The ACMER S1 6W, a compact but highly effective laser engraver, is quickly changing into one in every of my favourite go-to small-scale lasers. Regardless of its pleasant price ticket, it has first rate construct high quality and supplies spectacular engraving high quality. Accessible in 2.5, 3.5, and 6-watt energy rankings, the S1 gives affordability with out compromising on capabilities. On this evaluate, I’ll discover the 6-watt model and check it by engraving and chopping on numerous supplies. In conclusion, I’ll share my last ideas and listing of professionals and cons.
Once I purchased my first laser engraver, I went huge. I assumed, ‘Why not get the largest, strongest beast I can discover?’ Appeared like an awesome concept on the time. However as a hobbyist who solely fires it up sometimes, it didn’t take lengthy to understand I’d made my life tougher. I couldn’t go away it on my workbench, so each challenge changed into a one-hour setup for a 30-minute job. And the ‘humorous’ half? Most of my engravings barely used a fraction of the work space, and I often ran it at simply 25% energy. I purchased a race automobile to drive to the grocery retailer.
I don’t need to leap to conclusions, however after two weeks with the ACMER S1 6W, it’s proving to be a a lot better match for me than a machine 5 occasions the worth. Positive, it’s not excellent, however dimension does matter, and typically, smaller is the smarter selection.
ACMER S1 evaluate
From the packaging, I might inform that the ACMER S1 will not be a premium product. It is available in a easy recycled cardboard field, which had slight deformation throughout transportation. For additional safety, it contains CNC-cut foam padding inside. Together with the machine, a bag of upkeep instruments, a 12V/4A energy adapter, and a consumer guide are supplied.
Mechanically, the ACMER S1 is sort of much like a 3D printer. Nevertheless, as a substitute of three axes (X, Y, and Z), it operates on simply two: X and Y. The oblong body has a footprint of roughly 25×25 cm and consists of two steel bars and two plastic bars. It weighs only one.5 kg, making it tremendous moveable. By comparability, my 20W Elegoo Phecda has a dimension of 673 × 660 × 190 mm and a weight of 7kg, requiring a comparatively massive workbench.
The machine is delivered totally assembled. Set up requires mounting the laser module onto the carriage and securing it with a thumbscrew. The laser unit options an built-in cooling fan on the highest facet and a detachable, magnetically hooked up orange acrylic protecting protect.
The ACMER S1 has two stepper motors and three timing belts, making certain the two.5/3.5/6W laser head’s exact, easy, and correct motion. It has restrict switches on each axes (X and Y) for security causes. The entrance panel features a 12V energy enter, a Sort-C communication interface, and an influence swap. It doesn’t function a standing show or a reminiscence card slot for standalone operation.
Pricing, availability, and energy choices
The ACMER S1 has three energy choices that swimsuit numerous wants and budgets: 2.5W, 3.5W, and 6W. These fashions are priced at $119, $139, and $179, respectively. Whether or not you’re a hobbyist or knowledgeable searching for larger chopping and engraving efficiency, a model of the ACMER S1 is designed for you. On this second, you may get it at a good higher value on Amazon. With a 36% low cost, it’s obtainable for simply $89.49, making it a superb deal for anybody trying to put money into an inexpensive and moveable laser engraver.
ACMER S1: Technical specs and mannequin comparability
As you possibly can see within the desk under, the bottom energy model has the best high quality. So in the event you favor accuracy and the very best outcomes, it is best to go for the two.5W. Then again, in the event you’re experimenting with chopping numerous supplies, the 6W is an efficient begin.
As you possibly can see within the desk under, the lowest-power model has the best high quality. So, in the event you favor accuracy and the very best outcomes, it is best to go for the two.5W. Then again, in the event you’re experimenting with chopping numerous supplies, the 6W is an efficient begin.
Laser Energy
2.5W | 3.5W | 6W
Laser wavelength
445±5nm
Engraving accuracy Spot dimension
0.04mm | 0.05mm | 0.06mm
Max engraving dimension
130*130mm（5.1*5.1 inch）
Working velocity
10000mm/min
Engraving Supplies
Wooden, Plastic, Paper, Leather-based, Acrylic, Glass, and so on
Software program compatibility
LightBurn/LaserGRBL
Energy provide
DC12V/2A | DC 12V/3A | DC 12V/4A
Dimensions
250*250*162mm
Weight
1.5Kg
Security disclaimer: Laser engraving and chopping will be hazardous if improperly operated. Please observe all security pointers, resembling carrying eye safety goggles and avoiding interference with the machine whereas it’s in operation. Additionally, don’t go away the machine unattended, because the processed materials can catch fireplace. It is suggested to function the machine in a well-ventilated space, as poisonous gases and fumes could also be launched through the laser engraving or chopping course of
Acmer S1: Operation strategies
As beforehand famous, the ACMER S1 lacks an built-in controller for standalone operation and doesn’t assist wi-fi connectivity for cell apps. The machine requires a direct connection to a laptop computer or desktop laptop through a USB interface for management. ACMER formally recommends utilizing the open-source LaserGRBL software for fundamental operations and the extra superior, licensed LightBurn software program, which gives a free trial interval. After downloading and putting in the engraving software program, you should set up the CH340 USB-to-serial driver.
I examined it with LaserGRBL. Regardless of utilizing this software program for the primary time, it shortly turned acquainted. I favored that it contains built-in check patterns, which make it simple to shortly decide the most effective energy and velocity ratio for the fabric you propose to make use of. If you begin an engraving or chopping job, the app prompts you to put on your security glasses. Through the course of, on the left panel, you’ve gotten the command despatched to the machine, and on the suitable facet, the method of the job.
Throughout one in every of my check engravings, my laptop computer misplaced connectivity with the ACMER S1 at round 30% progress. A warning message popped up in LaserGRBL, and the engraving stopped. If you restart a job, you can begin from zero or resume from the final place, which is a pleasant function.
With its open-frame design, the machine produces a noticeable burnt odor throughout operation. Regardless of this, it stays surprisingly quiet whereas in use. It’s essential to notice that ACMER doesn’t provide a steel sheet or honeycomb mattress with the S1, which is crucial to assist the fabric safely throughout engraving and chopping operations.
When the primary engraving was completed, I used to be shocked by the standard produced by this small machine. As you possibly can see within the image under, the tiger’s face is very detailed and options stunning black transitions.
Efficiency Throughout Supplies
The S1 machine handles greater than 100 supplies regardless of its compact dimension, in response to ACMER. Right here’s a fast rundown of its engraving and chopping efficiency throughout totally different supplies:
Advisable Engraving Parameters for Acmer S1 6W (Compressed Spot)
Materials
Energy
Pace (mm/min)
Instances/Move rely
Kraft paper
50%
7000
1
Plywood
50%
6000
1
Stable wooden
60%
4000
1
Bamboo
60%
3500
1
Clear Acrylic
60%
3000
1
Glass (painted)
80%
1500
1
Leather-based
50%
6000
1
Silica gel
60%
5000
1
Ceramics
90%
2000
1
Tin-plate
80%
3000
1
Chrome steel
90%
300
2
Advisable Reducing Parameters for Acmer S1 6W (Compressed Spot)
Kraft Paper (0.5mm)
90%
600
1
Kraft Paper (1mm)
90%
400
1
Kraft Paper (2mm)
90%
250
1
Plywood (2.0mm)
90%
200
1
Stable Wooden (2.0mm)
95%
150
1
Bamboo (2.0mm)
95%
150
1
Purple Acrylic (1.0mm)
95%
300
1
Purple Acrylic (2.0mm)
95%
200
1
Black Acrylic (1.0mm)
95%
250
1
Black Acrylic (2.0mm)
95%
150
1
Only a tip: for the reason that laser passes by clear acrylic and glass, it is best to paint them with a skinny layer of black tempera earlier than engraving.
Positive-Tuning Your Engravings: Balancing Between Gentle and Darkish
To realize the specified visible outcomes, experiment with totally different velocity and energy settings for every kind of fabric you propose to engrave.
Lighter engravings: attempt reducing the laser energy and growing the velocity. This helps scale back warmth buildup and retains the engraving shallow. These settings work effectively for creating refined, embossed results.
Darker or outstanding engravings: gradual the velocity down and lift the facility. You too can get clear, constant outcomes by making a number of passes at a reasonable energy degree as a substitute of going full energy in a single move. This additionally helps forestall the processed materials from catching fireplace.
Disclaimer: We had been despatched this product without charge for evaluate functions. No extra fee, sponsorship, or incentive was supplied. All opinions expressed on this evaluate mirror our sincere and unbiased expertise with the product.
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