Featured image by Acmer
Manufacturer: Acmer
Price as tested: $6,299
Link: ACMER SM Best Budget Fiber MOPA Split Laser Marking Machine
Typically when someone offers us a tool for review, it falls neatly into one of two categories – either it’s a great fit for a maker audience or it isn’t. Occasionally something comes in that isn’t immediately clear. Maybe it would’ve been a great product a few years ago but by the time it comes out it missed its moment. Maybe it looks like it’ll be an underpowered toy. Rarely, not often, but sometimes, it’s because it looks too overpowered for home users. That was my first impression of the 60W Acmer SM MOPA split laser.
This engraver comes in four flavors: 30W or 50W fiber, or 60W or 100W MOPA. All boast a max 10,000mm/s marking speed. And it’s capable of engraving materials 150mm×150mm out of the box (or up to 300mm×300mm wide if you buy an optional expansion lens). The split design allows for engraving pretty tall materials. And it’s much better suited for marking than cutting, as fiber lasers in this power range usually are.
This laser goes by different names under different brands. While the setup looks identical, core components like the controller board and laser module can change. Some brands, like Omtech, may add additional quality checks. Our test unit from Acmer uses a laser with a Sino-Galvo scanner and BsIAppSimple for software. It’s compatible with LightBurn and EZCAD2, but I tested exclusively with the included BsIAppSimple app for the review. Some imported SVGs came out scrambled, which would be reason enough to switch to LightBurn.
It’s an industrial beast
The first sign that this isn’t for first-time users is that it comes in a crate so heavy it takes two people to lift. Another is the compatible materials list which, while OK’ing stone and several metals, warns against using it with paper or wood (they’re too flammable).
One thing I didn’t realize until it arrived is that the tube connecting the power box and laser head is permanently attached. It’s something to keep in mind before setting up the awkward, heavy parts. Fortunately assembly itself was simple; tighten a few screws, plug in some cables, and it’s good to go.
The base and stand are made from hefty pieces of aluminum. A foot pedal is included for the operator who’s repeatedly marking parts all day and needs both hands free to move material down the assembly line. The listing page advertises cooling support for “extended operation” up to 24 hours.
And like many factory-floor machines, the drivers and application only work on Windows.
It’s fast
It’s a fantastically capable tool. An etching job that could take a minute on a gantry machine was over in an instant. Lines were clear and crisp, with no visible deviation from the path. Autofocus was a welcome timesaver and worked great. The documentation, on the other hand, was more lacking.
It’s not exactly intuitive
It wasn’t hard to go from unboxing to making a mark, but it could have been clearer. Labels on the machine are less than straightforward; I’m not used to seeing switches labeled with the order of operation (ON1, ON2, ON3). The key switch seems to be pointing to OFF when it’s on. Labels in the software are also unclear for the unfamiliar user, with many more parameters than I’m used to, and the fill button labeled H.
(It’s off).
One of the advertised tricks of MOPA lasers is the ability to engrave different colors in metal. In real life it can engrave slightly different colors. I got it to make some muted pastels by adjusting five different parameters for each one.
I’d rather not go blind
A word on safety. It comes with a key switch and E-stop button, which are both good features. But there’s no enclosure, nor does Acmer offer one. There is a port for a protective cover, so if you procure one you can presumably connect a safety shutoff. But without it, there’s zero fume management and a nonzero risk of stray beams. The listing mentions OD7 safety glasses, and the ones we received with the laser could be. They had no clear markings, so upgrading to a certified pair is highly advised.
With great power…
This is a very powerful engraver, but Acmer leaves responsibility to the user. It’s best for someone who wants to save money and is comfortable providing their own software and enclosure. It’s quick (as glavo lasers are), high-powered, and the continuous etching is great for marking scores of designs.
The lack of safety measures is concerning. I would only recommend it for well-ventilated industrial shops, and even then it must be treated with at least as much respect as a table saw with the guard off. Anyone considering a similar open laser should absolutely procure an enclosure before turning it on. But in the right environment it’s a powerful machine.
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