Atomstack recently reached back out and wanted to know if I was interested in reviewing their Atomstack x20 Pro 20w laser engraver. With it’s 20w laser head and the included air assist I couldn’t say no. This is the most powerful laser that we’ve looked at yet!
Packaging
As with all the Atomstack machines I’ve reviewed, this was was packed safely and suffered no damage during shipping.
Assembly
Assembly was very similar to other T-slot extrusion type machines that I’ve reviewed in the past. Unlike other extrusion machines I’ve reviewed in the past, the Atomstack x20 Pro uses a 20×40 size profile all the way around. Other than that, assembly was typical and very similar to other extrusion based machines we’ve looked at before. All the tools needed were included making assembly that much faster.
Features of the Atomstack x20 Pro
The Atomstack x20 Pro has may outstanding features. The first of which is the 20w laser power. This allows you to cut and etch faster and deeper than 10w lasers. This comes at a cost as the laser beam size is slightly larger at 0.08 x 0.1mm. This machine came with an air-assist option that includes it’s own air pump. The air-assist helps push smoke out of the way to help get deeper cuts and better etches. The max speed is 12,000 mm/m. the included touchscreen control allows you to run the machine in stand-alone mode. Simply store your jobs on the included micro SD card and use the touchscreen menu to select and execute the laser jobs. Focusing the Atomstack x20 Pro is very easy. There is a focusing plate that magnetically stores on the right front of the machine. Simply place the focusing plate on top of what you want to cut or etch and then lower the laser head onto it and retighten the laser height adjust knob. The laser height adjustment knob on this unit was a little stiff towards the bottom of travel but this is an easy fix. This machine also has home switches on the X and Y axis.
Safety
The manual also covers the very important aspects of safety and they can’t be repeated enough. Though small, this is a laser that can cause serious damage. Read and follow all the safety warnings. Wear your protective glasses and keep shields in place when you can. As a basic rule, don’t look at the laser light at all, make sure what you’re engraving won’t give off toxic fumes (like PVC, ABS, Epoxies, etc.), Use only in an extremely well ventilated space and don’t stare at the beam. Safety is your responsibility.
Fume Extraction
I setup a basic fume extraction system with an 6″ inline fan, some 6″ ducting and a 6″ blast gate. I was pleased with how well it works. The fan pulls from the laser work area and vents to the outside. A open blast gate is used in another part of my shop to allow fresh air in from the outside (well away from the exhaust) so that the fan has the ability to pull freely.
Software
As usual, I used the Lightburn software for all my laser testing with the Atomstack x20 Pro. It’s very easy to use and has many great features that allow you create most things right in the software itself. The Atomstack x20 Pro can also be controlled from your PC/laptop or smart device using the built-in WiFi or the Atomstack app for mobile. I was able to connect to the Atomstack x20 Pro over WiFi with my laptop but not with the mobile app. I do have an older phone but I’m not sure if that’s the cause.
Wish List
I’d like to see the air pump controlled by the software instead of having to manually turn it on and adjust the air flow.
Summary
The Atomstack x20 Pro is a solid machine and has many great features. It’s the most powerful machine we’ve looked at to date. This fact will save you time while also increasing your creative capability. The air assist option further extends the x20s reach. The high quality of the Atomstack products has been very consistent over the 4 Atomstack products I’ve reviewed thus far. I believe this shows their commitment to quality. Being able to use the Lightburn software with the x20 Pro is also a big win. Be sure to view the pictures below and watch the YouTube video if you haven’t already. As always links are below.
Atomstack x20 Pro laser engraver link: https://shrsl.com/3rtm9
Download the Neo7CNC Squareness Test LightBurn File HERE
Addition items and material used for laser engraver reviews:
4x4in cork coasters – https://amzn.to/3cCPnCn
Stainless steel tumbler – https://amzn.to/3gwJoO4
Stainless steel military style dog tags (qty 100) – https://amzn.to/3B7fVDY
Slate drink coaster set – https://amzn.to/3GQr3GF
Kydex 8×8 Sheet (x2) – https://amzn.to/35SAMzC
Wood 4 inch squares – https://amzn.to/33RUNBW
Wood 3 inch circles – https://amzn.to/3Ic1vnM
Kraft paper tags – https://amzn.to/3foiLK9
Painted aluminum business card blanks – https://amzn.to/3yj6q2E
Stainless steel business card blanks – https://amzn.to/3bAn0RL
Anodized aluminum blank dog tags – 10 pack – https://amzn.to/33h8HAg
To create you own fume extraction system
6″ inline blower – https://amzn.to/3ftxCmu
6″ duct kit – https://amzn.to/3eWjVh0
6″ flange – https://amzn.to/33UlbuG
6″ blast gate – https://amzn.to/3hyPNKs
Like my T-shirt? Find it and many more here – https://bit.ly/3HHEb25
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