Peter Boyford
11-20-2007, 2:59 PM
Hi all,
I've been lurking around various infosites about lasers for quite some time (including cnczone.com) an finally found this place. So far my user experience is all positive, so that's a good start :)
First, I'd like to introduce myself. This comes natural in order for my first question to make the best sense:
I own a signshop in Denmark (up north - coooold!! brrr). I currently have a CNC router with a work area of 60x100cm (24x40 inches to those of you not familiar with metric). I have, should I say myself, very good insight in the works and about regarding graphics packages and CNC'ing stuff - also using a cutting plotter and large format printer on a daily basis.
Now I wish to switch my router with a laser. Reason? It's so much damn easier to work with (is my fantasy, at least...)
I know the trade offs, not being able to cut PVC or other potentially toxic materials and also getting trouble with hard materials. On the plus side is a lot of other stuff, I like: noncontact cutting, flame polished edges on acryllic, faaaaaast engraving, etc.
So... Now I ask your help in choosing the best laser. I have had my eyes on these, of which I can find local suppliers to:
GCC Mercury: http://www.laserproi.com/en/engr_prod_model_detail.php?ID=English_070610235441 (though only v. I is sold by my supplier)
RedSail C120: http://www.hflaser.com/lc.html
And this: http://www.danteam.nu/index.php?sub=13&vis_id=60 (I can't find out the manufacturer... Ink Express?)
I would not mind having the largest possible working area, but still the machine should fit through my only door of 80cm (32 inches). This problem aside, though:
I have heard a lot of rumours about the difference between chinese and SynRad lasers (the GCC one), that a 25W SynRad is somewhat comparable to a 50W chinese laser. Reviews seem to support that, as I can see that the GCC 25W will cut through 15mm (almost 6 inches) of acryllic in 1 pass at lowest speed. Compared to this, the chinese 60W laser is supposed to do the same.
Also I have heard about problems when using stepper motors in stead of servos.
So, all in all: If I need a machine that'll cut 3-8mm acryllic on a weekly basic, and in the odd case, 15mm, having a trouble free design, long lasting and at the same time being relatively cheap, which machine of the above would you recommend me? And which would you NOT recommend me? And why?
Best regards
Peter
I hope to stick around for quite some time in the future and eventually convert my questions to answers, that'll help other users :)
I've been lurking around various infosites about lasers for quite some time (including cnczone.com) an finally found this place. So far my user experience is all positive, so that's a good start :)
First, I'd like to introduce myself. This comes natural in order for my first question to make the best sense:
I own a signshop in Denmark (up north - coooold!! brrr). I currently have a CNC router with a work area of 60x100cm (24x40 inches to those of you not familiar with metric). I have, should I say myself, very good insight in the works and about regarding graphics packages and CNC'ing stuff - also using a cutting plotter and large format printer on a daily basis.
Now I wish to switch my router with a laser. Reason? It's so much damn easier to work with (is my fantasy, at least...)
I know the trade offs, not being able to cut PVC or other potentially toxic materials and also getting trouble with hard materials. On the plus side is a lot of other stuff, I like: noncontact cutting, flame polished edges on acryllic, faaaaaast engraving, etc.
So... Now I ask your help in choosing the best laser. I have had my eyes on these, of which I can find local suppliers to:
GCC Mercury: http://www.laserproi.com/en/engr_prod_model_detail.php?ID=English_070610235441 (though only v. I is sold by my supplier)
RedSail C120: http://www.hflaser.com/lc.html
And this: http://www.danteam.nu/index.php?sub=13&vis_id=60 (I can't find out the manufacturer... Ink Express?)
I would not mind having the largest possible working area, but still the machine should fit through my only door of 80cm (32 inches). This problem aside, though:
I have heard a lot of rumours about the difference between chinese and SynRad lasers (the GCC one), that a 25W SynRad is somewhat comparable to a 50W chinese laser. Reviews seem to support that, as I can see that the GCC 25W will cut through 15mm (almost 6 inches) of acryllic in 1 pass at lowest speed. Compared to this, the chinese 60W laser is supposed to do the same.
Also I have heard about problems when using stepper motors in stead of servos.
So, all in all: If I need a machine that'll cut 3-8mm acryllic on a weekly basic, and in the odd case, 15mm, having a trouble free design, long lasting and at the same time being relatively cheap, which machine of the above would you recommend me? And which would you NOT recommend me? And why?
Best regards
Peter
I hope to stick around for quite some time in the future and eventually convert my questions to answers, that'll help other users :)