As a powerful 55W CO2 laser cutter, AtomStack Hurricane is engineered to meet the diverse crafting needs of creators across all skill levels, from workshop artisans and small business owners to creative studio hobbyists.
In this blog, let's dive deeper into this newly released CO2 laser cutter and explore the key features that make this desktop factory stand out.
Part 1. What Is a CO2 Laser Cutter & AtomStack Hurricane?
CO2 laser cutter refers to a type of laser cutting machine that uses a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, which is a gas molecular laser. AtomStack Hurricane is one such CO2 laser cutting machine. The working substance is CO2 gas stored in the laser tube, with auxiliary gases such as nitrogen and xenon. The laser is generated through transitions between the vibrational and rotational energy levels of CO2 molecules.
AtomStack Hurricane laser operates at a wavelength of 10.6 micrometers, offering excellent stability and an energy conversion efficiency of up to 25%.
Part 2. How Laser Beam Travels in AtomStack Hurricane
Since the direction of the laser ray and the processing direction of the machine are not aligned, the laser emitted by the CO2 laser engraving machine does not directly ray to the material but is transmitted to the surface of the material through a precise optical path system.
The laser tube is mounted on a horizontal platform by a bracket. The laser beam is reflected by the first mirror to the second mirror, then to the third mirror, and finally focused by a lens. The focal point is where the energy is concentrated, creating intense heat to cut and engrave within a specific range.
Part 3. How AtomStack Hurricane Engraves?
The laser tube of AtomStack Hurricane CO2 laser cutter rays a high-intensity laser beam with a maximum power of 55W, which is focused onto the material surface to heats it rapidly, causing it to vaporize or burn away.
In engraving, the laser typically removes the surface layer without cutting all the way through. This creates recessed marks, lines, or images on the material. Usually, the laser head is guided by computer-controlled software (CNC) that directs the beam along a specific path or pattern, which you can set as you wish. This allows for more intricate designs and more precise control, compared to traditional manual control. What’s more, the intensity and speed of the laser can also be adjusted to control how deep the engraving goes.
Part 4. How AtomStack Hurricane Cuts?
In cutting, the laser goes deeper, rather than just marking its surface. The laser typically heats a narrow strip of the material to the point where it either vaporizes or melts away, finishing the cutting work. Similar to the engraving process, the movement of the laser head is controlled by computer software, which dictates the cutting path and pattern. Therefore, the laser can cut straight lines, curves, or complex shapes depending on the design input.
During the laser cutting and engraving process, an air assist system is often used to cool the material and blow away debris, ensuring clean cutting and engraving.
Part 5. Key Features of AtomStack Hurricane
1. Powerful 55W CO2 Laser
Hurricane's powerful 55W CO2 laser is perfect for cutting and engraving a wide range of materials, including acrylic, wood, leather, glass, jewelry, and rubber. Its high-power output ensures efficient, precise results, even on tougher materials.
2. 10.6-Micron Wavelength Laser
Hurricane's 10.6-micron wavelength laser ensures precise carving and compatibility across various materials, making it ideal for both cutting and engraving. Its versatility empowers users to handle a wide range of projects with ease.
3. Large Working Area
Hurricane features a bed size of 625*420mm (24.6*16.5 inches) and a working area of 500*300mm (19.7*11.8 inches), expandable to 800*500mm (31.5*19.7 inches) with an optional conveyor feeder. This spacious work area accommodates larger projects, enhancing productivity to a new level.
4. High-Speed Operation
With working speeds of up to 600mm/s, Hurricane boosts productivity, enabling users to complete projects faster without sacrificing quality.
5. 5MP Built-in Camera
The integrated 5MP camera offers full visual positioning of the working area, ensuring precision and accuracy in every project. This advanced feature enables users to achieve consistent, professional results with ease.
6. Batch Engraving
The integrated 5MP camera enables batch processing, allowing you to engrave multiple objects at once and complete all designs in a single run. This feature dramatically enhances efficiency and productivity.
Part 6. Usage Scenarios for AtomStack Hurricane
As a CO2 laser cutter, AtomStack Hurricane can be widely used in a great variety of scenarios, including wood processing, garment leather fabric processing, model making, DIY crafts, and advertising decoration packaging. It is suitable for processing (engraving or cutting) materials like wood, acrylic, paper, fabric, epoxy resin, plastic, rubber, glass, leather, stone, ceramics, and coated metals.
With such incredible versatility and strong material compatibility, AtomStack Hurricane is engineered to cater to a wide range of user groups, including woodworkers, event planners, sign makers, jewelry designers, real estate agents, educators, entrepreneurs, and small business owners.
Whether you're expanding your business, launching a side hustle, or enhancing educational tools in the classroom, Hurricane is your ultimate solution for cutting-edge creativity.
Part 7. FAQs About AtomStack Hurricane
1. Is Hurricane suitable for me?
If you are a designer, craftsman, or a woodworking DIY enthusiast who needs to efficiently and precisely cut and engrave wood, acrylic, and other materials mostly, Atomstack Hurricane is a great fit for you. Thanks to its Class 1 laser safety security and low-noise design, Atomstack Hurricane is also ideal for educational training purposes.
2. What materials can Hurricane process?
Hurricane can process wood, leather, acrylic, paper, fabric, rubber, ceramics (engraving), oxide-coated metals (engraving), and glass (engraving).
3. Can Hurricane engrave and cut metal?
Hurricane cannot cut raw metal but can engrave on coated metals, anodized aluminum alloys, and anodized titanium steel. It is not suitable for processing untreated, uncoated stainless steel.
4. What's the differences between Hurricane and A70 Max?
Hurricane and A70 Max are both professional machines developed and produced by AtomStack for DIY enthusiasts, with strong processing capabilities. Their core difference lies in the laser source: A70 Max is equipped with a 70W power 455nm wavelength semiconductor laser, while Hurricane is equipped with a 55W power 10.6μm wavelength gas laser.
These different laser wavelengths give each machine its strengths. A70 Max is suitable for woodworking enthusiasts who need thick wooden boards one-pass cutting, but cannot cut or engrave transparent materials such as acrylic, glass, and ceramics. Hurricane well handles most common materials, can quickly and beautifully cut and engrave wood, clear acrylic, and engrave on leather, glass, and ceramic surfaces.
Additionally, A70 Max is an open machine, whereas Hurricane is designed as enclosed, certified with the IEC60825-1 Class 1 laser safety, offering a safer and more secure working environment.
5. What preparations are needed before using Hurricane?
Hurricane comes pre-assembled, and you only need to prepare an 800*1800mm or 1200*1600mm workspace, and 1500ml of purified or distilled water (if used in winter, be sure to add antifreeze).
After unpacking, you can start the setup directly. Before work, you only need to calibrate the optical path slightly (with a red light indicator, no need for dangerous ignition) and the camera. Connect to the software, and you can get started quickly.
6. Which software can be used to control Hurricane?
Hurricane is compatible with mainstream control software LightBurn. We have also developed our own Atomstack PC control software and mobile app, AtomStack Studio, for all users. Our self-developed software offers exclusive features such as a pre-set material plan database, real-time water temperature detection, offline control, and faster camera calibration.
7. How long can Hurricane run continuously?
Hurricane can operate continuously for 12 hours as long as the water temperature remains normal. Please note that continuous long time operation may accelerate the decay of laser power.
