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       The ACMER P3 is the perfect laser engraver for professionals and enthusiastic hobbyists. Powerful infrared and diode capabilities are combined in one module, allowing it to work flawlessly on all types of materials. The calibration process is a bit confusing, but once completed, there were no problems. The P3 has a huge working area and is capable of engraving and cutting both large objects and many small parts without the need to reconfigure the machine. It is the best of all engravers, and certainly the best of the best at the moment.
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       The laser cutter and engraver market is booming like never before, thanks in large part to a number of Chinese companies making products that are both affordable and hobbyist-friendly, yet still deliver impressive results. If you want to explore your options, we’ve put together a guide to the best laser cutters and engravers.
       I recently got to know the ACMER P3, a dual laser engraver. This means that it combines a 2W infrared laser and a 10W blue diode laser in one module, making it very versatile. There are other engravers on the market with this configuration, but none of them have such an impressive 400 x 390 mm working area as the P3.
       This is a laser engraver that helps makers and creative people engrave and cut a variety of materials including paper, wood, leather, MDF, felt, etc. Its price and size limit its target market to professional users, but I can imagine that this machine will appeal to more enthusiastic hobbyists as well.
       Having recently used the LaserPecker 5, I was looking forward to purchasing the ACMER P3. I have been using it for a few weeks now and have been impressed by its power, as well as the optional upgrade kit with a 48W diode laser module.
       Laser engravers come in all shapes and sizes, from handheld to boxed models that would be at home in a factory setting. The P3 is definitely the latter, and by far the most sophisticated and well-designed engraver I’ve ever seen.
       When it arrived at my house, I couldn’t believe how big it was. It took two people to carry it into the house and unpack it. The work area is a whopping 400 x 390mm, which is easily the largest configuration I’ve ever seen, and I had to move everything on my desk to make room for it.
       The box contained a nearly assembled laser engraver, the laser module was packed separately. To assemble it, I only had to remove the two plastic blocks holding the portal, insert the laser module and connect the exhaust pipe.
       With all the tools I had, it only took a few minutes to connect the wires. However, keep in mind that the case is covered with a protective film, so if you are afraid of scratching any surfaces, it is better not to remove it.
       It is designed to be removable at the user’s discretion, but unfortunately it is quite inconvenient. Since the film is applied before many components are screwed on, I have to unscrew the components first, then remove the film, and then install them back. I really hope ACMER will find an alternative solution to this problem.
       The front panel contains a locking device, an on/off button, and an emergency stop button. All ports are located on the front right side. This includes the main power supply, a USB-B computer interface, an air duct for the pump, and a power supply for the pump. Once I connected all of this, I was able to install the drivers using the included memory card, and then install the LightBurn software.
       The final step is to calibrate the machine. To do this, LightBurn requires the user to place an object in a certain position, after which the built-in camera will determine its position relative to the work area. I found this step quite laborious, since the camera does not accurately capture the honeycomb structure.
       ACMER support was great though and helped me identify and fix the problem. However, I didn’t see anyone else having the same problem so I assumed it was my camera’s focus point. Luckily, the focus point can be adjusted and the problem was solved.
       This meant I was ready to start engraving. I also received the AP220 air purifier, consumables kit, and 48W laser module kit. This gave me a full set of accessories to fully test the capabilities of the P3.
       The ACMER P3 is compatible with ACMER, LightBurn, and Laser GRBL. Since this engraver is mainly aimed at professionals using software like LightBurn, I decided to do the same. This software is one of the most fully featured and can fully utilize all the features of the P3.
       If you want a simpler set of tools and a more user-friendly interface, you can download the ACMER app, which provides a variety of tools for creating projects and managing materials.
       The ACMER P3 is capable of engraving over 300 different materials. I used a variety of the kit options, including wood and metal. Luckily, the kit included a “settings cheat sheet” engraved on wood, which allowed me to quickly see the results with different settings. Since every engraver works differently, it’s very helpful to have this information for your specific machine.
       With an engraving speed of up to 800 mm per second, this machine is incredibly fast and is ideal for a successful business that needs to produce products in large quantities. Personally, I don’t need this kind of speed, and most hobbyists don’t, but I know it’s important for those who are involved in commercial production.
       These high-speed characteristics may be limited by the supporting materials, but fortunately the P3 has a robust COREXY construction and industrial rails that work when needed. They are also strong enough to stand the test of time, and I don’t have to worry about them breaking even after thousands of operations.
       Setting up my project was easy and straightforward thanks to the HD camera mounted directly above my workstation. This feature allowed me to use the software to position the project directly above the camera’s field of view. For added convenience, I could also move materials around the workspace to match the project. All of this happened in real time, ensuring a smooth workflow.
       To test the 2-in-1 laser and the 48W laser module, I created my own business card in LightBurn. Before continuing, I made sure the laser module was mounted correctly. This requires a simple metal mark that ACMER says should be flush with the work surface. If it is flush, the module is at the correct height.
       In my tests, both units performed very well, producing engravings with virtually no scorch marks. Lines were crisp and detailed on both wood and metal. I was also impressed with the uniformity of the markings, especially when engraving block surfaces.
       The 48W laser module is particularly suitable for creating deep engraving patterns and cutting materials. The XY gantry design makes this process particularly efficient, ensuring perfectly straight cuts regardless of the module’s position in the work area.
       The only problem I had with engraving thin metal sheets was that they warped due to high temperatures. While using the included jig is absolutely necessary, it does not solve the problem completely.
       I was very impressed with the performance of the gantry machine: the parts moved quickly and in a controlled manner. There were no delays and the parts never stopped when they were supposed to. This machine works very well and is very well made.
       I also tested the ACMER AP220 Smoke Air Purifier, which is designed for situations where the exhaust duct can’t be routed outside a window. These purifiers are rarely 100% effective, and that’s what I found with the AP220. While it “cleaned” some of the smoke, I could still smell residual odors that weren’t removed and treated. This purifier is a viable option if you have no other choice, but it’s preferable if you can route the exhaust duct outside a window.
       When using lasers, it is important to take a number of safety precautions. These will help protect you and others from laser-related injuries and from inhaling hazardous fumes. Fortunately, ACMER has a comprehensive Class 1 safety rating to protect you.
       The first feature is a fully enclosed design that provides protection even when the laser is reflected from the module. In addition, the kit includes protective glasses for an additional level of protection.
       The P3 is key operated, which eliminates accidental start-up for you or your child. It also has a large red emergency button for easy access in case of an emergency. The unit also features overheat protection, speed limitation, tip-over protection and a flame sensor, eliminating any problems.
       The vapors come out of the back of the unit through a long tube. You can place the tube near a nearby window, or if you have nowhere to put it, buy an ACMER air purifier.
       For those who need to engrave and cut a large object or several small objects at the same time. It is also ideal for those who need to engrave a variety of materials (not just one or two).
       The ACMER P3 is the perfect laser engraver for professionals and enthusiastic hobbyists. Powerful infrared and diode capabilities are combined in one module, allowing it to work flawlessly on all types of materials. The calibration process is a bit confusing, but once completed, there were no problems. The P3 has a huge working area and is capable of engraving and cutting both large objects and many small parts without the need to reconfigure the machine. It is the best of all engravers, and certainly the best of the best at the moment.
       Paul is a true digital expert. Having graduated with an Honours degree in Computer Science, Paul has been working in various tech and creative industries for 20 years, making him a trusted source of commentary, opinion and articles. Paul has a particular love for all things visual, including photography, videography and 3D visualisation, and is never far from a camera or other technology that inspires his creativity. His writing can also be found on Creative Bloq, Digital Camera World and 3D World Magazine.
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