Monport 80W Autofocus CO2 Laser: Unboxing and First Impressions

Welcome to our detailed overview of the Monport 80W Autofocus CO2 Laser. This review series begins with the unboxing and initial setup of this advanced laser machine. Monport provided this unit as a review sample, but all opinions shared here are my own.

Unboxing and Crate Measurements

The laser arrived securely packaged in a substantial crate. Here are the crate's dimensions:

• Height: 34 3/4 inches

• Length: Just under 63 inches (63 1/2 inches with screws)

• Width: Just over 40 inches

To access the laser, we only needed to remove four screws from the front and back and three screws from each side of the crate. They are located at the bottum of the crate. The crate's design ensures the machine is well-protected during shipping.

First Look at the Laser

Upon removing the crate's lid, the Monport 80W Autofocus CO2 Laser was revealed. It was securely wrapped with shrink wrap and styrofoam to protect it during transit. Initial measurements of the laser are as follows:

• Width: 59 11/16 inches (59 3/4 inches accounting for screws)

• Depth: 36 1/2 inches

• Height: 28 1/2 inches

These measurements are crucial for determining if the laser will fit through doorways and into your workspace while in the crate.

Unpacking the Laser

Removing the laser from the crate required some careful handling and a bit of help. The unit includes several components:

• Honeycomb Bed and Knife Plate: These interchangeable surfaces allow for versatility in different cutting and engraving tasks.

• Cooling System: While the package includes a water pump, it's recommended to use an external chiller for higher wattage lasers like this one to ensure adequate cooling.

Initial Impressions

The Monport 80W laser has several notable features:

• Autofocus Mechanism: Integrated into the laser tube, this is a significant improvement over older models where the autofocus pin was external and prone to damage.

• Safety Features: The package includes safety glasses and comprehensive protective coverings for the laser mirrors, ensuring user safety during operation.

• Design and Build Quality: The laser's design is robust and practical, though its lower height might be an inconvenience for taller users. The choice of a clear acrylic cover over the bed area aids visibility but may require frequent cleaning.

Technical Specifications and Safety

The Monport 80W CO2 laser is a high-powered Class 1 laser system intended for both personal and professional use. It features a glass tube filled with CO2, a water cooling system, and an exhaust system to remove dust and gases produced during engraving. Proper installation, adjustment, and maintenance are critical for safe operation. The laser should never be operated without the water cooling and exhaust systems functioning correctly. Additionally, it is recommended to operate the laser at 10-70% of its maximum power to ensure optimal performance and longevity. The laser is capable of engraving a wide variety of materials, including wood, plastics, glass, and certain metals with special coatings. 

Features:

• Fireproof Viewing Window: Made from special fire-resistant polyester with an iron frame, dramatically reducing fire risks.

• Enclosed Aeronautical Aluminum Rail: Equipped with X and Y stepper motors for efficient power transmission and high precision, protected from smoke and debris.

• Laser Protective Glasses: Certified to protect your eyes from radiation damage.

• Ruida Digital Controller: Compatible with LightBurn, RDworks, AutoCAD, and CorelDRAW, controlling the laser head, power, and speed.

• High Speed and Resolution: Engraving speeds up to 600 mm/s, cutting speeds up to 400 mm/s, and a resolution up to 4500 dpi. - NEED TO VERIFY

• Autofocus: Automatic focus correction via the control panel.

• Built-in Air Assist: Directs pressurized air to keep the engraving precise by clearing debris and heat.

• PC Connectivity: USB ports for flash drive and USB-to-PC connections, plus an Ethernet port.

• Red Dot Guidance: Indicates laser head position and project size for precise alignment.

• Automatic Safety Sensor: Stops the machine if the window cover is open, enhancing safety.

Accessories and Extras

The laser comes with a variety of accessories to facilitate setup and operation:

• Ventilation Hose and Connectors: Essential for safely venting fumes outside.

• Power Cables and Connectors: Ensuring the machine is ready to operate right out of the box.

• Allen Wrenches and Tools: For assembling and maintaining the laser.

Final Thoughts

Unboxing the Monport 80W Autofocus CO2 Laser has been an enlightening experience. Its robust build (for its price point), innovative autofocus system, and thoughtful accessories make it a promising addition to any workshop. In the next video, we’ll set up the chiller, align the mirrors, and conduct our first test cuts to evaluate its performance.

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