LaserPecker Beginner Guide
Purchase Guide for Laser Beginners
Are you beginning your adventure with LaserPecker laser engravers, yet are confused about the different laser modules and struggle to find the appropriate laser machines that best suit your needs? This guide covers key points to consider when shopping for and making your laser purchase, as well as a brief introduction to our LaserPecker machines.
3 Laser Types: What's the difference?
Blue Laser
Blue lasers have wavelengths in the blue region of the visible spectrum, between 400 nm and 500 nm, visible as violet or blue to the human eye. They are popular among beginners due to their compact size, efficiency, and versatility in various applications.
At LaserPecker, we use blue lasers produced by semiconductor - 450nm (blue color, used in LP2, LP4, LP5, and LX1) and 405nm (blue-violet color, used in LP1 Pro). These lasers offer a great balance of affordability, ease of use, and versatility for engraving and cutting thin materials like wood, paper and leather, but are less effective on metals, white surfaces and transparent acrylic.
If your projects primarily involve materials like thin wood, paper, fabric, leather and so on, a blue diode laser would be a great choice.
Infrared Laser
Infrared (IR) lasers have wavelengths in the infrared spectrum, have no discernable color and are invisible to the human eyes. The typical wavelength for infrared lasers is 1064nm (used in LP3, LP4, and LX1).
Infrared lasers can process a variety of metals, plastics and non-organic materials with comparably high accuracy and precision, i.e. metal, plastic, stainless steel, copper, gold, silver, titanium, acrylics, silicone, ABS, PVC, etc.
So if you want to engrave complex designs with fine details and clean marks on metals or plastics, an infrared laser would be a great choice.
Fiber Laser
Fiber laser is a type of solid-state laser that operates in the infrared (IR) range, thus invisible to the human eye as well. Fiber laser has high absorption by most metals, allowing for fast, high-power processing of metal sheets up to a few centimeters thick. This makes it ideal for marking, deep engraving, and even cutting metals at high speeds.
Due to their considerable cost (usually several thousand dollars), we recommend fiber lasers for professionals and business owners with heavy metal processing needs. The only LaserPecker machine that currently uses a fiber laser is the LP5.
Dual Laser - A Combination of 2-in-1
The so-called "Dual Laser" system combines two types of laser, usually a blue laser and an IR laser, enabling a single machine to handle a broader range of materials.
LaserPecker LP4 and LP5 are both Dual Laser with laser sources of different power.
LP4 features a 10W blue laser and a 2W infrared laser.
LP5 features a 20W blue laser and a 20W fiber laser.
2 Laser Systems: What's their advantages?
Galvo Laser
Galvo Laser, short for galvanometer laser, is a type of laser system that employs two precision mirrors to direct the laser beam with exceptional accuracy and speed.
Unlike the traditional X-Y lasers that mechanically move the laser head over the material, the galvo laser utilizes galvanometers (fast-moving motors) to precisely adjust the angle of two small, highly reflective mirrors to steer the laser beam in the X and Y directions. This results in for faster and more precise engraving than traditional X-Y lasers and contributes to a significantly more compact design.
Advantages: Small Size, High Speed, High Precision
Disadvantages: Limited Power
Models: LaserPecker LP Series, LP1 Pro, LP2, LP3, LP4, LP5
Gantry Laser
Gantry Laser is a type of laser system that uses a mechanical X-Y framework. The laser head is mounted on the gantry (moving arm) and is mechanically moved along the X and Y axes over the target material.
This setup allows for the processing of larger profiles and thicker materials, yet at a relatively slower speed due to the mechanical movement of the laser head. It also requires more space and complex components.
Compared to Galvo Lasers, which typically have one or two laser sources per machine, Gantry Lasers usually come with different types of laser modules, making them more versatile and adaptable for various materials.
Advantages: Large Working Area, High Power, Interchangeable Modules
Disadvantages: Large Space Requirements, Low Speed
Models: LaserPecker LX Series, LX1, LX1 Max
Introduction to LaserPecker Machines
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LaserPecker LP5: Smart 20W Fiber + 20W Diode Laser
Features: Dual Laser; Industrial-Grade Speed; Precision; Safety
Recommended for: Business Owners & Makers
The LP5, the latest model in the LP series, offers a complete upgrade in all aspects. With an elevated speed of 15,000 mm/s and double the power with 20W fiber and 20W blue diode lasers, the LP5 can engrave on almost all materials with unparalleled efficiency. It excels in deep engraving, 3D embossing, and cutting thin metal sheets up to 1mm. Its advanced capabilities and high performance make it a versatile and powerful tool for any engraving project.
LaserPecker LP4: 10W Diode + 2W Infrared 2-in-1 Laser
Features: Dual Laser; Professional; Fast Speed; Small Size
Recommended for: Small Business & Hobbyist
As the first dual-laser engraver in the world, LP4 combines a 10W 450nm blue diode laser and a 2W 1064nm infrared laser in a compact housing, making it powerful yet portable. It can engrave on almost all materials, from wood and acrylic to leather and metal, and cut thin wood and acrylic.
If you own a small business or have customization needs for various material types, LP4 would be an excellent choice for your projects in shop or athome.
LaserPecker LP3: IR Laser for Metals & Plastics
Features: Metal Engraving; Plastics & Acrylics Engraving; Jewelry Customization
Recommended for: Jewelry Designers & Sellers
LP3 utilizes a 1W 1064nm Infrared Laser, and can engrave on non-organic materials, including almost all types of metals and plastics. Its precision and capability make it perfect for creating intricate designs and detailed customizations for jewelry and watches.
If you are a jewelry designer or watch seller with customization needs, LP3 is tailored for you.
LaserPecker LX1/Max Gantry Laser for Large Area
Features: Large Working Area; Powerful Cutting; Interchangeable Modules
Recommended for: Business & Maker
The LX1 Serie, with a maximum working area of 400mm x 800mm, excels in large projects. It comes with interchangeable blue laser module and infrared laser module, allowing it to process all types of materials. Its versatility and capacity make it an excellent choice for tackling large and complex projects with ease, especially in model cutting/building, house decor crafting, and more.
If you are a business owner in the branches mentioned above or a great fan of model buildings, LX1 would be the right machine for you.
Want to learn in-depth about LaserPecker machines?
Compare the detailed specifications and capabilities of different models of LaserPecker engravers. Or tell us your needs by simply taking a quiz and let us recommend the right machine for you!
