TOOCAA Nova test: Compact AI laser with rotary bundle

With the TOOCAA Nova, the manufacturer TOOCAA wants to offer a compact desktop laser engraver that is ready for use directly on the desk without any major set-up. A4 work surface, interchangeable laser modules, integrated camera, Smart Air Assist, rotary module and browser software with AI functions – on paper, this sounds like a well thought-out complete package. We took a closer look at the 20-watt version of the TOOCAA Nova as a Rotary bundle in our test and were able to uncover many strengths, but also a few weaknesses.

TOOCAA Nova: Technical data at a glance

Scope of delivery, workmanship and first surprise

We tested the TOOCAA Nova as a 20-watt Rotary bundle with an EU plug. As soon as you unpack it, it becomes clear that the package is quite complete – everything you need to get started is included.

The box contains:

• the TOOCAA Nova
• Laser module (in our case the 20 watt module)
• Air-Assist set including pump and XT30 cable
• Rotary module (included in the Rotary bundle, otherwise optional)
• Air hose with matching hose fitting
• 4× blade insert (blade cutting panel) for the work surface
• Aluminum protective plate for cutting work
• Lens holder (lens mount)
• USB cable for direct connection to the PC
• Mains cable and power supply unit
• 2 filters for the exhaust air path
• Microfiber cloth
• User manual
• Allen key
• 2 M3 screws for fastening the laser module

Our test device also came with a few practical extras:

• 2 DIN A4 balsa wood plates
• 2 key rings (blue and gold)
• L-shaped holder for fixing the workpieces on the slat insert
• Material card with QR code for automatically reading in the laser parameters

The Nova itself looks like a compact desktop printer: closed housing, a color touch display on the right side of the device, inside the lamella insert divided into four segments. The segments can be removed individually so that we can also accommodate taller workpieces if required without having to spend a long time rebuilding.

The Nova’s instructions are so logical and self-explanatory that you quickly tend to just skim through them. This is exactly where we fell into the trap: we simply skimmed over the reference to the integrated toolbox and suddenly found ourselves without any screws. We almost contacted support before we realized: The accessories have not been forgotten, but are well camouflaged in a compartment that is easy to overlook in the heat of the moment (and when skimming through the instructions).

Structure and setup of the TOOCAA Nova in the test

Once the toolbox has been found, the rest is quick and easy. The laser head is attached with two screws, the air hoses for the Smart Air Assist are plugged in, the power supply unit is connected – the mechanical setup is basically done.

Optionally, the rotary module can be inserted on the inside left of the device and plugged into the socket provided. The X-axis can be rotated by 90 degrees, allowing the rotary module to fit neatly under the laser without having to lift or support the device. This is much more convenient in everyday use than having to constantly realign a heavy housing.

We continue with the setup via the touch display on the front. Here we select networks, language and basic settings. The WLAN connection was our first choice and worked surprisingly smoothly: we entered the access data, waited briefly and the connection was established. Since then, we have actually only used the Nova wirelessly. USB is still an option, but not absolutely necessary in a desktop scenario.

When it comes to security, the TOOCAA Nova really packs a punch on the hardware side. The housing is completely closed, the lid triggers a stop when opened and a child lock mode locks the device with a password. In addition, the Nova monitors the position of the appliance and switches off if it tips over, and a flame detection function is activated in an emergency.

Toocaa Studio: web app with convenience and corners

The Nova is controlled via Toocaa Studio, a web app that runs in the browser. We call up the Toocaa page, click on the Software tab, then on Toocaa Studio and, without installation, end up in a work interface that is roughly reminiscent of classic vector programs: the toolbar on the left, the drawing area in the middle, parameters and layers on the right. Updates come automatically via the browser, and if you want, you can also use Nova offline after the first connection – but then the AI functions and online library are no longer available.

At the first start, a wizard guides us through the most important areas. We then switch the user interface to German – from then on, the operation feels quite familiar. Toocaa Studio relies on a small browser plugin (TOOCAA Connect) to connect to the device. This is currently only available for Chromium browsers (e.g. Chrome, Edge); unfortunately, we were unable to connect the Nova under Firefox and switched to Chrome for the test in order to use the feature.

In addition, the browser must be given permission to access the local system fonts once. After that, we can work with the same fonts that we use in our layout programs.

To get started, the software provides a material database with presets. There is also a generator for material tests that produces automatic speed/power matrices. This allows you to find out relatively quickly which combinations work on a new material. Advanced users can adjust all parameters or, if they prefer, create their own settings.

In our test with the TOOCAA Nova, however, we also encountered limitations. The support for image engraving is currently still quite rudimentary. There are only a handful of dithering profiles, but finer control via DPI is missing. Although we were able to import externally prepared images, we had to rely on the web app’s algorithms for the actual laser processing. This is not a problem with pure vector jobs, but the limitations are clearly noticeable with photo engravings.

AI functions and credits

Toocaa Studio comes with several AI functions. We can generate motifs directly from text or automatically turn photos into engraving templates. Technically, this works, but use is linked to a credit system. You receive 150 AI credits for registering an account; 15 are deducted for each generation. If you want to work with the AI more often, you have to buy more – and the prices are not exactly low from our point of view. Nevertheless, the manufacturer is not stingy when purchasing the device and credits 10,000 credits worth $50 as starting capital.

The results are mixed. The AI is “nice” for simple lettering or decorative motifs, but it is no substitute for truly outstanding designs. The bottom line is that we currently see the AI functions more as a bonus than a selling point.

Camera, autofocus and QR material cards in the test

The Nova has a built-in 5 MP camera. We insert our workpiece, have a photo taken and see a top view of the work area in the browser. We can simply drag and drop our graphic onto it. We start a contour run for checking: The laser traces the outer edge of the motif with a red crosshair. In practice, we rely almost exclusively on this cross when aligning – this is much more accurate than the pure camera screenshot.

The QR material cards are really practical. TOOCAA includes small cards with a QR code with its own materials. We place the card on the slat insert, start the scan and TOOCAA Studio automatically recognizes the material. The software then sets the appropriate parameters. For example, we used the metal plates supplied as a kind of “plug & play”: Put the card down, scan, engrave.

However, the camera is not without its weaknesses. The calibration reacts sensitively to the background and brightness. In addition, the preview is often very bright and fine markings are lost. That’s why we only use the camera image as a rough guide – at the end we always check whether everything really fits using the contour run with the red cross.

Rotary bundle: clever idea with weaknesses

The rotary bundle is one of the most exciting options of the TOOCAA Nova. The rotating axis allows us to swivel the head to the side and place the rotary module directly in the device.

The clamping mechanism of the Rotary is well thought out. The jaws and rods can be released and repositioned by simply pressing them in. The principle is self-explanatory, even if the instructions only describe it very briefly – practice is more helpful here than looking at the manual.

In the test with the TOOCAA Nova, however, we also noticed a few things with the Rotary that put the good first impression into perspective:

• With longer workpieces such as bottles or thermo cups, there is no support at the other end – the part then hangs freely in the air.
• Clamping can only be done with your hands, there is no handwheel or tool to tighten with real force and control.
• In rotary mode, the Nova resets the autofocus before each job. If the workpiece is not perfectly clamped, it can move slightly.
• The software limits the area that we can engrave. With tall workpieces, we therefore couldn’t get as far down as we would have liked.

A little side note: If you’re wondering whether you can engrave glass with the TOOCAA Nova: Yes, but not directly. Engraving can only be carried out successfully if a suitable, absorbent layer is applied to the glass surface beforehand.

Practical experience in the TOOCAA Nova test: from balsa wood to slate

After setting up the Nova, we started in a relatively classic way: first the materials supplied, then step by step our own projects. This way you can quickly see where the strengths lie, where you need to make adjustments – and how the device really behaves.

First steps with the materials supplied

We carried out our first experiments with the included material cards. The process is pleasantly straightforward: place the material card under the camera, scan the QR code, insert the workpiece, position the motif on the live view and scan the frame. If necessary, the positioning is corrected slightly, then the autofocus takes over and the job can be started. The operation works extremely reliably in this combination.

In contrast, the results on the metal tags supplied are rather subdued. On the gold pendant, the engraving was barely recognizable even after several attempts, while the blue pendant responded more clearly but showed visibly frayed contours. The samples are fine for an initial introduction to the software, but we would have liked to see a little more homogeneity in the material quality.

On a somewhat larger logo project, the laser once slipped slightly, although the workpiece was fixed with the L-shaped holders supplied. The error no longer occurred in this form on later workpieces (and we really tried a lot), but we were unable to pinpoint a clear cause. For small tags and plaques, the fixing was otherwise reliable.

Vector cuts and contour engravings

For vector jobs, the 20-watt head shows what it is built for. Thin wood and smaller boxes can be cut cleanly, the cut edge appears even and the back remains largely free of burn marks. Typical smoke marks appear on the upper side, which can be easily wiped off with a little cleaner or simply vinegar. The high speed is particularly noticeable when several parts are nested on one board.

The Nova appears very mature in this discipline. Mechanics, speed and material performance harmonize well, and with the Air Assist, burn edges that would be really annoying rarely occur.

Image engravings and detail limits: What is the TOOCAA Nova good for in the test?

We take a much more critical view of the results with photo engravings. The 20-watt laser works with a spot of 0.15 × 0.15 mm and is therefore designed for performance rather than the finest details. A usable reproduction of faces and motifs is achieved on larger wooden photos, provided the original has sufficient contrast. Even with smaller formats, details are quickly lost, transitions appear hard and fine structures become blurred.

There are also effects caused by the software: In some tests, unexpected frames or areas were engraved that were not even present in the original image. On the other hand, the result looked much better on slate – the high material contrast plays into the cards here. But here, too, we have to say that filigree work quickly looks unclean.

Our conclusion at this point: For pure photo projects, we would currently opt for a 10-watt module or a system that offers an established LightBurn workflow with ready-made profiles. The Nova can engrave images, but there is still room for improvement in this discipline.

Air Assist and smoke extraction

The Smart Air Assist is quickly connected and is automatically recognized by the system. When an engraving process is started, the software sets the check mark for air assist and activates the pump. In practice, this reduces flame formation and improves the cutting quality. At the same time, we had the impression that when the distance between the nozzle and the workpiece is very small, the air is not always strong enough to completely prevent smoke concentrations. Wood surfaces then show a clearly visible haze.

Another point is the control: Air Assist cannot be switched off in the web interface. If we deliberately wanted to engrave without air assist, our only option was to disconnect the pump. A simple button in the software would make it much easier to use the device.

The Nova behaves in the same way as other closed desktop lasers when it comes to smoke extraction. There is a connection for an exhaust air hose, but a good outlet to the outside or a filter is essential if the laser is to be used frequently. Despite the housing, typical smells of burnt wood or acrylic remain in the room, especially if the lid is opened immediately after the job is finished.

Speed and operating feel

In terms of speed, the Toocaa Nova is clearly ahead in our test. Although the specified 36,000 mm/min is not achieved for every engraving, the reserves are clearly noticeable for fast travel paths and simple contours. Even with carefully selected values, the Nova is noticeably faster than many typical entry-level machines. If you often produce several identical parts in succession, you will achieve results much more quickly.

In terms of user experience, the Nova is somewhere between a DIY device and office hardware. On the one hand, there is the convenience: touch display, camera, QR material cards, autofocus. On the other hand, it is noticeable in some areas that the software is not yet as mature as we are used to from an established ecosystem. If everything fits, an order can be started in just a few steps. On the other hand, when experimenting with photo profiles or the Rotary, you spend noticeably more time in the settings.

Compared to larger professional devices such as the TOOCAA L2, the Nova is much more compact. It takes up less space on the table, can be stowed away more quickly and overall looks more like a “normal” desktop device. This is a real argument for hobby rooms, workrooms or small workshops.

Conclusion: Lots of potential, strong hardware, software with room for improvement

Our test revealed the TOOCAA Nova to be a device with two sides. The hardware is largely convincing: a solid, closed housing, A4 work surface, modular laser heads, rotating axis for the rotary, integrated camera, Smart Air Assist and a coherent safety concept. The workmanship and cutting performance of the 20-watt module are above average in this size class.

The software, on the other hand, leaves a more mixed picture. Toocaa Studio features modern approaches such as browser operation, AI functions, material library and QR cards, but still appears immature overall. Image engravings are difficult to reproduce, the rotary workflow needs fine-tuning and Air Assist and camera calibration currently offer little control. The software is easy to use for simple tasks, but some familiar functions are missing for experienced users.

The Nova is particularly interesting for users who want to cut quickly, engrave logos and appreciate convenient operation with camera and autofocus. In this scenario, the Rotary bundle with 20-watt head is an attractive set. On the other hand, those with the highest demands for photo engraving or sophisticated rotary operation should keep an eye on the further development of the software.

All in all, the TOOCAA Nova is already a strong entry into the compact laser class. If Toocaa Studio continues to mature and adds missing functions, the “interesting package” can become a very coherent overall system – the hardware provides a solid basis for this.