Atomstack A5 Pro Laser Engraver Review 2024

Bringing professional-grade precision and versatility to your home, the Atomstack A5 Pro laser engraver stands as a powerful and adaptable machine. Designed for both hobbyists and professionals, this laser engraver caters to a wide range of users. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the contents of the package, evaluate its performance on various materials, and share our overall impressions after a month of testing. If you are contemplating the purchase of a laser engraver but are uncertain where to begin, read on for valuable insights.

ATOMSTACK A5 Pro Laser Engraver

See price on Amazon

What is the Atomstack A5 Pro?

Positioned in the higher-end market segment, the Atomstack A5 Pro shares the same price range as the Sculpfun S6 Pro, which we previously reviewed. Similar to the Sculpfun, the Atomstack A5 Pro comes with an assembly instruction manual that is easy to follow, accompanied by all the necessary tools conveniently included. The machine can be swiftly assembled in under 30 minutes.

Specifications: Parameter Value Engraving Size 410*400mm Engraving Materials wood, paper, cardboard, plastic, white, PCB board, aluminum oxide, black-painted metal/ceramic Laser Output Optical Power 5-5.5W Laser Wavelength 445±5nm Focusing Method Fixed focus laser Operating Software LaserGRBL, LightBurn, Benbox, GrblController, LiteFire, Support Windows system, Support OSMAC system. Supported file formats NC, BMP, JPG, PNG, DXF, and other image formats. Input voltage AC100-240V, 50/60Hz Weight 3.0kg Warranty One Year

Atomstack A5 Pro Laser Diode

Equipped with a laser diode outputting around 5.5W of optical power, the Atomstack A5 Pro laser engraver boasts an advertised power equivalent to a 40W Co2 laser. The laser diode operates as a fixed focus diode, offering the advantage of quicker focusing due to the absence of moving parts obstructing the beam’s path. While the laser diode includes a protective shield, it is crucial to prioritize safety by utilizing the provided safety goggles. Consider acquiring high-quality OD6+ safety goggles for enhanced eye protection, as these lasers emit visible light that can be harmful to the eyes. Safeguarding your eyes should be of utmost importance during operation.

Atomstack A5 Pro Fixed focus

Brings the advantage of unobstructed laser beams, allowing for a narrower focus and quicker focusing procedure compared to adjustable focus systems. The laser head of the Atomstack A5 Pro is equipped with a protective shield, but it’s imperative to wear the included safety goggles as a crucial precautionary measure. However, I strongly recommend investing in high-quality safety goggles with OD6+ protection, providing superior safeguarding for your eyes. Remember, your eyes are irreplaceable assets and require utmost protection. The lasers used in this machine operate within the visible light spectrum, and even minimal reflections can cause severe damage to your vision. Prioritize the safety of your eyes without compromise.

Ensure you acquire the best safety goggles available, offering the highest level of protection. Optimal focusing is achieved by following the same procedure as the Atomstack A5 20W model we previously tested. To achieve precise cutting performance, the laser head should be positioned 2mm above the engraving surface. This can be accomplished by placing a 2mm thick acrylic sheet or shim beneath the laser head and then lowering the head onto the shim. Afterward, use a hex key to tighten the z-axis screws, effectively maintaining a 2mm distance between the head and the surface.

The versatility of the Atomstack A5 Pro is remarkable when it comes to engraving and cutting various materials. It excels in engraving wood, leather, cotton, rubber, paper, fruit, foam, acrylic, black anodized aluminum, and blackened metal. Furthermore, it demonstrates proficiency as a cutter for wood, paper, tape, cloth, acrylic, and cardboard. With this machine, you can achieve single-pass cutting of paper and tape, while cardboard and wood may require multiple passes. Notably, Poplar plywood, known for its pliability, is the recommended wood for laser cutting applications.

Caution must be exercised when working with certain plastics such as PVC and vinyl. These materials release toxic hydrogen chloride gas during the cutting process, which poses both health hazards and accelerates the machine’s rusting process. It is best to avoid using them to ensure safety and prolong the lifespan of your equipment.

Atomstack A5 Pro Software

For software and supported formats, the Atomstack A5 Pro can be used with the free LaserGRBL software, which provides satisfactory performance. However, I suggest considering Lightburn as a superior alternative. Lightburn offers enhanced capabilities and an intuitive user interface, although it requires a $60 license. You can take advantage of the one-month fully functional free trial to evaluate its value, keeping in mind that time is a valuable resource, and Lightburn can significantly increase efficiency.

LaserGRBL supports the import of vector files such as NC, BMP, JPG, PNG, and DXF, as well as bitmap image files like BMP, JPG, PNG, and GIF. On the other hand, Lightburn supports a wider range of formats, including AI, SVG, DXF, PDF, HPGL, PLT, and RD for vector formats, and PNG, JPEG, BMP, TIFF, TGA, and GIF for image formats. When working with laser engravers, vector files are generally preferred due to the presence of precise paths outlining the shape edges, enabling faster engraving by directly cutting on the paths instead of scanning and engraving dots like a printer would with bitmap images (such as photos). You can access millions of free vector designs online or use free vector drawing programs like Inkscape or QCAD for technical drawings. Additionally, numerous vector designs and images can be sourced from free vector sites or purchased from platforms like Etsy, expanding your creative possibilities.

Our comprehensive test results comparing the performance of the Atomstack A5 Pro and its direct competitor, the Sculpfun S6 Pro, are available in the accompanying video at the beginning of this article. For detailed information regarding the Sculpfun S6 Pro’s results, please refer to our separate post [insert link].

To ensure consistency and facilitate comparisons between different machines, we conducted a standardized test that we regularly employ for laser engravers and cutters. The test methodology is presented in the video mentioned earlier, while the subsequent sections provide detailed images and explanations of the test results.

Atomstack A5 Pro Wood Engraving

Wood engraving is a crucial aspect we examine in our evaluations. Our standardized engrave pattern is thoughtfully designed to showcase the laser’s engraving capabilities at varying settings, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of the laser beam’s effectiveness. Further examination of the wood engraving results is provided in subsequent chapters. Should you wish to evaluate your own laser, you can access the test file mentioned below [insert link].

Atomstack A5 Pro Interval Scale Test

The power scale test pattern illustrates the machine’s engraving performance across different power levels and speeds. Power is incrementally adjusted from 10% to 100% in 10% intervals, while the speeds used are 600, 1200, 1800, and 2400mm/min. We have excluded slow-speed, high-power shapes from our analysis, as we discovered that the beam excessively burns the material at low speeds, leaving charred blobs that offer limited practical insights. Upon initial observation, the Atomstack A5 Pro appears to exhibit slightly higher power output than the Sculpfun S6 Pro. However, we will explore this further in subsequent tests.

Introducing the interval scale test, a meticulous examination to discern the laser focus spot shape, whether it manifests as square or rectangular. The scanning interval incrementally progresses from 0.1mm to 0.5mm, unraveling crucial insights into the Atomstack A5 Pro’s beam characteristics. In this assessment, intriguing disparities emerge as the vertical and horizontal scans reveal striking dissimilarities. A closer evaluation to accurately determine the spot shape awaits us in the forthcoming anodized aluminum engraving test.

Atomstack A5 Pro Photo Engraving

Embarking on the assessment of engraving a diminutive 20mm photo while modulating the maximum laser power, we venture into a realm of intricate artistry. Photo engravings demand patience, for the laser head dutifully traverses line by line, akin to the meticulous nature of an inkjet printer. Brace yourself for a substantial wait should you choose to engrave a grandiose photo, as a couple of hours may elapse before completion. Observing the outcome below, the Atomstack A5 Pro has commendably etched the photo, albeit with a marginally diminished level of detail compared to its counterpart, the Sculpfun S6 Pro, owing to the Atomstack’s broader spot size.

Atomstack A5 Pro Vector Image Engraving

Ah, the swiftness of vector images! A realm where the laser head gracefully trails along the lines, akin to a maestro following a musical score. Alas, grayscale images find no solace here, as only the crisp precision of lines takes center stage. Our test endeavors showcase a delightful avian creature, a Tit bird, gracefully engraved in the top right corner of the test piece. A mere few minutes were sufficient for the bird’s intricate beauty to manifest. Within the software’s realm, one possesses the power to fill enclosed shapes with captivating patterns. In this instance, a scanning interval of 0.1mm envelops the shape, although for larger engravings, one can increase the interval to 1mm or more, expediting the process with a mesmerizing raster or grid effect in the darkened regions. But let us delve into this enchanting topic on another occasion.

ATOMSTACK A5 Pro Laser Engraver

See price on Amazon

Atomstack A5 Pro Anodized Aluminum Engraving

Now, let us subject the Atomstack A5 Pro to the rigors of a black anodized aluminum test piece. Behold the engraved test pattern, meticulously designed to assess the focal dot size in both horizontal and vertical directions, while also unveiling the impact of speed. It is here that we shall embark upon a comprehensive exploration of each distinct facet of this pattern.

Undoubtedly, the interval scale assumes paramount significance once more. Through meticulous vertical and horizontal scans at varying interval steps, we embark upon a quest to approximate the laser dot size. From our discerning observations, a curious revelation unfolds—the Atomstack A5 Pro’s laser dot assumes a rather intriguing rectangular form. Indeed, the engraved pattern exhibits profound dissimilarities when scanning along the horizontal (X-Axis) and vertical (Y-Axis) trajectories. Our examination proceeds further as we turn our attention to text engraving, executed at a swift pace of 600 mm/s. However, such swift movements reveal slight oscillations in the laser head at the corners. Fear not, for this can be effortlessly mitigated by adjusting the settings to reduce acceleration and speed, ensuring optimal precision. And now, let us venture into the realm of the digital microscope, where mysteries unravel before our very eyes. Feast your gaze upon the captivating images captured by the Andonstar AD407 digital microscope.

Upon initial inspection, a striking revelation takes hold—the Atomstack A5 Pro boasts a dot shape, measuring approximately 0.15mm by 0.25mm. Curiously, however, the interval test fails to yield uniformly spaced horizontal lines. Alas, the cause of this anomaly eludes our grasp, even after diligently adjusting the tension of belts and wheels. It appears this issue lies beyond the realm of software, as the Sculpfun flawlessly accomplishes the task. If perchance you possess insights into the origins of this quandary, we humbly implore you to enlighten us in the comments section below.

Proceeding forth, we delve into a diverse array of text sizes. Pray, observe the marvels before your eyes! With this machine, text sizes of 2mm still maintain satisfactory legibility, while even the diminutive 1mm text remains discernible. A slight wobble emerges in a solitary axis, perchance due to mechanical influences. It is imperative to acknowledge the influence of speed in this test, with a brisk pace of 600mm/min. Rest assured, dear readers, for greater accuracy awaits us as we venture further.

And now, we unveil the engraving of two sets of squares, nested within one another, adorning the right side of the test piece. The inner square succumbs to the embrace of the laser at a velocity of 1000mm/min, while the outer square endures a leisurely pace of 100mm/min. Remarkably, heightened velocity bestows upon us a spectacle of nuanced oscillations (borne of mechanical origins), yet astonishingly, the brightness of the engraved pattern remains impervious to the influence of speed. Notably, a distinct impression of rectangular dot shape emerges within the two squares, as vertical lines materialize with a delicate finesse, surpassing the slenderity of their horizontal counterparts.

Atomstack A5 Pro Laser Focus Distance Test

Prepare to witness the intriguing dynamics of laser dot size as we descend deeper into the realm of materials. The laser focus distance holds the key, for it determines the thickness of the material that can be masterfully cleaved. Our methodology involves progressively lowering the board by 3mm for each square, sans the need for readjusting the laser head. A reference point is established at 0mm, representing the optimal focus with an aluminum block. The 3mm square unveils the dot’s expanse when delving 3mm into the material, offering a glimpse into the intricacies of laser cutting at various distances. This principle resonates even at greater distances.

It becomes evident that the Atomstack A5 Pro yields slightly inferior results compared to its counterpart, the Sculpfun S6 Pro. However, the margin between them remains meager. As we venture further, the Atomstack A5 Pro’s spot size undergoes a transformation, transitioning from a more rectangular shape to a predominantly square form, akin to its laser engraving peers thus far.

Yet, as we push the boundaries and distance ourselves from the optimal focus, the dot experiences substantial expansion. At 6mm and 9mm, the dot assumes a considerable thickness. Exploit this fortuitous thickening effect when your artistic pursuits call for grander engravings with diminished intricacy. Position the laser deliberately out of focus, allowing the beam to broaden, thereby enabling faster engraving with wider spacing between lines.

Atomstack A5 Pro Acrylic Engraving and Cutting

In a brief yet telling experiment, we subject 3mm black acrylic (commonly referred to as plexiglass) to the Atomstack A5 Pro’s prowess at a brisk pace of 600mm/min. The outcome astounds, as the engraving and cutting exhibit immaculate precision, culminating in clean, unblemished edges. The Atomstack A5 Pro achieves the desired cut in a mere 8 passes.

Our ambitions extend to replicating the same test on blue acrylic, but alas, the material fails to meet expectations. The insufficient light absorption of the blue color, compounded by its reflective nature, hinders the laser’s efficacy. Despite persevering through 50 passes at full power and 600mm/min, the Atomstack A5 Pro merely induces minor melting, devoid of any trace of engraved letters. In conclusion, the Atomstack A5 Pro laser machine thrives exclusively on profoundly dark acrylic boards.

Atomstack A5 Pro Plywood Cutting Test

The allure of plywood beckons, urging us to explore the Atomstack A5 Pro’s prowess at three distinct speeds while engaging 3mm and 6mm thick poplar plywood. We embark on a comprehensive evaluation, conducting the test in both horizontal (X-axis) and vertical (Y-axis) scanning directions. The cutting performance assumes distinct characteristics in each direction, courtesy of the dot’s intriguing rectangular shape.

Behold, a comparison table presenting the prowess of the Atomstack A5 Pro juxtaposed against the Sculpfun S6 Pro.

The Atomstack A5 Pro showcases commendable cutting capabilities, albeit influenced by the rectangular focus spot shape, resulting in divergent performances across the two scanning directions. The presence of a rectangular spot presents certain challenges when executing intricate finger joints for wooden boxes. Prudent craftsmen would be wise to conduct meticulous test fits prior to embarking on significant cuts.

Atomstack A5 Pro Hardwood Cutting Test

The true mettle of the Atomstack A5 Pro emerges as we push the boundaries of its capabilities through a rigorous examination of harder woods, all at a rapid pace of 600mm/min. We commence with 4mm pine wood, known for its relatively softer composition. With remarkable ease, the Atomstack A5 Pro deftly cleaves through the material in a mere 7 passes. Emboldened by this triumph, we progress to the sturdier domain of 3mm thick beech wood. Once again, the Atomstack A5 Pro navigates the challenge unscathed, completing the task at hand in a mere 5 passes.

Undoubtedly, a formidable cutter, though burdened by the limitations imposed by its rectangular focus spot shape.

Conclusion

Now, the pivotal question remains: Does the Atomstack A5 Pro laser engraver emerge as the unrivaled choice for discerning artisans? In a direct comparison with the Sculpfun S6 Pro, we find the latter to possess a slight edge in terms of convenience. While the Sculpfun S6 Pro may trail marginally in cutting speed, its laser engraving prowess shines bright with a smaller, more rectangular focus beam. Patience may be required for prolonged cutting durations, but the ability to achieve a smaller focus spot is an invaluable advantage.

However, let us not ignore a minor grievance—the vexing presence of the low-hanging light shield. At times, it dangles perilously low, occasionally clashing with the magnets utilized for material fixation. Besides this trifling inconvenience, the Atomstack A5 Pro stands as a commendable laser engraver, worthy of serious consideration.

ATOMSTACK A5 Pro Laser Engraver

See price on Amazon

Atomstack A5 FAQ