ComMarker B4 – A More industrial laser engraver

Another laser video starts on the channel. Victorius Garage expresses his love for lasers and introduces a machine he has been experimenting with for a month, the ComMaker b4, which contains a 20W fiber source. Victorius Garage emphasizes the capabilities of such a powerful source. ComMarker naming of this model as a b4 casing while offering different fiber laser sources seems unusual to it. Users can choose between various fiber laser engraver  sources, including the 20W fiber source or the recently launched JPT fiber laser sources that allow adjustments in pulse width and facilitate different colors on stainless steel.

Victorius Garage  explains that selecting the commarker b4 model entails choosing the casing, galvo system, and fiber delivery. The specific source placed inside the machine is up to the user, ranging from 20W to 60W fiber sources or a jpt mopa source. Victorius Garage notes that the machine has an industrial feel and comes with two sets of lenses, allowing for adjustments in the working area. Despite not boasting exceptional build quality, it satisfies the host’s requirements, as he prioritizes internal components over external features.

Victorius Garage praises the precision of the galvo system but criticizes the accompanying software, EZcad , as subpar, suggesting viewers opt for LightBurn software with its $140 license fee. Additionally, the machine offers the option of including a rotary axis, which accommodates various rotary axes due to its compatibility with standard stepper motors. This flexibility allows users to customize accessories for manipulating the working area.

The host Victorius Garage highlights the motorized turret part for adjusting the laser height and mentions the detachable head. He explains that between the source and the galvo system lies an optical fiber that transmits laser power. He concludes by expressing his intention to connect the machine to a computer to demonstrate its power and capabilities.

The power testing of ComMarker B4 20watt

The individual is in the office, with the laser positioned as usual, adorned with stickers from previous Instagram videos. Victorius Garage proceed to conduct a power test on a 316 stainless steel plate. Victorius Garage highlight LightBurn’s capability to run material reaction tests, providing insight into potential results and mark depth before final experiments. Concerned about camera safety due to the laser’s intensity, they emphasize the importance of avoiding sensor damage.

Explaining the focusing process, they mention adjusting two points until they intersect, ensuring optimal focus. Victorius Garage note LightBurn’s versatility in test patterns, choosing to examine frequency versus power. By altering frequency and laser power, Victorius Garage aim to showcase resulting mark variations. Despite the intricacy of the process, they set the speed to 100 mm per second for clarity.

Victorius Garage discuss coloration on stainless steel, influenced by power and frequency adjustments. Shifting focus to the machine’s detailed capabilities, they marvel at the intricate detailing achievable. Notably, they highlight alignment precision between preview and marking lasers, essential for accuracy. They express awe at the machine’s resolution and detail, noting the challenge of capturing its full splendor on camera.

The individual concludes, intending to conduct further tests.

Material testing for Commarker B4 laser engraver

In the aluminum test, the laser is being tested at super-fast speeds. It is set at 300 mm per second initially, and then increased to 500 mm per second to observe the quality of marking at these speeds. The galvo system is noted for its ability to reach high speeds effortlessly. The test is further escalated to 1000 mm per second, revealing a slight degradation in mark clarity, suggesting a limit for this material around 600 mm per second. Despite this, marking at 600 mm per second still produces high-quality results, ideal for aluminum marking. The addition of a rotary axis is mentioned, and an attempt is made to engrave a ring to test the camera’s focusing capabilities. The overall performance of the machine is praised, particularly its power output. There is an expressed desire to examine the fiber source incorporated into the machine, prompting the decision to open it up for inspection.

In terms of connections, the machine appears to be well-crafted based on observations. All connectors are equipped with heat shrink, including those for crimping the DC motor to control the Z-axis. Additionally, there is a logo indicating the presence of a Max Photonics source, which is regarded as a high-quality laser source. The fiber emerges from this point, leading to the head, which is also neatly finished. Considering it’s from a startup, the product is commendable. Both the mirrors of the galvo system and the laser source seem to be of good quality. The quality of these components ultimately determines the longevity of the laser, particularly regarding their reflectance at the infrared wavelength.

Moving on to testing, an attempt is made to engrave a plastic toolkit, resulting in a beautiful mark. It’s noted that the effectiveness of marking depends on the type of plastic, and this particular one reacts well to infrared marking, leaving a deep mark without causing any burning. Transitioning to a demonstration of raw power, a piece of stainless steel is subjected to high power and slow movement, resulting in significant deformation due to the intense heat generated. The heat is notable, indicating the effectiveness of the machine’s power output.

Final opinion of commarker B4

Victorius Garage decides to conclude the review at this point, expressing his significant surprise with the machine. He has spent a month experimenting with the commarker B4 20watt fiber laser marking machine , even cutting stencil sheets of 0.1mm stainless steel, typically used for welding masks and similar applications. He find the machine to be remarkable. The main point they aim to convey with this review is the authenticity of the 20W nominal source it comes with, highlighting the common deception in the laser industry regarding power specifications. They clarify that while the machine consumes 400W, the actual laser output power is only 20W, which is the crucial aspect. Being a pulsed fiber laser, it’s capable of generating significantly higher-energy pulses.

Victorius Garage strongly recommends this machine, particularly when compared to others like the LaserPeker, depending on the intended use. For makers involved in decorative projects, a user-friendly software like Laserpeker would be preferable. However, for workshops requiring mass engraving, a machine like this, emphasizing power and speed, would be more suitable, even with the additional cost of a $140 LightBurn license. They assert that in terms of value for money, there’s no competition, as acquiring 20W of fiber for $1999, including essential components like the galvo diode laser system and control board, is highly competitive. Thus, he concludes the review, leaving the audience eagerly anticipating the next video.

Thank you very much Victorius Garage for making such an objective evaluation of commarker B4. If you like Victorius Garage’s videos, you can click on this link to watch more