FLUX Beamo REVIEW - Compact 30W CO2 Laser Cutter

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  • Опубліковано 20 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 369

  • @CNCKitchen
    @CNCKitchen  4 роки тому +30

    CO2 Laser Cutter! Great addition to the shop or just an overrated piece of equipment?

    • @vihai
      @vihai 4 роки тому +2

      You may want to fix the price, $15000 seems too much :)

    • @umbratherios5614
      @umbratherios5614 4 роки тому

      co2? somewhat outdated. the co2 tubes do not last nearly as long as fiber laser diodes and are, often times, more expensive than fiber lasers.
      ok, I may not be totally sure about the price, but the longevity of the co2 laser tubes puts me off a lot.

    • @ProtonOne11
      @ProtonOne11 4 роки тому +1

      How is the noise-level of the machine running? And what about the filter unit? I was hoping you would cover that aspect in your video too.
      And how long is that laser tube going to last, before it needs to be replaced?

    • @sacrificialrubber779
      @sacrificialrubber779 4 роки тому +1

      That’s awesome!!! Want! Curious about carbon fiber!🤔 I build rc airplanes, this would be incredibly handy!!!😲😲😲🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

    • @billkaroly
      @billkaroly 4 роки тому +1

      @@umbratherios5614 fiber lasers are way way more expensive than a CO2 laser.

  • @frollard
    @frollard 4 роки тому +113

    From plenty of laser work at our makerspace - we started with an 80 watt china rabbit laser. It's fairly excellent in it's terrible way. After we fell in love with it, we dropped the big money on a Trotec speedy laser. It has a solid state infrared laser...but it has 80 Austrian watts, instead of 80 china watts. It's literally twice the machine for power and precision.
    Things that we've learned;
    1) you are right, try to set the focus to midway through the material or you will end up with angled drafts on your parts (acrylic cuts that won't stand on edge because of the angle)
    2) More passes at lower power is good. The total power spreading over 2-3 passes is the same as the instantaneous single cut power overall, but there is way less heating as the part has a chance to cool between the passes. Like you say when using any tool - let the tool do the work. Don't push too hard on a saw or it will bind, same(analogy) with a laser.
    3) DO NOT EVER LEAVE IT UNATTENDED. Our makerspace got our first laser donated on the grounds that we had to completely refurbish it after a it burned down the previous owner's shop. He cut several successful pases of a project in foam core (paper+foam laminate - cuts like butter but extremely flammable). He hit go on another pass then went to the bathroom. A part being cut out fell into the mesh below the work piece and received an extended zap of unfocused beam causing it to heat, melt, and immolate. These things are to making what helicopters are to flying - they are trying to kill you every chance they will get.
    4) I wouldn't trust the plastic vent hose. If there is a fire, it will melt and catch fire itself. Stick with metal flexible duct. Consider adding a smoke detector just outside the lid. If the fan fails, you have a fire with enough smoke to leak out of the machine (or melt the lid), and you ignored number 3 - you will want to know ASAP. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. If the lid on this machine is acrylic, a small fire inside the machine will HAPPILY ignite the lid. An acrylic fire is extremely energetic.
    5) The fumes from most cuts are particularly toxic with high combusted fume, and ablated particulate offgassing. Definitely filter if no other option, and recommend even some filtering if you're venting outside, as you wouldn't want a commercial operation polluting raw waste into the atmosphere, even small scale adds up if everyone did it.
    6) You say it shipped with the mirrors in alignment - Most mirrors won't stay that way. Don't mess with them unless you have to, but definitely learn how to adjust the mirrors and the telltale signs of misalignment (cutting spot becomes a cutting 'cone').
    7) Keep the gallium nitride lens immaculate with specific lens cleaner (no industrial cleaners or windex). A tiny soot buildup will gather a large chunk of your 30 watts on the lens, heat it, and crack it in no time. The air assist through the nozzle will help but it's not perfect. Consider (if this machine doesn't have it) to add a filter to the intake of that air pump so that room air dust doesn't get blown onto the lens. (was an oversight on our machine).
    Edit: 8) others asked below - what about metal. No. It doesn't have the power and will reflect off of anything metal. It will etch the anodizing off of aluminum really nicely leaving bare metal colour underneath. Highly recommend checking out a product called Cermark. It's a molybdenum ceramic coating that you spray on, let dry, then laser etc. It gives indellible black markings on metals - you've probably seen products made with this kind of marking before. It's expensive for the spray can but it goes a long way on small projects.
    Edit again 9) Some acrylic parts will benefit from annealing in an oven to relieve the stress after laser cutting. This stress can cause 'crazing' (those countless microscopic cracks you see in cheap plastic dinnerware that has been through a dishwasher after a few years).
    Enjoy!

    • @CNCKitchen
      @CNCKitchen  4 роки тому +16

      Thanks for the incredible amount of information!

    • @frollard
      @frollard 4 роки тому +12

      @@CNCKitchen You're welcome - thank you likewise for always sharing as much as you do. Since you put so much effort into it, I figured I could toss in a few lessons we learned!

    • @mrskwrl
      @mrskwrl 3 роки тому +1

      How do I save a yt comment?

    • @frollard
      @frollard 3 роки тому

      @@mrskwrl copy paste? :)

    • @frollard
      @frollard 3 роки тому

      @Secret Sense Jewelry engraving steel without spray is probably exorbitant expensive. Infrared mostly just bounces off at these power levels. I think you would need a yag fiber laser $$$$ instead of an infrared CO2 laser $. Whatever you search for just remember in the end you get what you pay for. For hobby work the cheap solutions might be okay... For production work you don't want a laser repair hobby.

  • @douglasswright484
    @douglasswright484 Рік тому +59

    The ink tank system appears to be much better than the cartridge system ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxciSwynMJ7PnUvvx11rewiu-yFBkZTl53 and a lot cheaper to run. The machine was easy to set up. A small point but I thought they'd be a USB cable included to help with the set up but there was none. I've been using it now for a few weeks and it seems like a good product and superior to my previous printers which were all troublesome HP machines.

  • @acolize8883
    @acolize8883 4 роки тому +20

    Love the new music, it really added more vibrancy to the video!

    • @suivzmoi
      @suivzmoi 4 роки тому

      PitmasterX uses it a ton. Eyes saw CO2 laser by nose and brain thought of BBQ

  • @honestlyraw
    @honestlyraw 4 роки тому +2

    Great honest review Stefan. We are retailers in Portugal for Flux and you just touched the right buttons. The Beamo is a great maker machine and it speeds any workflow if used wisely. The bigger Beambox and Beambox Pro are generaly faster and the bigger cut/engraving area helps.

  • @diegopiumatti1086
    @diegopiumatti1086 4 роки тому +1

    I'd like so badly to have a machine like yours.. I'm full of ideas about what I could make with such a good and reliable laser cutter! A whole world in my hand! Sadly, this is definitely not a price tag for an hobby.. and I can't afford to spend this amount of money just to enjoy myself and to make objects that actually are pretty uselless. This is gonna remain a dream I'm afraid, but thank you very much for such a good video, it keeps me dreaming!! Greetings from an italian neighbour, in love with Germany since I was a kid

  • @BertNielson
    @BertNielson 4 роки тому +8

    Thanks. This looks like a great unit.
    A great ecosystem, even with a higher price tag, is the reason I recommend Prusa printers to those less interested in the tinkering aspect of 3D printing. Too often people overlook the long term costs of their time in making a hardware purchase.
    I'm not in the market for a laser cutter/engraver at the moment, but I'm certain I'd rather benefit from something like this instead of a fiddly less expensive unit. An auto focus sounds ideal!

    • @IstasPumaNevada
      @IstasPumaNevada 4 роки тому +1

      That's the exact reason I got a Prusa. I didn't want to fiddle around to get it working properly, I didn't want to save hundreds of dollars only to then spend hundreds of dollars on upgrade parts to improve its performance; I just wanted it to work well from the start. And the i3 MK3S that I got lives up to that expectation admirably. (Benchy printed out great, first time.)

    • @Tombsar
      @Tombsar 4 роки тому

      I chose Prusa because I wanted to support people actually designing machines rather than copying other people's. That and a power supply with CE mark and the correct plug fitted. Never trust unbranded power supplies.

  • @DC-ox4rc
    @DC-ox4rc 4 роки тому +81

    I once engraved a glass with a CO2 laser and 5 minutes later, just standing on a table it exploded violently. Take note of that.

    • @JustTechGuyThings
      @JustTechGuyThings 4 роки тому +37

      There is no such thing as engraving glass, you're basically causing micro fractures on something that can cause explosions.

    • @CNCKitchen
      @CNCKitchen  4 роки тому +24

      Good to know.

    • @DC-ox4rc
      @DC-ox4rc 4 роки тому +5

      @@JustTechGuyThings yup it probably had some internal stresses that have been disturbed while "engraving".

    • @The_Mimewar
      @The_Mimewar 4 роки тому +12

      Thermal stress. Gotta keep the glass a stable temp. Usually involves warming it slightly before lasering and then tempering it slowly as it cools

    • @JamsterJules
      @JamsterJules 4 роки тому +5

      I've etched hundreds of glasses without any exploding. Low power, and smear the surface with washing up liquid - thats the key.

  • @YunFuriku
    @YunFuriku 4 роки тому +59

    I will remember this video for long time. When people ask me "What were you doing when the results became official and you heard about it? I can answer "Watching CNC Kitchens FLUX laser cutter video!"

    • @AlexCell33
      @AlexCell33 4 роки тому +3

      The results aren’t official yet

    • @jhvnhjifgvbv8126
      @jhvnhjifgvbv8126 3 роки тому

      @@AlexCell33 nope, they were official. Im from the future and can confirm

  • @hanshubert6675
    @hanshubert6675 4 роки тому +5

    wow, i had no idea that you can get co2 laser as a mere consumer. what a time to be alive :)
    although the most interesting part about those things is cutting glass which this one cant do -.-

    • @ruleslawyer
      @ruleslawyer 3 роки тому

      They have been around for ages. For around $400 you can get a k40, which is a bit of a project like cheap chinese 3d printers, but way more doable in price for a hobbyist.

  • @BusStopWilly
    @BusStopWilly 4 роки тому +4

    Beambox owner here, love mine.

    • @littlesandbaubles8033
      @littlesandbaubles8033 4 роки тому +1

      Where did you buy yours at? Does it cut 3mm wood and acrylic with ease? Is it fairly easy to Integrate with software?

  • @MakenModify
    @MakenModify 4 роки тому

    I have an heavily modified K40 which is a death trap fresh out of the box. Would not recommend it to people who don't know what they are getting them selves into, there this product seams to be a better alternative. To the filter: At university we had a big commercial CO2-laser with an even bigger filter and as soon as you started to cut acrylic you knew that that filter might help but that that still is nothing that you want to do in your office or living room. So I think your filter works (just as bad as most other filters). Great video :)

  • @shyamdevadas6099
    @shyamdevadas6099 3 роки тому

    Fabulous video! I'm a Glowforge owner and have never been happy with it. I think this thing is better for me. Thanks!

  • @anthonyrich1592
    @anthonyrich1592 4 роки тому

    So we've got a new sound to replace screen peeling: expanding vent tubing! :)
    Thanks, Stefan, it was interesting to hear about the wavelength difference between diode lasers and CO₂ lasers. I'd always wondered why there was a difference in their materials handling (ignoring the reflectivity of metals).

  • @choschiba
    @choschiba 4 роки тому

    I really wish I cut give this laser cutter a try. I guess the size of the working area would be quite okay for most of the stuff I would use it for. I would use it for decorative things and jewelry. The variety of materials you can cut is really nice. So many possibilities!

  • @oneclutchman
    @oneclutchman 4 роки тому

    Thank you! Hope to see some interesting and useful results using this machine👍🏻

  • @richiethebartender
    @richiethebartender 4 роки тому

    I love your very German sense of humour! Great video, dude - you have a new subscriber! :-)

  • @ericboyle1754
    @ericboyle1754 4 роки тому

    Thanks for this review, Stefan. I am looking for a laser cutter / engraver currently as I watch this. Believe it or not I was already checking out the Beamo when I caught your review. Answered almost all my questions. I think I will bite the bullet and get one.

  • @GoingtoHecq
    @GoingtoHecq 4 роки тому

    We have a co2 laser in our hackspace. Works well. I don't use it much but these machines are incredibly useful.

  • @klave8511
    @klave8511 4 роки тому

    I think you’re quite correct about the users, if you want a laser that works out of the box then the price is reasonable. If you have to spend time modifying it then what is your time worth. A business will rate your time at $50 to $100 per hour, at least, so the time spent modifying the laser is time not earning income for the business. I would definitely buy this laser for a production environment where safety is mandatory and you can’t spend time tinkering. The size may be a restriction but a business will know it’s products and I think the size is actually a good one. A hobbyist will always want a bigger, stronger one but it will never pay back the time and money invested, it’s a hobby after all. As 3d printing people know, if it’s too big, print in 2 pieces, I’m sure the laser will suit most people if they know how to work around those occasional issues. I too was disappointed to not see some hooks being made for strength tests ... :-)

  • @android4cg
    @android4cg 4 роки тому +1

    Great review! Having also a camera for alignment is a great advantage compared to some cheaper laser cutters.

  • @lio1234234
    @lio1234234 4 роки тому +1

    Thank you CNC kitchen as always! I'd love to see it cut some other plastics and if possible pre-resined carbon fibre sheets. Or maybe just normal carbon fibre sheets, who knows?

    • @frollard
      @frollard 4 роки тому

      carbon fiber doesn't laser to save its life. Fiberglass fabric can cut but the instantaeous heat creates a crunchy 'cratered' edge where the microscopic fibers fuse into more macro beads on the end. Not advisable. Cotton fabric with the right power settings cuts nicely, but can ignite in a slow-burn that burns imperceptibly so it needs to be monitored closely. polyester blends cut similar to fiberglass sheet, where the edge becomes crunchy as the fibers fuse.

  • @basicmods
    @basicmods 4 роки тому +12

    Just a note, you currently have an extra 0 in the cost listed in the description. Currently says $15000.
    Edit - already corrected! Stefan is on it!

    • @CNCKitchen
      @CNCKitchen  4 роки тому +4

      Thanks, fixed! Been working too much today ;-)

    • @basicmods
      @basicmods 4 роки тому

      No worries! Completely understandable and easy mistake to make. Great video as always. I have been looking at a laser cutters and this unit seems very well setup right out of the box.

    • @zelimirfedoran9720
      @zelimirfedoran9720 4 роки тому

      Price shows as $1899 in the store for me? Where is the 1500 coming from?

    • @pauld8747
      @pauld8747 4 роки тому

      @@zelimirfedoran9720 1500 with a handie

    • @cda32
      @cda32 4 роки тому

      I see anything from 1500 to 3000 in the EU. What the heck is going on? :P

  • @donrozwick7367
    @donrozwick7367 4 роки тому

    thank you for the review. I wish I had waited for this one.

  • @phibre1772
    @phibre1772 4 роки тому +6

    I would love to see a 1on1 comparison with the glowforge...maybe write them too 😉

    • @Putifly69
      @Putifly69 3 роки тому

      I want the glow so bad cause it has a wider cutting space

    • @Putifly69
      @Putifly69 3 роки тому

      And way bigger

  • @terrybrockhoff8168
    @terrybrockhoff8168 4 роки тому +2

    I have had the beamo for 1 month and i have the same thoughts, the lack of working space , I wish I would have spent the extra dollars and bought the Beambox pro, take care

    • @CNCKitchen
      @CNCKitchen  4 роки тому

      Great to hear other experiences.

  • @OldCurmudgeon3DP
    @OldCurmudgeon3DP 4 роки тому

    I don't know the difference between IR and thermal vision wavelengths, but the clear materials you reference are reflective at thermal wavelengths. Almost like a mirror when I was doing thermal scans for work.

  • @mintzbuck
    @mintzbuck 4 роки тому

    I've had a 50watt CO2 laser for several years. It is a great thing to have around for hobbies and making pieces to sell. I think they are pretty essential machines to have and open up a lot of possibilities for what you can do in a shop. It sounds like a good package for $1500. Has a lot of nice features it sounds like. The bigger issue for me would be the power, 30watts just isn't very much. But if that much power is enough for the materials you use and can live with the small size, it seems like a really nice package.

    • @Travis_Yu
      @Travis_Yu 4 роки тому

      More powerful laser needs more powerful cooling. I'm not very sure but I think water-cooling system can't handle 50watt laser so it will need a chiller, which will add significant volume.

    • @mintzbuck
      @mintzbuck 4 роки тому

      @@Travis_Yu The bigger problem with a higher water laser is the tube itself is longer. I'm guessing that is a big reason why this thing is 30W. I have an external chiller but it barely runs the actual chiller. You could probably get away with running a 360mm computer cooler radiator.

    • @Travis_Yu
      @Travis_Yu 4 роки тому

      @@mintzbuck Turns out beambox pro from the same company use 50watt laser with water-cooling system. Can I ask you did you run full power with your machine for a long period of time?

    • @mintzbuck
      @mintzbuck 4 роки тому

      @@Travis_Yu We usually run a mix of engraving and cutting for several hours at a time without any issues. But only a few times a month. With any of these, if you are going to run it a lot you would definitely want a chiller. We have the chiller because it came with the machine.

    • @Travis_Yu
      @Travis_Yu 4 роки тому

      @@mintzbuck Thanks for your information!

  • @ChiralSymmetry
    @ChiralSymmetry 4 роки тому +2

    If you etch the glass with the laser, can you use the etch-lines like score-lines for cutting glass?
    Manual Cutting of glass:
    (1) Score the glass with a glass cutter.
    (2) Carefully tap/bend/snap the glass along the score line.
    In other words, can (1) be replaced with the Beamo laser?
    My guess is probably not. But maybe worth trying.

    • @easaspace
      @easaspace 4 роки тому +2

      You can. I have tried it. Run 4-5 passes over it and it easily breaks where you want

    • @CNCKitchen
      @CNCKitchen  4 роки тому +2

      I think you can. Read that this is done in industrial applications to score glass vials.

    • @frollard
      @frollard 4 роки тому +1

      It can be done - and with the rotary attachment you can do cool stuff like curved lines along a bottle. It's hard to pull off as the stress wants to break the glass, but with practice (as all glass things are) you can get some neat cuts.

  • @Guffy1990
    @Guffy1990 4 роки тому +2

    I would LOOOOVVVEEEEE to see if you could make a 3D ornament, ones made in glass (or acrylic) that have a light under them to show the image on the inside! I feel like some modding would have to happen, or having the rotary attachment as well as defocusing the laser (dynamically? Or raising/lowering the work piece?) to engrave the image on the inside of the piece.

  • @agepbiz
    @agepbiz 4 роки тому

    Great review! This looks like a nice machine

  • @TurboSunShine
    @TurboSunShine 4 роки тому +2

    very cool, did you try any metals?

    • @TurboSunShine
      @TurboSunShine 4 роки тому +1

      @@kommentfloh8425 haha, sorry ^^,

  • @thetruthexperiment
    @thetruthexperiment 4 роки тому

    My guess is the slack in the belt and the non parallel situation is part of the math that drives the thing. It’s plastic. You don’t want it too tight. If it’s working that means it’s compensating for the slack right?

    • @haraldhimmel5687
      @haraldhimmel5687 4 роки тому

      A lot of horrible solutions can be "working" until they don't but maybe they did put thought into that. It's not like that carriage has to carry a cnc spindle. Plastic pulleys sound a little cheap though considering the price of that thing. Sure they might work fine but what would have been the harm in going for metal?

  • @jonahbarlow9445
    @jonahbarlow9445 4 роки тому +8

    I’m curious as to how well that textured glass would work as a print surface

    • @jonahbarlow9445
      @jonahbarlow9445 4 роки тому

      Or how well other engraved materials work as print surfaces

    • @BRUXXUS
      @BRUXXUS 4 роки тому

      That's a great idea!

    • @SidneyCritic
      @SidneyCritic 4 роки тому

      I was going to mention the same thing - lol -.
      I sandblasted a jar with a cheap $20 gun to show Teaching Tech how to make glass rough, but I couldn't get him to try it on a 3D printer.

  • @keenheat3335
    @keenheat3335 4 роки тому +2

    This might be completely out of left field. I was wondering if you use the co2 laser to perfectly caramelize a steak's surface that just been sous vide-ed ? I image the with precision of the laser, you can perfectly crisp every inch square of a steak without overcooking the meat beneath it.

    • @peterzingler6221
      @peterzingler6221 4 роки тому

      Won't work with a Co2 laser. Lasers are racist the coulours need to match

  • @Tomaskom
    @Tomaskom 4 роки тому

    For thicker, harder to cut materials, I'd try two or more passes, adjusting the focus between them (through running the same job multiple times).
    There'll be a limit to this as the walls of the cut groove will eventially block most of the beam getting into the focal point, also maybe degrading their quality, but I'd be curious how far it can be pushed!

  • @fehmihan64
    @fehmihan64 4 роки тому +1

    Guten tag Stefan, I love your videos and how seriously you tackle every aspect each consumer would like to learn about. Keep up the good work!
    As an Industrial Design Engineer based in the Netherlands, am I currently working on a laser alignement project and got inspired by the mirror allignment setup shown on 2:04. Can you help me making the right step in my process by sending close-up pictures of this mechanism from different sides? Thanks in advance!

    • @张云瑞-k3m
      @张云瑞-k3m 4 роки тому

      Hello Mr. Milan.I am also a CO2 laser cutter professional.I know the particularity of your major. Maybe we can exchange whatsapp+8613127135107. I will send you some detailed pictures online that you need.You can also tell me your needs and I will picture for you

  • @helgemoller5158
    @helgemoller5158 4 роки тому +2

    Stephan. please explain the security issues of this thing! The clear Plexiglass is a no go, that needs to be coloured to filter the light of the installed Laser.
    So, ich hab schon einige hier auf YT angemeckert ( Phillips 3D Druck, Pommes Man wegen Ihren laxen Umgang mit den Ortur Lasern) An einer Nozzle meiner 3D Drucker kann ich mir vll, die Finger verbrennen. Aber selbst diese Diodenlaser könnten dir das Augenlicht nehmen, wenns blöd läuft..

    • @CNCKitchen
      @CNCKitchen  4 роки тому

      Thanks for the comment. Do you have any sources that the clear plastic does not protect against the 10600nm laser? I totally understand your concern for the ~450nm blue diode lasers though would think that the cover is fine for CO2. Will research that as well.

    • @lawrie83
      @lawrie83 4 роки тому +1

      Colorless Plexiglas® sheet (aka acrylic, PMMA) is entirely opaque to infrared wavelengths from 2.8 microns up to 25 microns in thicknesses of 0.118" (3mm) or greater. Eg see plexiglas.com optical and transmission characteristics.

    • @TrueThanny
      @TrueThanny 4 роки тому +2

      It's an infrared laser at around 10K nanometers. Plexiglass is entirely opaque to that wavelength. Though you can see through the lid, to the laser it's no different than a solid sheet of metal.

  • @CraftySven
    @CraftySven 4 роки тому

    Great review. You might get better results with laser PLY and laser MDF. You mentioned getting plywood in hardware store and that's usually not the one that is laser friendly.
    Even 120W metal/ceramic cartridge can struggle with standard ply/ MDF.
    Thanks for the video

    • @CNCKitchen
      @CNCKitchen  4 роки тому

      Good tip! I'll check that out.

  • @LorneChrones
    @LorneChrones 4 роки тому +14

    Requesting metal engraving tests and other thin plastics (hdpe, polycarbonate sheets?)

    • @DDMetzler
      @DDMetzler 4 роки тому

      And test rubber sheets please

    • @nukularpictures
      @nukularpictures 4 роки тому +4

      Poly-carbonate does not cut well with a laser. Nasty fumes and burned edges. Everything above 0,5mm or so is basically impossible. Made that mistake once before when I accidentally ordered the wrong material.
      HDPE cuts okish. The problem is it melts too easily. So if you do not have enough power it will just start to melt the edges instead of cutting it cleanly. You need multiple fast passes with reduced power to get acceptable results.
      With rubber sheets it depends on the material. There are special rubbers for laser cutting (LOR). Those work well. Others just burn.

    • @LorneChrones
      @LorneChrones 4 роки тому

      @@nukularpictures Noted! I haven't gotten a clear answer of if PC is CO2 laser cuttable or not.
      What other plastics are laser cuttable? What about PETG films?

    • @nukularpictures
      @nukularpictures 4 роки тому +2

      @@LorneChrones Well like I said. PC is not really cuttable. Thin foils work, plates are basically not possible. At least that is my experience.
      I have not made any experiences with PETG. Sadly I am not at home right now so I can not test it. But from what I have heard from other people it should work fine and be similar to PMMA.

    • @frollard
      @frollard 4 роки тому +2

      Infrared won't touch anything specular like metal - it just reflects off. At best at 1% speed and 100% power you can barely dimple mild steel - but all the reflections will put a huge amount of heat back into the lens possibly damaging it.
      HDPE melts, and polycarbonate burns black without cutting well. Tonnes of black sooty smoke from laser. do not advise.
      thin PETG cuts relatively nicely if you move fast to prevent too much melting.
      Other replies here, Rubber sheet is good and bad. Latex smells atrocious and gets a sticky gum residue on it (like the latex de-vulcanizes). The gum washes off eventually with soap and water. marketed 'laser engrave' rubber sheet for making stamps is amazing. You engrave the negative and end up with very high precision stamps.

  • @aerball
    @aerball 4 роки тому

    So basically, you find that the price tag reflects additional premium features and service. Let it be known that you can still get the same level of output quality on a cheaper $400 K40 with some very minimal upgrades.
    I designed a linear rail system for my K40 and I can engrave at 500mm/s no problem. (Yes I realize that due to the kinematics of these machines you never really reach that true speed.)
    And it uses a small radial fan and not an air pump.
    Like everything, it comes down to what you are willing to put up with as a user. I dont get any customer assistance or warranty so if anything goes wrong, its totally up to me.

  • @AndyRRR0791
    @AndyRRR0791 4 роки тому +1

    What's the lifespan of these things? Does the laser have a limited useful life and expensive consumables at all like laser cutters of the big boys do?

  • @vincentbarkley9121
    @vincentbarkley9121 3 роки тому

    Great review.

  • @trischas.2809
    @trischas.2809 4 роки тому +2

    What's the average lifetime of a CO2 laser tube, as they degrade over time?

  • @Section59.
    @Section59. 4 роки тому +1

    Much more expensive than even a fully upgraded k40, which I already have. 1500 gets you a much bigger cutting area, grbl conversion to use lightburn, air assist, a proper cooling system etc.

  • @santiagoblandon3022
    @santiagoblandon3022 4 роки тому +1

    Pretty cool! although... Idk about the price... it is usually pretty cheap to have stuff laser cut, and considering the limited lifespan of the laser tube... as you say.. it is worth doing some math to figure out if buying one is justifiable

  • @SpeaKaNRW
    @SpeaKaNRW 4 роки тому

    I like the flexible hose👍😁

  • @VorpalGun
    @VorpalGun 4 роки тому +3

    Does laser cutting have any effect on mechanical properties of the cut object compared to cutting the same material with heating methods, such as CNC milling?
    I'm slightly disappointed there were no strength tests. :/

    • @CNCKitchen
      @CNCKitchen  4 роки тому +6

      Laser cutting has a slight influence on the surrounding material why it's also not often seen in aerospace applications, where waterjet cutting is preferred for example.
      Sorry for no strength tests 😉

    • @frollard
      @frollard 4 роки тому +1

      It's hard to know for sure on acrylic in particular - acrylic is insanely brittle to begin with. The flame-polishing that occurs giving the nice clear edges for laser acrylic seem like they would have fewer stress rises compared to the numerous score marks from saw teeth doing the same work. From my reading a decade ago when we got our laser cutter it was advised that you could anneal laser cut acrylic to reduce the likelihood of it crazing.

    • @reverse_engineered
      @reverse_engineered 3 роки тому

      With acrylic I do sometimes have issues with crazing where things have been engraved or with many, small cuts. For large outline cuts, it's not a concern. I haven't had a chance to try, but I did buy an oven to try annealing it to relieve the stresses. Crazing seems to happen more with certain brands/sheets than others; possibly old stock that's not kept dry or has been exposed to a lot of light? But I've made many acrylic ornaments and most turned out fine.

  • @plc_memes
    @plc_memes 4 роки тому +1

    I can cut 3/8" acrylic (~10mm) on my 45W Epilog at decent speeds even with a severely degraded laser tube. Either your focus was off or the advertised power on the laser is optimistic.

    • @panaxion
      @panaxion 4 роки тому

      Epilog's spot size is much finer, so more energy density

  • @doranku
    @doranku 4 роки тому +4

    Engraving bacon? Does that work and how does it smell?

    • @frollard
      @frollard 4 роки тому

      smells amazing, tastes horrible - like burnt hair aroma as a taste.
      Aside: the most unexpected laser resistant material we have found at our makerspace is pancakes. Our hypothesis is the cellular structure of the cake holds in the smoke creating an opaque layer that never lets the beam through.

    • @doranku
      @doranku 4 роки тому

      @@frollard Now this is real science in action. Keep experimenting.

    • @Mr_Yod
      @Mr_Yod 4 роки тому

      @@frollard In the future wars will be fought by wearing armors made of pancakes.
      Mmmh: that's a good soldier...

    • @JamesChurchill
      @JamesChurchill 4 роки тому

      @@frollard sounds like you inadvertently recreated Starlite. Carbon foams are unbelievably heat resistant.

    • @frollard
      @frollard 4 роки тому

      @@JamesChurchill Definitely possible...but it doesn't burn. it also tastes like death that won't leave your mouth.

  • @santhoshpadaparambil4391
    @santhoshpadaparambil4391 3 роки тому

    Thank you sir. 13:22 what kind of material it is?

  • @b5a5m5
    @b5a5m5 4 роки тому

    Why do laser cutters have a focal point? Why not columnate the beam at the focal point to have a very tight column beam of power instead of an hour glass shaped beam? Limitation of materials? Do we not know of a material that can handle that much power in a small area? Or is it really expensive?

  • @polytimostr
    @polytimostr 4 роки тому +1

    Hello. I am wondering if you can use the laser engraver to create a new platform (by engraving a material) for the base of the 3D Printer for better adhesion.

    • @CNCKitchen
      @CNCKitchen  4 роки тому +2

      Thought about that already - custom textured glass might be cool.

    • @flux_europe
      @flux_europe 4 роки тому +1

      You can engrave metal if you use a Cermark spray: cermarksales.com. Only engraving is possible, not cutting.

  • @sworley1956
    @sworley1956 4 роки тому

    How does this compare to the glow forge?

  • @MrArmanrezaee
    @MrArmanrezaee 4 роки тому +3

    Danke Schon Stefan. Can you please test engraving on PLA and Nylon from one of your 3D printed objects? That’d be fantastic. Danke Sehr

  • @JK47SG1
    @JK47SG1 4 роки тому

    What about silicone? Would this be too powerful to cut silicone sheets?

  • @GaryMcKinnonUFO
    @GaryMcKinnonUFO 4 роки тому +1

    I bought and modded a 40W CO2 K40 from China, well worth the money for £270 at the time.

  • @blazerculj2701
    @blazerculj2701 3 роки тому

    What is the amount of smoke and noise? Can you use it in apartment? What about if you use it with the air filter from Flux?

  • @figofagonagoitis
    @figofagonagoitis 4 роки тому

    Can you cut out little details in 5mm plastic ABS for example.

  • @emraef
    @emraef 4 роки тому

    Can you not do multiple passes but have some time inbetween for the wood to cool down? Like do half of the whole thing first, then the last half.

  • @TheDgdimick
    @TheDgdimick 4 роки тому

    You can build your own using an Ender 3, or any 3d Printer for less then $200. My next project is a 10Watt system. Not as nice, yet a lot cheaper to get into a Laser system.

  • @desmondhow343
    @desmondhow343 4 роки тому

    Is it possible to cut thin metal sheet

  • @matteomigliorini9070
    @matteomigliorini9070 4 роки тому

    Can you engrave the glass to initiate the crack for cutting it? Also, can you cat any very thin metal at all?

  • @Framidan
    @Framidan 3 роки тому

    I would love to have one of these machines, but what are the cheapest options?

  • @sacrificialrubber779
    @sacrificialrubber779 4 роки тому +4

    Carbon Fiber!!! Definitely would love to see that!

    • @CNCKitchen
      @CNCKitchen  4 роки тому

      Will do!

    • @Section59.
      @Section59. 4 роки тому

      You can't cut carbon fibre with one of these, need something much more powerful

    • @freakbeet
      @freakbeet 4 роки тому +2

      @@CNCKitchen i can't recommend it. I've tried it once with an trotec speedy 300 flexx. Man that was nasty as hell, the fumes of the resin are horrible even after the air filter. That's one of the reason why water jet cutter are used for that material.

    • @patprop74
      @patprop74 4 роки тому

      No sadly, Well, not easily anyway, and very very stinky. Same with Garolite, which sucks because there is so many great uses for both of those materials.

  • @lalaikas
    @lalaikas 3 роки тому

    Is this laser suitable for 316 stainless steel marking ? if not , what laser could be suitable for that ? Also, the pieces would be tubes. Is it a must to have a revolving holder ?

  • @MacBaerFFM
    @MacBaerFFM 4 роки тому

    Hmm...seems to be well-crafted. Direct competitors would be the legion of nameless K40 lasers...a Chinese 50W laser even with RUIDA controller sells for 1500 EUR on Amazon...now for the acrylic...is the wavelength of a CO2 over a blue diode a prerequisite to engrave or even cut acrylic?

    • @reverse_engineered
      @reverse_engineered 3 роки тому +1

      Yes, a CO2 laser is required. Acrylic is transparent to the violet/blue light from a diode laser engraver, so the power does not heat the acrylic and cut it. Acrylic is opaque to the far infrared of a CO2 laser, so it heats and vaporizes. With a blue laser, the most you can do with acrylic is paint the surface and use the laser to burn it off, which will etch the surface of the acrylic. But you can't etch it directly and you cannot cut it.

  • @brene.p
    @brene.p 4 роки тому

    Do you get to keep the review unit or send it back?
    Good review anyway. I don't know what the different laser types are but don't expect a comparison run down in a review video. Possible topic for another video if you haven't done so already.
    Cheers

  • @GrandWalkingTours
    @GrandWalkingTours 3 роки тому

    great video and full of details , what is the rough time of say laser sketching onto metal that is about 20cmx20cm ? not the full size fully lasered but a nice pattern ?

  • @EwiPoland
    @EwiPoland 3 роки тому

    Hello. Its possible to cut silver mirror plexi 3 mm ?

  • @Elektronaut
    @Elektronaut 4 роки тому

    Ich bin auch gerade auf der Suche nach einem Laser Cutter - danke für das Review!
    Könntest du mal probieren Graukarton/Buchbindekarton in verschiedenen Stärken zu bearbeiten?

  • @LucasHartmann
    @LucasHartmann 4 роки тому

    Can you recirculate the filtered air back into the machine?

  • @masimplo
    @masimplo 4 роки тому

    Just 5 days after the video is released the price is over 2000 euro so nowhere near $1500. Where did you find it listed for 1500$?

  • @Polandmet
    @Polandmet 4 роки тому

    can it engrave on steel or cut thin aluminium ?

    • @kelbyparker9712
      @kelbyparker9712 4 роки тому

      You need a fiber laser to engrave steel facebook.com/groups/4105345129538639/

  • @gandhizehner
    @gandhizehner 4 роки тому

    Filling with inertgas (Argon) would help against burning?

  • @DuskPoser
    @DuskPoser Рік тому

    Would this cut 10mm Acrylic if I did 4 passes?

  • @hansformation
    @hansformation 4 роки тому +1

    Hello
    Did you try to engrave/cut epoxy electronic pcb ??
    Thanks

    • @reverse_engineered
      @reverse_engineered 3 роки тому

      Fiberglass does not cut well, especially PCBs which are fire-resistant. They tend to melt and burn without cutting.

  • @EnsignRedSquad
    @EnsignRedSquad 4 роки тому

    Does it need special venting or a BOFA filter? What kind?

  • @1ricekake
    @1ricekake 3 роки тому

    Made me consider it after watching, thankyou for an excellent review. Any idea why it’s almost $500 more when you get directed to a USA reseller?

    • @frollard
      @frollard 3 роки тому

      Probably import tariffs

  • @davidpolacek4902
    @davidpolacek4902 4 роки тому

    can it cut thin metals?

  • @stevedon9970
    @stevedon9970 4 роки тому

    Can you Engrave and cut 1.2 aluminium?
    Would it be a good machine to have to create Vin plate or tag plates Out of aluminium 1.2 mil thick?

  • @ImaginationToForm
    @ImaginationToForm 4 роки тому

    No room for a belt tensioner so you don't have to take the machine apart?

  • @hejolli
    @hejolli 3 роки тому

    Hello Stefan, did you tried to cut&engrave faux leather? Thanks!

  • @eefchristiaens4215
    @eefchristiaens4215 3 роки тому

    Did you already try precious metal? Is it possible to engrave? I think about engraving gold filled jewelry.Thank you!

  • @Komaru.89
    @Komaru.89 4 роки тому +1

    I really appreciate this review, and it's what pushed me to purchase by own Beamo. However, the Beam Studio software runs terribly slow, and often just does strange things like rotating pieces when I ungroup them, insisting that one path is for cutting while another path is for engraving. Do you run into similar issues? Do you know of any other software that can be used with it? Sorry to bother you on UA-cam for help, but there doesn't seem to be any kind of community for these cutters that I can find : (

  • @ikbendusan
    @ikbendusan 4 роки тому +2

    do you move that lathe around or do you lie down on the table to use it lol

    • @CNCKitchen
      @CNCKitchen  4 роки тому

      Rotate it 90° whenever i need it ;-) I'll give her a dedicated spot, when my house renovation is done.

  • @tbullys
    @tbullys 3 роки тому

    Cut the aclylic?

  • @Waltkat
    @Waltkat 4 роки тому

    I'd love to add this to my workshop but the current price (as of 11/8/2020) is US$1900 at Matterhackers for the basic unit. Ouch! Not happening.

  • @jurgenwiedekind431
    @jurgenwiedekind431 4 роки тому +1

    Wie sieht es mit MDF aus? Kann er das schneiden?

    • @张云瑞-k3m
      @张云瑞-k3m 4 роки тому

      It can be cut. What is the thickness?I can recommend a suitable machine according to its thickness.We can exchange whatsapp+8613127135107 to help you answer your device questions online

  • @heavenburnt9055
    @heavenburnt9055 4 роки тому

    Can you use Coreldraw or Illustrator with this laser?

  • @certified-forklifter
    @certified-forklifter 4 роки тому

    nice to have an case.

  • @macswanton9622
    @macswanton9622 4 роки тому

    So... you don't expect to cut 5mm acrylic cleanly? Cutting acrylic would certainly make it a worthwhile investment

  • @rcpattaya230
    @rcpattaya230 4 роки тому

    Can it cut carbon fiber?

  • @TheLouisEric
    @TheLouisEric 4 роки тому

    Would it cut carbon fiber prepreg textile ?

  • @matthewdynes9375
    @matthewdynes9375 4 роки тому

    interested to know more about the Beam Air. I have a Beamo already and I am really considering the Beam Air. Disappointing to hear you didn't think it worked well?

    • @CNCKitchen
      @CNCKitchen  4 роки тому

      Sorry to disappoint. I think the charcoal filter is just too small. Are you happy with your Beamo?

    • @matthewdynes9375
      @matthewdynes9375 4 роки тому

      @@CNCKitchen yes I really like mine, using it as we speak. It's my first laser so ease of use was a big factor for me. There is a couple of things I'd like upgraded/changed though:
      The honey comb bed doesn't fill the entire work area, rather the aluminium profile takes up about 20mm each side of an a4 sheet which leaves a lot of bad burn marks so I'll be cutting mine up a little.
      There is also gaps around the lid which allows some fumes to exit.
      The software can be a little temperamental too but I'm always using beta versions so that's to be expected I suppose.
      I think I'm going to buy the beam air anyway and see how it works for me, fingers crossed.

    • @matthewdynes9375
      @matthewdynes9375 4 роки тому

      Is there room in the chamber to double stack charcoal filter?

    • @lfields249
      @lfields249 3 роки тому

      @@matthewdynes9375 Hi Matthew, I just bought the 30W beamo, did you ever buy the Beamo Air unit?

  • @MrNursi
    @MrNursi 4 роки тому

    Great review Stefan. I'd very much like to see how it handles aluminium sheet.

    • @CNCKitchen
      @CNCKitchen  4 роки тому +3

      I guess that nothing is going to happen, because aluminum will reflect most of the energy. You'll probably be able to engrave dark anodized aluminum or painted metal.

    • @easaspace
      @easaspace 4 роки тому +3

      It does engrave anodized aluminum without problems. Any color. But cutting is out of the question with only 30w

    • @mintzbuck
      @mintzbuck 4 роки тому

      If you want to cut metal you need a fiber laser.

  • @marc_frank
    @marc_frank 4 роки тому

    do you like horten aircraft?

  • @dr.johnh.watson2444
    @dr.johnh.watson2444 4 роки тому

    I wish I had one of those. would make my scratch sailingship building much quicker and better looking.

  • @atokor
    @atokor 4 роки тому

    Great video, thank you!
    I'd really like to know if the Beamo (or a cheap hobby grade laser) could be used to effectively cut rubber gaskets. Like silicone and neopreme. I find myself in the position of needing to make some rubber gaskets but have found very little in the DIY/home shop arena that tackles making gaskets. Perhaps not the most exciting type of part but critical for many applications.

    • @Turkishmath
      @Turkishmath 4 роки тому +1

      the answer is very likely

  • @pierdolio
    @pierdolio 4 роки тому

    Is an internet connection necessary?

    • @CNCKitchen
      @CNCKitchen  4 роки тому

      No, it's not but it needs to be connected to you local wifi /Lan.