When comparing Glowforge Pro Plus vs ZMorph 2.0 SX, the Slant community recommends Glowforge Pro Plus for most people. In the question“What are the best laser cutters?” Glowforge Pro Plus is ranked 4th while ZMorph 2.0 SX is ranked 7th. The most important reason people chose Glowforge Pro Plus is:
Even though this is not an industrial-grade machine, it still has decent production capabilities. Due to its high versatility and proper precision (up to 1/1000"), this device is perfect for repetitive applications in small production runs.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Ideal for small business needs
Even though this is not an industrial-grade machine, it still has decent production capabilities. Due to its high versatility and proper precision (up to 1/1000"), this device is perfect for repetitive applications in small production runs.
Pro Good cutting capacity
The machine has enough power to cut through ½ inch hardwood.
Pro Enclosure protects the operator from harm
The enclosure protects the operator from the harmful laser beam, fumes, and smoke.
Pro Durable and sturdy
The body of this machine is made from high-quality metal, glass, and plastic. All the parts are both durable and professional looking. Everything is CNC machined.
Pro Cross-platform software
The software is capable of running on almost any iOS, Android, Windows and Linux machines.
Pro Build space is large enough for most home/small business needs
The build area of this laser cutter is 11.5" x 20". This is more than enough for regular home needs, as well as small business needs. The pass-through feature allows you to cut or engrave very long sheets of material.
Pro Can blow fumes away
The cutter uses an air compressor to blow fumes away from the laser beam. It prevents ignition and accidental damage to the lens.
Pro Built-in water cooling
A closed-loop water cooling system is built into the machine. There is no need for an additional external water pump or a water cooler.
Pro Efficient, easy-to-use software
The software provided by Glowforge is fantastic. It is entirely cloud-based, meaning that all the work happens on the server side. The user interface is very intuitive and all the features are user-friendly. Additionally, you will not need to track and install the latest software updates manually, which is an important advantage about cloud-based applications.
Pro Comes with a custom laser tube
This 45W laser cutter is, in fact, more powerful than the overwhelming majority of 45W CO2 laser cutters available in the market. The thing is that Glowforge developed their own CO2 laser tube. The given tube is extremely efficient due to its 'Mode 0' design (it provides greater power density).
Pro No need for manual adjustments
The manufacturer permanently adjusts all the optical equipment. When required, the lenses can be auto-adjusted by the machine itself.
Pro Honeycomb base plate ensures good heat transfer
A thick, honeycombed baseplate is a standard feature of this laser cutter. This baseplate design allows for good heat transfer between air and the workpiece.
Pro Included multi-functional software is easy to use
All the primary functions of this machine are implemented within a single software - Voxelizer. It is used for 3D printing, laser cutting, laser engraving, and CNC milling. The software gives you access to 9 unique workflows designed to take the full advantage of the ZMorph. Each of them includes special presets and detailed editable settings for 3D printing, 3D milling, 2D milling and laser cutting. Voxelizer is a very straightforward and easy to use piece of software.
Pro Excellent multi-functionality
The ZMorph is a highly capable laser cutter, but its functionalities are not limited to this. It can also do CNC routing and 3D printing. In fact, this is an excellent 3D printer, being capable of printing filaments like PLA, ABS, HIPS, Ninjaflex, Nylon, etc. Its precision is also quite stunning: 14 microns for X and Y axes, 0.6 microns for Z axis.
Cons
Con Can't work without an Internet connection
Due to the fact it uses a cloud-based software, without an Internet connection, this laser cutter is useless.
Con Can't cut metal
This laser cutter is not capable of cutting metal.
Con Laser power is limited
Do not expect a lot of cutting power from this machine. The 2.8 W laser head is capable of engraving wood, MDF, plastics, acrylics, and some metals. Material cutting, on the other hand, requires substantially more power. The only materials this machine can cut are acrylics, paper, and cardboard.
Con Laser cutter datasheet is not provided
It's impossible to find any valid datasheet with information about speed and precision of the laser cutter/engraver workhead. Only its power is available.
Con Unsafe enclosure
The enclosure of this machine does not provide any laser safety, as the laser beam can easily go through its walls.
