The LaserPecker LP4 is an advanced, portable dual-laser engraver and cutter. It is designed to offer unparalleled versatility and precision. Boasting a 10W 450nm blue diode laser and a 2W 1064nm infrared laser, this innovative device addresses a wide range of materials, making it an essential tool for hobbyists and professionals.
As a tech-savvy DIY lover, I recently tested the LaserPecker LP4, a portable dual-laser engraver. This review aims to provide a detailed account of my hands-on experience with the LP4. I will be focusing on its features, capabilities, packaging, and overall performance.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The LP4 arrived in a sleek, well-designed box that immediately conveyed a sense of quality. It just looked premium by the look of it. The packaging was sturdy, with high-density foam inserts that ensured all components were securely housed. Here’s what I found inside:
- LaserPecker LP4 Unit: The main engrave that is compact and solid.
- Rotary Extension: For engraving cylindrical items like mugs and rings.
- Slide Extension: To expand the working area for larger projects.
- Protective Shield and Safety Goggles: Essential for safety.
- Cutting Plate: Provides a stable base for cutting procedures.
- Power Supply and Cables: Necessary adapters and USB cables.
- Instruction Manual and Quick Start Guide: Clear and detailed guides.
I found the packaging thoughtful, organized, and impressive. It made unboxing an experience in itself.
Setup Process
After unboxing, the next thing I did was the setting up of LP4 which was pretty straightforward by virtue of the comprehensive quick-start guide. The instructions were clear, and all necessary tools and components were included. Within 30 minutes, I had the device assembled and ready for its first test run.
Here is an official video for assembling and quick setup.
Dual-Laser Technology
The LaserPecker LP4 is distinguished by its innovative dual-laser system, which combines a 10W 450nm blue diode laser and a 2W 1064nm infrared laser. This dual-laser configuration significantly enhances the machine’s versatility, allowing it to engrave and cut a wide variety of materials with precision and efficiency.
Users can easily switch between the two lasers using the built-in LED touchscreen or software. There is no need to manually adjust the hardware. This seamless transition enhances the user experience, making the LP4 efficient and convenient for various engraving and cutting tasks.
10W 450nm Blue Diode Laser
The 10W 450nm blue diode laser is ideal for engraving and cutting a variety of materials, including wood, acrylic, leather, and ceramics. It can effectively cut through soft woods up to 8mm thick and dark acrylic up to 5mm, making it highly suitable for detailed and robust projects.
2W 1064nm Infrared Laser
The 2W 1064nm infrared laser excels in engraving metals like stainless steel, aluminum alloy, and gold, as well as various plastics. This capability allows users to mark and personalize a broader range of items. This enhances the machine’s applicability in different fields, from industrial marking to creative crafts.
High-Resolution Engraving
The dual-laser system supports high-resolution engraving with movement accuracy down to 0.0019 mm and granularity as fine as 0.003mm. Such precision ensures that even the most intricate designs are rendered accurately, providing exceptional detail and clarity in the final product.
Portability and Design
Weighing just 4 kg (8.8 lbs), the LP4 is remarkably portable. Its compact design ensures it can be easily transported without compromising functionality or stability. The all-metal chassis and base enhance durability and reduce vibrations during operations.
Working Area
Without extensions, the basic working area is 120 mm x 160 mm, which suffices for most small-to-medium projects. Both the Rotary Extension and Slide Extension come with LP4 significantly enhances the LP4’s capabilities.
Rotary Extension
The Rotary Extension significantly enhances the LP4’s functionality by allowing it to engrave spherical, conical, cylindrical, or annular inner or outer walls. This capability broadens the range of objects that can be customized, making the LP4 even more versatile.
Another important feature of the Rotary Extension is its infinite adjustability. Adjustability ensures precise laser alignment at multiple angles, which is crucial for achieving accurate and detailed engravings on complex shapes.
With this extension, objects with diameters ranging from 3mm to 200mm can be engraved. This wide range accommodates a variety of items, from small jewelry pieces to larger cylindrical objects like water bottles, enhancing the LP4’s applicability in different projects and industries.
Slide Extension
The Slide Extension for the LaserPecker LP4 significantly enhances the machine’s capabilities by expanding the working area and supporting multi-batch functionality. This extension is particularly beneficial for accommodating a wide range of materials and facilitating larger projects, making it an indispensable tool for small businesses, hobbyists, and professional designers.
By expanding the basic working area from 160mm x 120mm to 160mm x 300mm, the Slide Extension allows for greater productivity, precision, and versatility in engraving and cutting tasks. The increased workspace not only enables the handling of larger materials but also ensures that projects requiring more extensive designs can be executed with ease and accuracy.
The Slide Extension supports mass production, efficient workflow, and scalability, which are crucial for small business owners who need to perform repeated engravings or cuts on multiple objects. This capability makes it ideal for high-volume tasks, reducing the time and effort required for repetitive processes while maintaining consistent quality across all pieces.
Speed and Precision
The LaserPecker LP4 excels in speed and precision, making it a standout option in the realm of portable laser engravers. Capable of engraving speeds up to 4000 mm/s, the LP4 is among the fastest in its class, ensuring efficient processing of large and detailed projects.
This remarkable speed is complemented by advanced galvanometer mirror technology, which optimizes the engraving process by directing the laser beam through fast-moving mirrors. This setup allows for high accuracy without needing to move the laser head, thus enhancing the machine’s precision.
The LP4 achieves movement accuracy down to 0.0019 mm, enabling photorealistic engravings that capture intricate micro-details. Additionally, it supports granularity as fine as 0.003 mm, ensuring that even the finest lines and details are rendered with exceptional sharpness and clarity.
These features collectively position the LP4 as a top choice for users seeking rapid execution and high-definition results in their laser engraving projects.
Connectivity
The LaserPecker LP4 offers versatile connectivity options, enhancing its integration with various devices. It supports Bluetooth 5.0 and USB connections, providing flexibility for users who prefer either wireless or wired setups.
Bluetooth connectivity is particularly advantageous for mobile devices, allowing for a clutter-free, wireless operation that reduces the risk of tripping over cables and maintains an organized workspace. Conversely, the USB connection ensures a stable and reliable data transfer, which is crucial during extended engraving sessions.
This dual connectivity option facilitates seamless integration with multiple operating systems, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, making the LP4 a highly adaptable tool for diverse user needs.
Supported File Formats
The LP4 stands out for its extensive support of various file formats, catering to a broad spectrum of design requirements. It is compatible with common image formats such as JPG, PNG, and BMP, which are frequently used in graphic design.
Additionally, it supports vector formats like SVG, DWG, and DXF, essential for precision tasks and detailed designs. The inclusion of G-code compatibility aligns the LP4 with standard CNC machining and 3D printing workflows, expanding its utility beyond typical laser engraving projects.
This wide range of supported file formats ensures that users can import their designs from numerous software applications, making the LP4 a flexible and powerful tool for a variety of engraving and cutting projects.
User Interface and Software
The smart LED touchscreen made navigating the settings and switching lasers intuitive. I found the LaserPecker Design Space app quite feature-rich, though some users have noted reliability issues. Fortunately, it also supports Lightburn software, which provided a more stable experience for me.
Safety Accessories and Features
The LaserPecker LP4 incorporates an array of safety accessories and features designed to protect users and enhance the device’s functionality. From protective shields and safety goggles to advanced safety mechanisms like overheat protection and tilt detection, every element is carefully considered to provide a secure and efficient engraving experience. Understanding and utilizing these safety components ensures that users can fully enjoy the capabilities of the LP4 while maintaining a safe working environment.
Safety Accessories
Protective Shield and Safety Goggles
The LaserPecker LP4 includes a Protective Shield and Safety Goggles, both essential for ensuring user safety during laser engraving. The protective shield effectively filters out harmful laser wavelengths, preventing accidental exposure to high-intensity beams. Meanwhile, the safety goggles provide an additional layer of protection, safeguarding the user’s eyes from potential damage. This combination is crucial for maintaining a safe working environment, particularly when dealing with powerful lasers.
Cubic Protection Cover
The Cubic Protection Cover for the LaserPecker LP4 offers comprehensive safety by enclosing the entire workspace. It filters laser wavelengths significantly reducing the risk of accidental laser exposure. The cubic design not only enhances user safety but also helps to contain smoke and debris generated during the engraving process. This ensures a cleaner and more controlled work environment, contributing to both safety and efficiency.
Desktop Air Purifier
The LP4 includes an option for a desktop air purifier designed to filter out smoke and particles produced during the engraving process. By efficiently filtering fumes and particles, the air purifier helps maintain a healthier working environment, which is particularly important in enclosed spaces. Clearing smoke from the work area not only improves visibility but also ensures consistent laser performance.
Safety Features
Quick Stop Button
Also known as the emergency shutdown button, this physical switch allows users to halt the device’s operation immediately. In case of any emergency, pressing this button instantly powers off the machine, preventing potential accidents or further damage. Located at the top of the unit, it is easily accessible and can be activated quickly if required.
Overheat Protection
This feature monitors the temperature of the device and the engraved object, shutting down the device if overheating is detected. By stopping operations when temperatures exceed safe levels, it protects the device and the material being engraved from damage, significantly reducing the risk of fire hazards associated with prolonged overheating.
Tilt Protection
The LP4 is equipped with a tilt detector that shuts off the laser if the device is tilted during operation. This ensures the device operates only when stable, preventing uneven engraving and potential mishaps. The built-in function stops the laser immediately if the machine is accidentally knocked over or disturbed, ensuring user safety.
Magnetic Cover Sensor
This sensor ensures the device operates only when the protective cover is securely in place. It prevents the laser from operating if the cover is removed, protecting users from accidental exposure to laser light. Users can trust that the machine will only start if all safety measures are correctly implemented.
Exhaust Fan
An integrated exhaust fan helps remove smoke and fumes from the laser area. By extracting fumes, the fan maintains better air quality around the work area and keeps the laser path clear of smoke, ensuring precise and uninterrupted engraving.
Performance and Versatility
Engraving
During testing, the LP4 handled a variety of materials with remarkable precision and speed. The 10W blue diode laser effortlessly engraved detailed designs on wood, acrylic, and leather. The 2W infrared laser performed excellently on metals, producing crisp and clear engraving.
Cutting
I found the LP4’s cutting capabilities, while not as extensive as its engraving prowess, were satisfactory. It cut through 8mm wood and 5mm dark opaque acrylic with ease. However, thicker or more reflective materials posed a challenge due to the absence of an air-assist feature.
Engraving Speed and Resolution
The LaserPecker LP4 stands out with its remarkable engraving speed, capable of reaching up to 4000mm/s. This makes it one of the fastest portable laser engravers available on the market. Such high speed significantly reduces the time required for each project, enhancing overall efficiency.
The LP4’s speed is further optimized by its proprietary Galvanometer Mirror System, which ensures rapid and accurate laser movement. This system is crucial for achieving intricate details and photorealistic engravings, even at high speeds. It is particularly beneficial for users who need to complete detailed designs quickly without compromising on precision.
The LaserPecker LP4 offers multiple resolution settings, including 1K, 2K, 4K, and 8K. This variety allows users to select the appropriate level of detail based on their project’s requirements.
Lower resolutions, such as 1K, are ideal for faster, less detailed work. In contrast, higher resolutions, like 8K, are perfect for intricate designs requiring meticulous attention to detail. At its highest setting of 8K, the LP4 can achieve a granularity of 0.003mm. This fine level of detail is essential for rendering complex designs with exceptional clarity. Such flexibility ensures efficient management of different types of projects without compromising quality.
The LP4’s preview speed reaches an impressive 16000mm/s. This allows me to quickly visualize and adjust the design before starting the actual engraving process, which ensures the final output meets expectations.
Real-World Applications and Use Cases
The LP4’s versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of real-world applications:
- Personalized Gifts: Engraving intricate designs on wood, leather, or metal to create personalized gifts such as custom jewelry, coasters, and phone cases.
- Industrial Marking: Marking serial numbers or barcodes on metal components for identification and traceability in industrial settings.
- Crafting and Art Projects: Cutting and engraving detailed patterns on acrylic and wood for art projects, model making, and DIY crafts.
- Promotional Products: Creating branded merchandise like keychains, pens, and business cards with precise logos and text.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Versatile Dual-Laser System: Handles a wide range of materials.
- Compact and Portable: Lightweight design for easy transportation.
- High Speed and Precision: Advanced Galvo technology for fast and accurate results.
- User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive LED touchscreen and extensive software compatibility.
- Comprehensive Safety Features: Multiple built-in safety mechanisms and accessories.
- Wide Compatibility: Supports various operating systems and file formats.
Cons
- Software Reliability: Issues reported with the proprietary LaserPecker app.
- Limited Cutting Area: Even with extensions, the workspace may be restrictive for comparatively large items.
- Assembly Required: Initial setup may be challenging for some users.
- Air Assist Unavailable: The absence of an air assist feature could impact cut quality on thicker materials.
Best Place To Buy LaserPecker LP4
Official Website
The best place to purchase the LaserPecker LP4 is through their official website. Not only will you have access to exclusive discounts and promotions, but you can also rest assured that you are receiving a genuine product with customer support directly from the manufacturer.
*Receive an extra 10% discount with coupon code: Noor10
Amazon
Another option for purchasing the LaserPecker LP4 is through Amazon. While there may be some third-party sellers offering the product at a lower price, it is important to note that these products may not be authentic or come with a warranty.
Local Retailers
Depending on your location, you may be able to find the LaserPecker LP4 at local retailers such as electronics stores or hobby shops. However, availability may vary and prices may not be as competitive as those offered by the official website or Amazon.
Other Online Marketplaces
In addition to Amazon, there are also other online marketplaces where the LaserPecker LP4 may be available for purchase. These include eBay and AliExpress. While they may offer lower prices, there is a higher risk of purchasing counterfeit products on these platforms.
Note: If you do choose to buy from third-party sites, make sure to do your research and read reviews carefully before making a purchase.
Final Thoughts
The LaserPecker LP4 impresses with its versatile dual-laser system, high-speed and precise engraving capabilities, and robust safety features. Despite minor drawbacks, such as software reliability issues and limited cutting capabilities, the LP4 offers exceptional value for money. It is particularly well-suited for hobbyists, small business owners, educational institutions, and professional engravers seeking a reliable and versatile laser engraver.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What materials can the LaserPecker LP4 engrave and cut?
- 10W Blue Diode Laser: Suitable for materials like wood, acrylic, glass, leather, ceramic, paper, stone, and certain metals. Can cut paper, 8mm wood, leather, MDF, felt, and 5mm dark opaque acrylic.
- 2W Infrared Laser: Designed for engraving on metals such as stainless steel, aluminum alloy, gold, silver, and various plastics and painted/coated materials.
What is the working area of the LaserPecker LP4?
- Basic working area: 120 mm x 160 mm.
- Expanded working area with Slide Extension: 160 mm x 300 mm.
What is the engraving speed and resolution of the LaserPecker LP4?
- Engraving speed: Up to 4000mm/s.
- Resolution: Up to 8K, with granularity as fine as 0.003mm.
What safety features does the LaserPecker LP4 include?
- Tilt protection, overheat protection, magnetic cover sensor, and a physical switch for manual shutdown. Includes protective shield and safety goggles.
What software is compatible with the LaserPecker LP4?
- Supports LaserPecker Design Space app and Lightburn software. Compatible with file formats such as G-code, JPG, PNG, BMP, SVG, DWG, and DXF.
