When comparing Orion Motor Tech 12"x 8" vs ZMorph 2.0 SX, the Slant community recommends Orion Motor Tech 12"x 8" for most people. In the question“What are the best laser cutters?” Orion Motor Tech 12"x 8" is ranked 3rd while ZMorph 2.0 SX is ranked 7th. The most important reason people chose Orion Motor Tech 12"x 8" is:
If you need, you can upgrade the standard 40 W laser tube to a 50 W version.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Laser tube can be upgraded to a more powerful one
If you need, you can upgrade the standard 40 W laser tube to a 50 W version.
Pro Affordable
This is one of the cheapest CO2 tube lasers out on the market. It was created as a cost-effective alternative to multiple thousand dollar machines.
Pro Software and manual are included
The unit is shipped together with a free copy of its dedicated software Shenzhouyi. The software's manual is also included.
Pro Works very well when mastered
This laser cutter can do very fine cutting/engraving if you manage to fully unleash its potential. However, this will require you to invest a lot of your time into this machine to explore and upgrade it.
Pro Comes with accessories
This laser cutter comes with a water pump, which is used for CO2 tube cooling, and a fume extractor.
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 Requires a lot of tinkering
It will take a certain amount of skills and experience to run this laser cutter. Knowledge of CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) processes and concepts is essential. Besides, skills and expertise in electrical engineering will come in handy, as all the electrical schematics are unavailable. It is possible to receive high cutting/engraving quality from this machine, but plan to invest a lot of time and effort into tinkering with it.
Con Focal length needs manual adjustments
It is very hard to reach the full potential (40W of cutting power) of this laser cutter, as the optimum focal length of the lens must be found experimentally/manually.
Con Workspace is small
Visually, the machine might look big, but the work area is only 12" x 8". That's less than an A4 sheet. This is an essential thing to consider before going for this laser cutter.
Con Not suitable for metal cutting
It has neither the power nor the precision required for metal cutting.
Con The software is very basic
The software is not as advanced as the software provided by brands like FSL and Glowforge. It is suitable only for basic cutting and engraving applications.
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.
