
| Dimensions | 2320 mm * 2200 mm * 1500 mm |
Multifunctional wide-format laser cutting machine for acrylic and plastic. The main feature of this model is a completely open working area. This allows you to work with roll and sheet material of large dimensions.
The conveyorized work table is designed to achieve maximum processing speed because the operator is not required to regularly feed material.
The basic configuration feature is enough to cut thick sheets of plastic and acrylic (up to 20 mm.). On request, the 100-120 watt transmitter can be replaced with a more powerful one.
Machine tools for metal
Laser metal cutting machines are most often a fiber-optic type of equipment (with the exception of some CO2). What differentiates them from cnc laser machines with gas is the component of the laser tube. In CO2 machines it’s a mixture of gasses but in fiber optic machines it’s the thinnest quartz filaments with a ytterbium core and diodes.
Metal is a thick material that requires a high concentration of energy in the laser beam to fuse and vaporize its particles. Fiber optic laser metal cutting machines cope with this task easily.
The list of materials to be machined and the range of applications for such machines is extensive. Amongst them we can think of the manufacturing of doors, pipes, automobiles etc.
Wattsan 1612 NC-С
| Work area | 1600 x 1200 mm |
| Tube power | 130-150W |
| Max engraving speed | 1000 mm |
| Dimensions | 2500 * 2000 * 1320 mm |
Unique CO2 laser cutting machine for metal and non-metal. Despite the fact that it’s equipped with a CO2 laser tube, this machine is able to cope with steel.
The working area of the machine has a large size – 1600×1200 mm and a laser tube with a power up to 150 W. The machine perfectly copes with the processing of large steel sheets up to 2 mm in thickness.
Wattsan 1325 Basic
| Work area | 1300 x 2500 mm |
| Laser power | up to 1.5 kW |
| Travel speed | 60 m/min |
| Laser emitter | Raycus / MAX Photonics / IPG |
A handy fiber laser metal cutting machine. Capable of machining sheets of the following materials (up to 20mm) :
- stainless steel;
- titanium;
- aluminum;
- copper and much more.
The model is equipped with a large working area (1300×2500 mm) and the possibility of installing an emitter with a power up to 3000 W.
Its application of the machine is found in various industries, most notably mechanical engineering, aviation, advertising products and household appliances.
Wattsan 1325 is the best choice for professionals.
How a laser cutting machine works
A laser cutting machine performs non-contact machining of material with a laser beam. The equipment can be classified in two main categories :
- CO2 laser cutting machines (mainly for non-metals);
- fiber laser cutting machines (for metals).
Their main difference lies in the laser tube that forms the beam. Gas lasers use a gas mixture, while fiber optic lasers use thin quartz filaments with ytterbium and diodes.
Otherwise, the way the machine is operated is similar :
- the operator prepares the material for processing;
- turns on the machine;
- sets the file with the model of the workpiece in the controller;
- a beam is formed inside the laser tube;
- the laser beam passes through mirrors and a lens and focuses on the material;
- the particles on the surface of the workpiece begin to melt and vaporize instantly.
The laser head of the machine moves according to the coordinates set in the program. The workpieces are cut or engraved according to the information contained in the file.
What products can be made with a laser cutting machine
The range of applications for laser cutting machines is incredibly broad. It is simply impossible to give examples of all the products made on the equipment. Therefore, we will only list a few of them.
Laser cutting machines can be used to produce :
- carved boxes;
- license plates and nameplates;
- parts for the automotive, aviation, and even space industry;
- metal doors;
- luminaires;
- personalized jewelry;
- postcards;
- advertising banners and much more.
Laser cutters are capable of cutting and engraving, and some models can also be used for cutting material or cutting pipes.
Why Wattsan?
Wattsan has been manufacturing machine-tools since 2009. We produce milling and laser machines, cutting plotters and accessories. Our products are chosen by manufacturers from all over the world and most notably from China, Europe and the USA.
All our machines are reliable and use components manufactured by brands recognized worldwide. We are ready to offer each customer :
- high-quality equipment, fully compliant with modern production standards;
- assistance of managers in machine selection;
- training of personnel;
- warranty on any of our products;
- assistance in setting-up the machines;
- warranty and post-warranty service.
We continuously improve the technology used at Wattsan and incorporate the improvement into our latest models. We give our clients the possibility to upgrade their machines in order to keep up with technological progress. Thus, you don’t have to purchase new machines from us. We upgrade yours so they stay at the technological forefront.
Answers to popular questions
We’ve compiled all the most common questions about laser cutting machines and answered them.
How much does a laser cutting machine cost?
The cost of the equipment depends on the size of the table and the power.
Desktop models can be purchased for a low cost, starting at $1000.
Prices for large-format professional models are much higher – from $8500.
What kind of machine is used for laser cutting?
The type of laser cutting machine depends on the material to be machined. For non-metallic workpieces CO2 cutters are used, while fiber lasers are used for metals.
Is it possible to make money with a laser cutter?
Absolutely, yes. Laser machines are purchased to increase productivity. Used correctly, you can do ten times as much work with them and don’t have to fear an increase in the complexity of the task. In addition, laser cutting machines have a high ROI, they pay for themselves quickly. For these reasons, their purpose is very broad: from the production of single souvenir products to shipbuilding and the aircraft industry.
Can a laser cutter cut wood?
Of course it is. Wood, as well as plywood and MDF, is one of the most common materials processed by CNC laser machines.
Can laser cutters engrave?
Yes, indeed laser cutters can engrave. Laser cutting machines are very flexible. They can be used to cut and engrave a wide variety of materials.
What are the disadvantages of laser cutting?
Among the disadvantages of this technology are:
- A fairly high cost of professional equipment;
- Limitations on the thickness of the sheet material that can be processed.
However, the advantages of laser cutting machines weigh more than their disadvantages. Laser machines have no analogues in terms of the cleanliness of the cut or the speed of processing.
