The LaserPecker 4 represents the latest model in the renowned Chinese manufacturer’s range of desktop laser devices and is positioned in the upper price bracket. The question of the justifiable pricing of this device is discussed in detail in this article.
One feature of the LaserPecker 4 is its unique position as a dual laser on the market. The Laser contains a blue diode laser and an infrared laser. This innovative combination represents a revolution in the field of desktop lasers, as it can engrave a wide range of materials – from metals and plastics to glass, leather and wood. The device therefore opens up a wide range of creative possibilities without being limited by material restrictions.
I tested the LaserPecker 4 thoroughly in order to make a comprehensive assessment. I tested the smartphone app as well as the PC app and its use with Lightburn in detail. In my article, I will go into detail about all three types of software and highlight both the advantages and disadvantages of each. I will also highlight the functionalities of the slider extension and the rotation unit and explain how they can be used with Lightburn.
Have fun with my big review of the LaserPecker4 + Rotary Extension + Slide Extension
Before we dive in, I want to emphasize that my opinion of the device is not based on the fact that it was provided to me by LaserPecker. I am not being paid for this review, nor was there any collusion between LaserPecker and myself. My aim is to provide an honest review of the device. Such donations allow me as a content creator to continue my hobby and create a win-win situation between you, LaserPecker and me. Let’s take a look together now!
1. The technology
Desktop laser devices like this one also use diode lasers with a simple design. This type of laser uses a semiconductor diode structure in which semiconductor materials serve as the active medium. Applying an electrical voltage to the semiconductor diodes causes electrons to enter an excited state. As soon as these electrons return to their ground state, they emit photons with specific wavelengths. Depending on the semiconductor material used, a diode laser can generate light ranging from visible to infrared or ultraviolet radiation. The generated beams are bundled using a resonator and directed to the engraving surface using mirrors.
This is one of the biggest differences to the bulky lasers with X and Y axes. The LaserPecker 4 directs the laser light onto the surface to be engraved using small built-in mirrors that are controlled by extremely precise stepper motors. This design makes the device extremely compact. LaserPecker takes a different approach to conventional laser manufacturers. Personally, I find this design very appealing, as you don’t have to transport a large, bulky laser and can even use it on a balcony with limited space.
The LaserPecker 4 has two different diode lasers. A blue laser with 450nm and an effective power of 10W, which is currently used in most desktop lasers. The innovation lies in the combination with a 2W infrared laser with 1064nm. This makes it possible to engrave metals such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, copper and some others. A 450nm laser does not go very far with metals, this is where the true strength of the LaserPecker 4 lies. The 1064nm laser is also ideal for engraving slate stone slabs. The bandwidth of the 450nm laser extends from glass to marble, wood, acrylic, PVC and many other plastics.
2. Package contents and assembly
Unpacking a new device is always a special moment, and the LaserPecker 4 makes this moment even more special. In contrast to the plain white outer packaging, the contents are quite something. All the parts are carefully arranged in layers in the box. You go through each level of the box to finally reach the laser level. The anticipation of the first tests increases with each level you pass through. The box contains everything you need to engrave parts in every conceivable shape. I have the complete package including the rotation unit and slider extension.
Assembly is completed in 15 minutes and only involves screwing in a few screws. The heavy laser is held by a Z-axis that can be raised and lowered automatically using buttons. At first it looks a bit wobbly. However, you soon realize that the construction can support the laser without any problems. All
accessories such as USB cables, goggles, jaws for the jaw chuck and screws including hexagon wrench are neatly packed in elegant black boxes.
3. Description of the laser and the quality
There is an easy-to-use touch display on the top of the laser, the purpose of which is not yet entirely clear to me. It allows you to put the laser into sleep mode, pause while engraving and start all uploaded files. The laser is usually connected to a PC or smartphone, which is why the display is practical but not absolutely necessary. There is an LED strip on the front edge of the laser that changes color and indicates the status of the laser. Overall, I really like the design of the device. I find it particularly impressive that all the parts are made of powder-coated aluminum of the highest quality. This is exactly what you would expect from a device in this price range. The linear guides of the Z-axis and the slide extension are protected by protective plates to prevent the ingress of dirt. I am only familiar with this in industry from products that are used in very dusty environments. The laser head can be rotated by 90° to process objects in a horizontal direction. This can be extremely useful in many cases. However, it is very important to be careful not to accidentally get into the laser light. Extreme caution is required here. The standard working area without the extension kit is 160 mm in the X-axis and 120 mm in the Y-axis. The relatively small working area is due to the design of the laser. Due to the fact that the laser light emerges from a pupil and has a certain angle to the horizontal, it would hit the part to be engraved at a flat angle if the working surface were very large. If this area is not sufficient, the Slide Extension Kit can be used. In addition, the base plate of the can be removed. This makes it possible to place the laser on very large workpieces so that they can also be engraved.
There is a ventilation grille on the side of the appliance, which is attached using a magnet. This makes it possible to remove the grille to clean the fans. The connections for the Z-axis, rotation unit, slide extension and the connection to the computer are located on the rear. A funnel with a built-in fan, which is attached to the laser by magnets, serves as a safety device. The fan is designed to remove smoke so that the laser light has a clear view of the workpiece to be engraved. Cable clips are attached to the Z-axis to organize the tangle of cables. This solution is extremely clever and practical.
There is a clear glass screen at the exit point of the laser to ensure that the laser light is not deflected. This pane is extremely useful as it prevents the ingress of dust. At the top of the device is a solid handle with an integrated emergency stop switch.
Slide Extension
Mounting the slide extension is just as easy as the laser itself and requires only a few simple steps. Six screws need to be inserted and the part is ready for use. The Slide Extension only extends the laser in the Y-axis, while the X-axis logically remains unchanged due to the design. With the extension kit, the working area is extended to 300 mm in the Y-axis. It is important to ensure that the axis is positioned correctly. If it is set in the X direction, the whole thing will not work.
To use the axis, simply check the corresponding box in the app or on the computer and it is immediately ready for use. I will explain how to use it with Lightburn later. The underside of the axle is rubberized, which provides a very stable base. The contact surface is provided with slats so that smaller cutting jobs can also be carried out without any problems. Quality has not been spared here either. The guides are fitted with cover plates to prevent dust from entering and increase the service life of the axle.
I really like the modular design of the laser. I appreciate well thought-out, modular concepts. As a mechanical engineer for many years, I know how important it is to build systems on a modular basis.
Rotation Extension
Here too, the workmanship is flawless and operation is extremely smooth. The 3-jaw chuck can be locked in place using a button to easily fix the workpieces. The jaw chuck can be swiveled through 180° using a rotary axis. This is my first point of criticism: The scale of the swivel head is skewed by at least 1°. This is not ideal, but personally it doesn’t bother me too much, as the workpiece can be rotated before lasering and irregularities can be detected quickly. As a rule, components are positioned freely during laser cutting anyway. The built-in aluminum jaws can be opened and closed cleanly. Unfortunately, the additional jaws are made of plastic and are somewhat unstable. There are also rubberized, screw-on retaining rods that can be used to securely clamp small components such as rings. A height-adjustable mounting bracket is available for the precise alignment and symmetrical fixing of long components, which can be adjusted and fixed in a rail using a rotary knob. In addition, a spherical holder enables balls to be clamped. Overall, I am also very impressed with this extension set, which rounds off the overall experience.
4. Safety
As an experienced design engineer in the packaging industry, with many years working on industrial laser, plasma and oxy-fuel machines, I am sensitive to the issue of safety. Safety is a key concern in mechanical engineering, as more and more countries are introducing stricter safety standards. No designer should neglect the issue of safety. I am very familiar with the preparation of declarations of conformity and CE marking. The introduction of an unsafe machine can have devastating consequences for medium-sized companies, especially in Europe.
The principle is: first the function, then the safety precautions. It is useless to build a machine that is 100% safe if it does not fulfill its function. All potential hazards must be avoided as far as possible, preferably by means of mechanical safety devices. A residual risk always remains, especially with desktop lasers, where the main problem is the laser beam.
The greatest danger with commercially available desktop lasers clearly comes from the laser beam, which could get into the eyes or onto the skin of a living being. As the working distance of the LaserPecker 4 is relatively long, the beam has a considerable distance to cover, where it could theoretically interfere. LaserPecker has solved this problem elegantly with a protective funnel, without which the laser would not work.
However, it is possible to set a check mark in the app to bypass this protective device. If this checkmark is set, the laser can also be used without the protective funnel. I personally welcome this function, as the funnel tends to hinder my work. Nevertheless, everyone should decide individually whether they want to use the protective device. It is important to exercise a certain amount of common sense when working with laser devices.
5. Software
Suitable software is essential to operate the laser effectively. The corresponding application called Design Space is available in the Play Store for Android or the App Store for iPhone.
The software can be installed quickly and is ready to use immediately after logging in. To familiarize yourself with the device, some examples are available for the first steps.
It is also possible to load photos from the album or take photos directly from the app. However, most of the time is probably spent in the design area.
Images, texts, shapes and even freehand sketches can be created in the design interface. The user interface is very user-friendly and makes it easy for beginners to get started.
The connection to the laser is via Bluetooth, which works smoothly. Connectivity is established within a very short time, with the laser signaling this with a beep. Occasionally, the connection may be interrupted, for example if the smartphone is inactive for a longer period of time. However, this is not a problem as the connection can be re-established within a second.
Once the design has been created, the preview function offers a really cool feature. The laser displays a rectangle on the workpiece and by sliding it back and forth on the smartphone screen, the design is precisely positioned. This feature makes positioning on the workpiece much easier and is my personal favorite feature of the LaserPecker 4. I know from experience with other laser devices how difficult it can be to find the exact position of the design. This function is really excellent and I wouldn’t want to be without it.
Unfortunately, the German translation is not so good. However, you will find your way around quite quickly and will know over time what „der Gewinsel“ means, for example 😉
Lightburn Software
To operate the laser with Lightburn, a plug-in must be downloaded from the LaserPecker website (Click me). The description on the website is very good and should not cause any problems.
After installing the plugin, various macros are displayed in Lightburn, which are initially in Chinese. However, these can easily be translated into the desired language.
When using the slide extension, the print bed size must be changed to 160×300. The slide extension is activated via a macro and is immediately ready for use. As the laser works differently to conventional laser devices due to its mechanical features, it takes some time to get used to using it at first. It is advisable to take your time to use the laser with Lightburn.
However, once you have familiarized yourself with it, it works smoothly. I have already created several projects with LaserPecker 4 and Lightburn and would not want to miss the advantages of Lightburn with this laser either. LaserPecker has solved the integration with the macros well and I am happy with it.
An alternative option is to create an .svg file using Lightburn and then transfer it to the LaserPecker software on the smartphone. This works very easily for me, as I use a NAS server and can access it directly from the LaserPecker software.
Everyone needs to find their own workflow that works for them, but Lightburn offers a flexible solution for controlling the LaserPecker 4.
6. Conclusion
The LaserPecker 4 fully deserves its title as a desktop laser. Thanks to its compact design and the expansion kits, it can easily fit anywhere. It is particularly suitable for places with limited space. Due to its design, it is more suitable for smaller projects. So if you are not planning any huge 400×400 projects, the LaserPecker 4 is the perfect choice.
The slide and rotation extensions open up a wide range of possibilities and the interaction between all the components is excellent. Personally, I prefer to operate the laser with my smartphone, as this works quickly and reliably. I create my projects in Lightburn and then transfer them to the smartphone.
The quality of the powder-coated components is, as expected, good for a laser in this price range. All parts fit together perfectly, there are no sharp edges or wobbly sheet metal elements. I am particularly impressed by the covering of the linear rails, which I am otherwise only familiar with from expensive industrial machines.
The dual laser is particularly noteworthy. The combination of two lasers makes it perfect for almost any material. The possibilities offered by a 2W 1064nm laser are amazingly diverse. The scope of delivery is very extensive and sufficient for every conceivable situation. There is hardly any part that cannot be engraved.
Due to the price, I see the laser being used primarily by small self-employed companies that offer engraving work. But it is also a worthwhile investment for private individuals who have the necessary small change. I will definitely be using the laser a lot in my future projects.
I had great fun testing the device and I hope my review has left no questions unanswered. If you are interested in the LaserPecker 4, it would be very nice to purchase it via my link.
Here you can buy the Laser Pecker 4 and support my work
Link to LaserPecker LP4: http://shrsl.com/2i8w2-2ohi-17iq9
Coupon Code: Fraens10 for 10% OFFTo the question of whether the LP 4 is worth the money, I would answer „for me, definitely“ because I really enjoyed testing the device.
