Today, we are going to explore a very innovative laser engraver – the all-new Atomstack Kraft [Official store, Amazon]. It features a dual-beam laser module consisting of a 20W blue laser, ideal for engraving and cutting wood, acrylic, and other organic materials, and a 1.2W infrared laser, which is great for engraving metals and some plastics. What truly sets it apart from the competition is that both laser modules can be used simultaneously, unlocking new possibilities that we will explore in this article.
The Atomstack Kraft also features a unique fire safety system, never seen before on any machine. We will also take a look at the conveyor feeder extension which expands the working area by almost three times. And of course, I will put it through all of my standard tests to see how it performs compared to other similar laser engravers.
*The links on this website can be affiliate links. I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. When you buy through these links you will support this website, which helps me to run this website(which cost money and a TON of time) and provide all these extensive reviews and information to you for free, without any paid membership.
The Atomstack Kraft is a fully enclosed laser engraver with efficient smoke extraction. It boasts a large honeycomb workbed with a total working area of 500*320mm (19.7*12.6″), suitable for large projects. Its lid is made of thick acrylic, which protects users from dangerous laser light and because of that using safety goggles is not required. A positioning camera on the lid is used for quick and easy positioning of the engravings. The machine features excellent cable management and a robust mechanical gantry with steel rollers on all axes. Additionally, it supports various accessories, including a riser extension and a conveyor feeder tray, which expands the working area by nearly three times.
Software Options for Atomstack Kraft
The machine is compatible with Lightburn, which is considered the best software for laser engravers. It is full of features, is reliable and easy to use.
The machine can also be used with the Atomstack Studio app, a free tool that unlocks some machine-specific features. For example, the app allows you to set the power level for each laser source individually when engraving in dual-mode. This is especially useful for materials that require the blue module to operate at low power while the infrared module runs at high power due to its lower overall output.
The Atomstack studio also comes with a big library of different shapes you can use immediately and save a lot of time. It also comes with a collection of pre-configured projects that you can make right away as the layers and settings are already set up. The Atomstack Studio is a good and free alternative if you don’t want to spend extra money for Lightburn software.
Atomstack Kraft Laser Module Options
When buying your Atomstack Kraft [Official store, Amazon] you can select two options for laser module. One option is to have a dual module, consisting of 20W blue laser and 1.2W infrared laser. The second option is to get a module that has a 40W blue laser only. This is a good option if you plan to do a lot of laser cutting. We have opted for the dual mode laser module.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the laser module. It includes a mechanical probe which is used for the autofocus function and a red crosshair projector that you can use for more precise manual positioning. When the machine is powered on, the working area is well illuminated. On the front panel, you’ll find an autofocus button and a laser module selector switch with three modes, allowing you to work with either laser individually or both simultaneously.
Pressing the autofocus button triggers the mechanical probe under the laser module to measure the focus distance and adjust the engraving height automatically.
Air Assist Pump Has a Built-In Fire Extinguisher!
The Atomstack Kraft offers a wide range of connectivity options and several safety features. One standout safety feature, a completely new innovation, is integrated directly into the air assist pump. The pump includes a water container that is used for fire safety. If the machine detects flames, the air assist pump pushes water through the air assist hose to extinguish them. I tested this feature at the end of this article.
The air assist also features a speed selector knob, a welcome addition also seen in previous Atomstack models. After connecting the air assist, I calibrated the camera using the Lightburn camera wizard so I could take an advantage of easy material positioning.
Plywood Engraving Test Pattern
Next, I tested the Atomstack Kraft using my standard plywood engraving test. The test includes a power scale test pattern to evaluate engraving performance at various speeds and power levels. The interval test is used to evaluate the engraving performance in horizontal and vertical direction. And the photo engraving test is there to assess the machines ability to engrave detailed images.
The results were impressive, with detailed engravings showing high contrast and minimal smoke stains. Compared to other 20-watt engravers I’ve tested, like the WeCreat Vision, xTool D1 Pro and the Atomstack A20 X20 Pro and the Sculpfun S30 Pro Max , the Atomstack Kraft clearly delivers some of the best results.
If you’d like to try my test patterns yourself, you can download them HERE. You will find a test pattern for all power outputs.
Engraving Anodized Aluminum – Measuring Focus Spot Size
I also tested the machine on anodized aluminum, which produces crisp and clean engravings, helping to evaluate the Atomstack Kraft’s precision and mechanical stability.
The test includes small text engraving to assess precision and three squares engraved at speeds ranging from 100 to 10,000mm/s to test stability. The main feature of the test pattern is the interval test in horizontal and vertical direction, which is used to measure the focus spot size and shape. Additionally, I engraved small text using only the infrared module to see how it compares.
Looking under a microscope, the results show excellent small-text engraving capability, with even the smallest 1mm (0.04″) tall text looking perfect. If we compare this to the text engraved with the infrared module, we can see that the infrared module has much smaller laser spot size.
The high-speed engraving tests revealed minimal mechanical vibrations at higher speed.
And the interval test showed that the blue laser has a very small laser spot size of just over 0.1mm squared (0.004″). One of the smallest laser spots so far which is great!
Focus Distance Test
A focus distance test evaluates how the laser beam diverges when moving away from the optimal focus. This involves engraving four squares, each 3mm higher than the previous one. Although on my first attempt, I used incorrect power settings and I had to redo the test with the correct values I normally used with a 20-watt machine.
The results are very good compared to other machines I have tested so far, with the Atomstack Kraft maintaining a small laser spot size even at longer distances. Although the Sculpfun S30 Pro Max still remains as the best performing machine in this test, the Atomstack Kraft is not far behind it.
Plywood Cutting Test Pattern
I also tested the Kraft’s cutting performance on 3- and 6mm thick Poplar plywood. The Atomstack Kraft really excelled at cutting 3mm plywood, matching the performance of the stronger 33-watt Atomstack A30, which we tested previously and has more than 50% more power. This really proves how well the Kraft cuts thinner plywood.
The 20-watt WeCreat Vision performed a bit better at thicker plywood, but it produced more smoke stains. Overall, I am very pleased with the performance of the Atomstack Kraft. If you want to do a lot of cutting, you could also get the Kraft with the 40-watt laser module and effectively double its cutting speed.
If you’d like to try my test patterns yourself, you can download them HERE.
Atomstack Kraft is an excellent laser cutter. It cuts quickly for its power and leaves a very clean edge with zero smoke stains. Here I have cut a simple holder for a plastic pipe I needed for a project.
Engraving and Cutting Acrylic with Atomstack Kraft
Cutting 3mm black acrylic was another success, requiring only three passes at 600mm/min. Note that Diode lasers don’t cut white or transparent acrylic. But they work on colored ones. (except the blue colored one).
But the black acrylic is where the dual-beam technology truly shines. The infrared module produces stunning white engravings, greatly expanding the machine’s versatility. You can easily create beautiful signs or keychains by engraving designs with the infrared laser and cutting them out with the blue laser. The infrared laser leaves great looking and completely white engravings, that stick out a little bit, providing a great feel and durability. This way you can make custom personalized gifts in no time.
Also note that even though you have two laser modules on your disposal, you still can’t effectively engrave some materials like this white acrylic. For engraving materials like this, an UV laser like the ComMarker Omni which I tested recently would be the best option.
Engraving Metals With Dual-Mode Opens New Dimensions!
Then it was time to engrave some metals. First I tried to engrave raw aluminum using the infrared laser alone as well as both lasers simultaneously.
The blue laser, on its own, does not affect these materials, but using both lasers resulted in darker engravings compared to the infrared laser alone.
I did the same test on brass, and the improvement was even more pronounced. However, I forgot to enable overscanning, so the edges showed slight fading due to the machines acceleration. The combination of both lasers resulted in deeper and more visually appealing engravings, likely because the blue laser preheats the surface, enhancing the infrared laser’s effect.
Expanding the Working Area With Atomstack R7 Conveyor Belt
The Atomstack Kraft has a working area of 500*320mm (19.7*12.6″). If you want to work with larger materials, you can use the conveyor feeder, which expands the Y-axis by nearly three times, to a 800*500mm (31.5*19.7″) working area. it is a motorized unit, moving under the machine, adding a much larger workspace to the machine.
To install it, you need to mount the machine to the riser base and remove the metal tray underneath the machine. The tray itself is thick and sturdy. The riser base features magnetic doors for easy access, but using the riser base leaves the table beneath unprotected. You will need to place some metal sheet underneath as the original tray doesn’t fit under the riser base. The honeycomb still fits normally and you can still use the machine normally if you don’t need the extra height.
Inserting the conveyor feeder is simple and takes less than a minute. However, it requires significant space at the front and back of the machine as the tray extends out on both sides. This may require moving the machine away from the wall. My small workshop lacks the space to test this extension fully, but I’ve previously used it with the Atomstack Hurricane in a previous video, where it worked flawlessly.
Despite its size, the overall footprint is much smaller than that of a dedicated laser cutter with a comparable working area. When not in use, the conveyor feeder can be neatly stored away saving a lot of space.
Testing the Atomstack Kraft Fire Extinguishing System!
And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for! I tested the fire extinguishing system by simulating a fire using a light bulb. When the machine detected the flame, it promptly released water into the air assist hose, spraying it in the area around the flame and extinguishing the fire immediately.
After the water is released, you’ll need to run the air assist for about a minute to clear the system, then wipe the lens to remove any remaining moisture. Once that’s done, the machine is ready for normal use again.
Conclusion
You can buy it in the Official store (use my 5% OFF Code: “JTandKraft”), or at Amazon.
Overall, it is a well-rounded machine, ideal for hobbyists or small businesses seeking an affordable, user-friendly, enclosed laser engraver. It excels at producing outstanding results on wood while also delivering impressive performance on metals and plastics, which is what you can’t get just from one laser source alone.
*The links on this website can be affiliate links. I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. When you buy through these links you will support this website, which helps me to run this website(which cost money and a TON of time) and provide all these extensive reviews and information to you for free, without any paid membership.
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