Laser Cutter Universal VS Epilog

[inertialabs]

I am unfortunately under the gun to buy a laser cutter / engraver talking to a few friends has raised a couple of issues about software. Everyone agrees that the Universal package is easy to use, but what are the real differences as far as
getting it going quickly and ease of use. Do you need Corral draw or a cam package or can you just print prom normal print drivers. Anny advise would be helpful

Thanks

[cadman57]

I use a Universal Laser Cutter and the dealer pushed Correl Draw as the program of choice, but I use AutoCAD.

I set up a template drawing in AutoCAD and the Laser is controlled with a print driver. It is easy to use just like plotting a drawing, you need to set lineweights to .004" or less to cut and .006" or more to engrave.

You also have to tell it what speed and power to plot per color.

A little experimentation on various materials and you will be ready to go.

I wish everything were this easy to use.

[inertialabs]

Ok that sounds pretty straight foreword, How about importing graphics or logos is that something you have done ?

[cadman57]

Most raster type graphics I bring into AutoCAD and trace over it just to get clean crisp lines. I can also control what gets cut and what gets engraved by drawing in different colors and lineweights.

Correl Draw would probably be better if you just want to engrave a raster image.

[Metalcraft]

Both Epilog and Universal are good machines. They are the top selling laser
engravers in the world. The Epilog uses servos whereas the Universal uses
steppers. Both are very easy to learn and use. The universal uses its own
tubes and the Epilog use synrad. I can only speak for Epilog's support and it is
outstanding. I hear Universal is good also. You can't go wrong with either!

[joeski]

Hi All,
I have a Universal laser and also aquired three for Harvard, MIT and multiple print shops in the area. I looked at Epilog lasers first, but they had problems cutting the vectors. Circles looked like eggs and and the end of the cuts did not line up and when the files were brought in, the system crashed. Tech support was great, but they did not fix the problem. I heard they fixed this problem since then, but without seeing it, I don't believe it. Universal lasers are very easy to run, service and mostly trouble free, if properly maintained. Universal do make their own laser tubes. Epilogs I think maybe better for engraving in raster mode. I use Coreldraw for both vector and raster cutting but prefer ACAD for any high precision work. I also have a 25 watt 24" x 18" laser with blower and filter box for sale if anyone is interested.
The price is 7k. Hope this is helpful.
Thanks, Joe.

[pease1]

PM sent re: your laser.

[inertialabs]

Hey Joe

Thanks for your input and everyone else as well. I bought a Universal laser and they are building it for me this month. I have to say that almost everyone says that Epilog is a good machine, But they have or would buy a Universal. I will give a review of my own once we get it up and running.


Reason

[toofastdave]

I have been running a ULS M-300 35 watt system for over 4 years and have not had ONE single problem with it. I don't know how many hours it has on it but I can tell you that it's plenty! I run AutoCAD, Corel Draw, Photograv and Rhino3D. Don't have anything bad to say at all... I haven't even had to replace a belt yet.. unreal.

-Dave

[inertialabs]

Hey thanks for the input, I ended up buying a V460 and so far it is amazing, I will keep you posted.