Powerful laser engraving machines can be found in more and more hobby basements and amateur workshops. This is not surprising, as the range has increased greatly in recent years, the devices have become handy and can do a great deal, which is what creative and craft-oriented people in particular are interested in. From making personalized breakfast boards to drawing templates to extensive wooden wall decorations, a lot is possible. We want to introduce two of these powerful machines below: the Sculpfun S30 and the Atomstack S20 Pro.
Sculpfun S30
The Sculpfun S30 is made of durable aluminum. Its frame can withstand forces of up to 50 kilograms, making it suitable for everyday use. This, in turn, contributes to the longevity of the device and thus represents an important quality feature. Other noteworthy features of the Sculpfun S30 include the intelligent Air-Assist system. This ensures that air is not continuously emitted in an uncontrolled manner to keep the work surface clean and cool during the engraving process. Instead, the air is only released when it is really needed. This helps to ensure that the result is ultimately produced particularly precisely and quickly.
The manufacturer speaks of industrial standards in terms of quality. This is attributed to the use of a robust and high-precision X-rail. This is intended to avoid the typical wave pattern produced by inferior engraving machines in favor of precise lines. The machinable engraving area is 380 x 385 millimeters ex works. However, it can be extended to up to 935 x 905 millimeters if required using an extension set, which must be purchased separately.
The Sculpfun S30’s equipment is rounded off by many safety features. For example, the machine has eye protection that prevents glare. In addition, the machine is equipped with a power switch that can be used to shut it down immediately in an emergency. Meanwhile, a metal plate prevents damage to the table on which the device is used during use.
Atomstack S20 Pro
Atomstack also has a powerful laser engraving machine, the S20 Pro. This model represents the first solid-state laser engraving machine on the market and reaches an output power of 20 watts. With this power, it can cut through numerous thick materials – such as 15-millimeter-thick tung wood panels, eight-millimeter-thick black acrylic panels or 0.05-millimeter-thick stainless steel panels.
The engraver uses a 32-bit motherboard and a laser dot area of 0.08 x 0.1 millimeters. A 256-bit color scale is integrated here, so that the end result is particularly high-contrast and therefore easy to recognize.
The machine is also equipped with an Air-Assist system, which has two pumps and ensures that the surface is kept completely dust-free. This in turn affects the quality of the engraving. The work surface that can be used here is 400 x 400 millimeters – and thus a bit larger than that of the other device presented. However, the S20 Pro does not offer any expansion options.
Instead, it comes with an app that can be used to make essential settings for engraving. The app is available free of charge for iOS and Android. At the same time, however, it is also possible to control the S20 Pro directly via a controller – without any Internet connection at all.
Prices and availability
Both of the featured laser engravers are available through the online store Gearberry, which is known as a paradise for laser engraving enthusiasts. Gearberry offers the advantage of having its own warehouse in the EU. This means that the devices do not have to be shipped from overseas, saving customs checks and long waiting times. Instead, delivery can be expected within five to seven days. Gearberry also offers a seven-day money-back guarantee as well as the option of an exchange within 30 days of purchase. Shipping is free of charge.
The Sculpfun S30 costs 313.95 euros, while the Atomstack S20 Pro is available as part of a discount promotion after entering the discount code GBAT60 via the product page for $589. It is thus offered at a significantly reduced price.
