When comparing CNCShop Laser Engraving Machine 130W vs MC-Series 5'x10' Flatbed 500W Fiber Laser Metal Cutter, the Slant community recommends CNCShop Laser Engraving Machine 130W for most people. In the question“What are the best laser cutters?” CNCShop Laser Engraving Machine 130W is ranked 2nd while MC-Series 5'x10' Flatbed 500W Fiber Laser Metal Cutter is ranked 6th. The most important reason people chose CNCShop Laser Engraving Machine 130W is:
This is a very high precision machine, it has an accuracy of 0.4 mil (2500 dots per inch). This cutting precision is perfect for woodworking.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Excellent precision
This is a very high precision machine, it has an accuracy of 0.4 mil (2500 dots per inch). This cutting precision is perfect for woodworking.
Pro Perfect for cutting thick wooden plates
This is a powerful laser cutter. Its CO2 tube can generate a 130 W laser beam. If focused correctly, the beam can cut through ¾" plywood on a single pass. The 130W of cutting power is just right for wood cutting, as more powerful lasers will ignite the wooden workpieces.
Pro Large working area
The working area of this laser cutter is 55" x 35". This is noticeably more than the 12" x 20" building areas offered by hobby series FSL and Glowforge machines. This CNCShop laser cutter will comfortably fit a standard A0 sheet (33.1" x 46.8").
Pro Router rotary attachment for cutting cylindrical objects
This laser cutter is capable of cutting cylindrical shaped objects. The only thing required to do it is getting a $219.99 router rotary attachment. It is entirely compatible with all the CNCShop laser cutters and engravers and the software is prepared to use this function. This accessory can be used for operations such as cutting or engraving pipes, glasses, and bottles.
Pro Excellent for industries
This laser cutter is an excellent professional, industrial grade machine. It was designed and built for metal mass-production purposes. It's tough and heavy and it was made to run non-stop 24/7 shifts.
Pro Can effectively cut a variety of metals
According to the specifications sheet, this machine can cut materials like carbon steel (up to 6 mm), stainless steel (up to 3 mm), galvanized plate (up to 3 mm), aluminum (up to 3 mm) and copper (up to 2 mm).
Pro Uses highly efficient fiber laser technology
Compared to the standard CO2 tube laser technology, fiber laser technology has multiple advantages. Firstly, the fiber laser machines have no moving parts or mirrors in the light-generating source, which noticeably reduces maintenance expenses. Secondly, fiber lasers have higher electrical efficiency, making the electrical bills lower. Thirdly, fiber lasers are capable of cutting very reflective metals (copper, brass, and aluminum).
Pro You can choose the machine's power that suits you best
Apart from the standard 500 W model, there are many other power options available for this product. You can choose pretty much anything between 200 W and 2 KW.
Pro No need to adjust the optics
The laser beam is channeled and amplified through a fiber optic cable. The cable is the only optical tool standing between the laser diodes and the working head. There is a lense in the working head, but it has an auto-adjust feature.
Cons
Con Expect to buy a water chiller
Initially, the CO2 laser tube of the machine is cooled with the aid of an included water pump. However, this system has a problem, since water in a reservoir heats up quickly, reducing the efficiency of the cooling system. Adding a chiller to the loop ensures that the water is 'chilled' before entering the CO2 laser tube, thus, enhancing the cooling performance.
Con Expensive
This laser cutter is very expensive, costing around $130,000.
