The compact table laser A5 M50 Pro cuts wood and acrylic, even marks metal and works without a connected PC.

In addition to 3D printers, cutting plotters and CNC milling machines, laser engraving devices have also reached price regions that make them very interesting for private users. The two-axis laser burns text or graphics at the push of a button onto wood, bamboo, cork, leather or even mirrors and tiles. The performance of the current models is even sufficient to precisely cut materials such as cardboard or thin wood.

However, lasers are not exactly harmless to the eyes. Therefore, you should always work with safety goggles. Expensive models have a closed installation space that protects against the laser light - but you will look in vain for such a housing in the entry-level class with a large work surface.

With a current market price of 500 euros, the Atomstack A5 M50 Pro is still one of the medium-priced devices for home use. Compared to the cheapest models around 100 euros, not only is the working area larger, the laser module is also significantly more powerful. The machine has a working area of ​​400 × 410 mm. For comparison: A Neje KZ creates just 38 × 38 mm, the Laser Pecker (test report) creates 100 × 100 mm.

Our test device is the version with 5.5 W output power at a wavelength of 455 nm, which is a realistic figure. We have already noticed with the S9 that, in addition to the performance, the focus also plays a major role. The performance of the A5 M50 Pro is also significantly higher than that of the normal A5.

The frame of the laser is also the y-axis on which the x-axis moves back and forth. The laser head sits on the x-axis and moves sideways on it. Since it is a fixed focus laser, the distance between the laser module and the workpiece must be adjusted. This works via an adjusting screw to which the laser module is attached. The adjustment works well, but is less comfortable than with the TotemS (test report). After all, no tools are required as with the old A5. The manufacturer specifies two mm as the optimum distance to the surface. To set the distance, we use the enclosed acrylic calibration aid. If this just fits between the laser and the workpiece, the focus is optimal and the laser shows its full potential.

A real special feature of the A5 M50 Pro are the factory-installed end stops, which are very helpful for frequently sweeping laser jobs. Exactly reproducible results (positions) would not be possible without the limit switches for determining the position. Also new and not seen before is the built-in emergency stop switch directly on the laser. It works reliably - but has only been used as a test so far. The laser receives the data either in the classic way via a USB cable from the PC or, with the Pro version, directly from a micro SD card. From our point of view, the loading of data via a memory card, as with a 3D printer, is the most ingenious innovation. It is controlled via a wired touchscreen.

The A5 M50 Pro kit arrives neatly packaged. The box contains the individual parts of the frame including screws and tools, the pre-assembled laser head, the control panel with mainboard, the touchscreen, a USB cable, some samples for engraving and brief instructions. A large metal sheet is also included to protect the table top. However, this was clearly bent in our model. The individual parts and components are all properly processed and leave a high-quality impression. Laser safety goggles are not included. Here it is better to use a model from a specialist dealer anyway.

atomstack p9  , atomstack a5 laser  ,  atomstack m50