Sculpfun S30 Pro laser engraver review – It’s all in the name

REVIEW – Some time again I reviewed a laser engraver and whereas the {hardware} was nice, the software program let it down. The Sculpfun S30 Professional is one other story, though it has no software program in any respect. How can that be? Hold studying to search out out

What’s it?

The Sculpfun S30 Professional is a 10W diode laser engraver with air help good for anybody seeking to get into the pastime.

What’s within the field?

You may take away this heading and part if it doesn’t apply to your assessment.

• Sculpfun 10W diode laser
• Laser restore package
• 12V automated air pump with air tube
• 2 x restrict change
• 12V 5A energy provide
• Energy wire
• USB A to USB B cable
• Set up device package
• Goggles
• A4 steel backing plate
• Set up handbook
• Aluminum body and gantry
• Management field meeting
• 3x help toes

{Hardware} specs

• .005mm run accuracy
• .06mm x .06mm focus dimension
• 6000mm/min motion velocity
• 15000 hr service life

Design and options

The Sculpfun S30 Professional laser engraver is similar to plenty of different machines of this type in the marketplace.  I imply, as soon as I began going surfing to discover ways to use the software program I wanted to function it, I used to be shocked by all of the choices. Being that is the one laser engraver of this kind I’ve expertise with, I received’t be evaluating it to anything. I can’t even evaluate it to the opposite laser engraver I examined as a result of they’re fully various kinds of lasers, however that’s a narrative for an additional day.

First, let’s discuss concerning the construct of the Sculpfun S30 Professional. As soon as assembled, it’s stable! Joints, the place the X and Y body items meet, are tight. The body items are made from an aluminum alloy, which is gentle and powerful.  I don’t know in the event that they’re machined or extruded however each piece is nicely made, straight, and with clear channels. I don’t assume anybody would discover fault with the construct of the S30 Professional.

Subsequent up is the 10W diode laser. What’s a diode laser? I’m undecided I may clarify it very nicely with out referring you to Google.  What I can let you know in my very restricted expertise is there appear to be 3 sorts of lasers out there for the hobbyist: CO2, Fiber, and Diode. Diode lasers appear to be the least costly of the three, making it an awesome selection for the hobbyist and skilled consumer.  The factor to know when selecting one must be based mostly on the kind of supplies you wish to reduce or engrave.  Each has its professionals and cons.  Up to now, I’ve had way more enjoyable with the Sculpfun S30 Professional diode laser, in order that was a particular professional in my ebook. It’s lots highly effective for me presently.

One other professional for the Sculpfun S30 Professional is that it comes with automated air help and the required nozzle is already put in on the laser head.  All you need to do is join the air pump and air hose.  Air help isn’t essentially vital though some might argue with that assertion.  The rationale it’s a pleasant function is when slicing by means of supplies like wooden it retains charring to a minimal, leading to a cleaner last product with a lot much less sanding to get there.

The brains of the S30 Professional are within the field on the decrease proper nook of the unit.  It has the most recent 32-bit motherboard that helps the air help function and supposedly Bluetooth.  I say supposedly as a result of I haven’t examined that function.  To make use of it, you need to supply an antenna that’s appropriate.  I’ve seen on-line the place others have performed this on different related engravers with combined outcomes and because the function is extra of a pleasant to have, I haven’t performed something with it.

Setup

When establishing the Sculpfun S30 Professional, take your time and do it proper.  You’ll thank your self later.  It took me about 45 minutes to an hour to assemble it.  The directions are simple to comply with so DO learn them.

Each piece and bag of components is labeled so you understand what to make use of and when.

They’ve labeled the cables so you understand the place to attach them.

All the pieces that you must get the job performed is included just like the instruments and {hardware}.

Even velcro and tie wraps to tidy up the cabling are right here.

When assembling the body, you should definitely depart the corners unfastened till you have got every little thing else collectively.  As soon as that’s performed, you possibly can go round and ensure every nook is sq. and flush. The toughest a part of the development is working the belts for the gantry. The belts should be run by means of channels within the body, then up, over, and beneath the gantry wheels. This doesn’t imply it’s laborious to get it performed.  I simply have large palms and that half is usually a bit fiddly.

There’s nothing flawed there, simply the character of the beast. The very last thing to do is join it to a PC through the included USB cable.  I’m not loopy concerning the USB-B connection. It’s made on the highest of the management field and the load of the cable pulls on it a bit.

The following factor you’ll have to arrange the Sculpfun S30 Professional laser engraver is software program.  So you understand, it doesn’t include any. Huh?! What?! How can that be?  I believed it was unusual too, however my impression is most laser engravers don’t include software program of their very own. Based mostly on my expertise with my first laser engraver, I can see why. Whereas these firms could make nice {hardware}, it doesn’t all the time imply they will make nice software program.  The S30 Professional, like so many others, is made to be appropriate with third-party software program the place the main focus has been strictly on making the software program.  I do know of two applications to select from, one free and the opposite free to strive, then $60.  I attempted each and opted for the pay-to-play model.  One other beauty of the software program is there are quite a few communities, web sites, and Youtube movies educating you learn how to use them.  Belief me, there’s loads to be taught. From velocity and energy settings for various supplies to designing tasks inside the software program to utilizing all of the settings to be sure you get essentially the most out of your engraver.

Efficiency

I’ve been totally impressed with the Sculpfun S30 Professional laser engraver. Sure, there was a studying curve due to the software program and all of the totally different settings, however as I’ve stated, there’s loads of help on the market that will help you dial issues in. Most people recommend you do a supplies check based mostly on the fabric you’re making an attempt to engrave or reduce, however I opted for an additional technique which concerned discovering libraries to import with all of these settings all able to go although I did should tweak a couple of.

With the S30 Professional, I’ve been capable of engrave steel, wooden, and leather-based. I haven’t gotten round to slicing something but, my spouse retains developing with different tasks for me to make for her, although I’ve little question it’ll carry out admirably.

Now for a bit of little bit of security discuss.  Put on the included goggles whereas utilizing the S30 Professional, you don’t wish to shoot your eye out, child! Additionally, be sure you discover out which supplies are secure to make use of.  Some may give off poisonous fumes when burned. Lastly, be sure you’re in a well-ventilated space and/or have a fume extractor.  I believed I’d be tremendous with a powerful fan pulling smoke out my dwelling workplace window.  Let’s simply say it had less-than-desirable outcomes. Completely my fault and has nothing to do with the Sculpfun S30 Professional.

What I like

• Diode laser as a result of it’s extra suited to the issues I wish to do
• Stable construct
• Good help crew at Sculpfun, I had a few questions concerning some equipment I bought myself
• Group help for the software program

What I’d change

• USB connection on the management field

Remaining ideas

I’ve discovered a brand new pastime with the Sculpfun S30 Professional.  I like this factor and have plenty of enjoyable making issues for buddies, household, and myself.  Sculpfun has now come out with an Extremely collection that provides upgraded lasers together with some extra options. So for those who’re seeking to get into the laser engraver pastime and even begin a facet hustle, take a look at Sculpfun.  They’ve a stable performer with the S30 Professional!

Value: $519.00
The place to purchase: Sculpfun, Geekbuying, Aliexpress, and Amazon
Supply: The pattern of this product was supplied by Sculpfun.