Pros:
Included Enclosure - Includes enclosure with safety switches.Included Fume Extraction Fan - Includes fan to blow out harmful fumes.Power - Co2 Lasers are far more powerful than diode lasers. They require a lot less power output to engrave and cut materials. Speed - Co2 Lasers can cut and engrave up to 18,000mm/minute while Diode Lasers are less than 10,000mm/minute.More Materials - Co2 Lasers can engrave and cut more materials to include clear glass and acrylic.Larger Engraving Area - On the 50w and bigger models, they typically have a large engraving area compared to diode lasers.
Cons:
Small Engraving area - The 40w models have a smaller engraving area.Cooling - Requires water cooling at all times during operation.
Costs: Initial costs and potential upgrade costs. Note: * represents upgrades that are necessary for safe operation.
*$450-$550 - Cost of the Laser on average.
$80 - Air Assist Pump, Tubing, and Air Assist nozzle.
$70 - Honeycomb Bed for Cutting and Engraving. (50w and larger models include honeycomb beds)
$450 - $695 Potential Costs
Will Diehl's Personal Experience
So I originally purchased a diode laser that was a “20w” unit. I found it to be a great starter experience. For me I found the Diode laser a fun hobby experience. When I started to create projects for my Etsy store, I found that the diode laser took a very long time to cut and engrave projects. As my sales grew, I knew I wanted to have a faster and more powerful laser. I engaged with a lot of social media groups that discuss Co2 lasers. The consensus of my personal research was “I need to get a Co2 laser to grow!” I contacted a few manufacturers to discuss a 40w or “K40” style of Co2 laser. I wanted to see which suppliers would have the best price and support.
Monport Laser was the first manufacturer to respond and get me in contact with a real human. They provided a lot of information and answered my questions promptly. That meant a lot to me when making a purchase in that price point. I knew that I would reach a real human when I needed support or had questions post purchase. While it is nice to have the larger engraving area of a diode laser, I haven’t really needed it for any of my projects on my Monport Laser. I understand why I picked a diode laser for my first laser, but I wish I would have picked a 40w Co2 Laser as my first laser. I do plan on upgrading to an 80w or 100w unit in the future to keep my laser journey moving forward.