Hi everyone,
I’m currently deciding between the H2D and the H2D Laser. My primary use case — I’d say 99% of the time — is 3D printing.
When I looked into it, I realized that getting a 10W laser with all the accessories (in an enclosed machine) separately would cost much more than just going for the H2D Laser version. So, in terms of value, the upgrade seems worth it.
However, the reason I’m hesitating is that I’m worried the laser might mess up the printer over time. I saw some photos on the wiki showing how dirty the inside of the machine can get after just a few hours of laser use.
Is there anyone here who’s actively using the laser module (even the 40W version) and could share their experience — especially regarding how much cleanup is needed and how much debris or residue it generates?
Thanks in advance!
Short answer: if you don’t need the cutting functionality, I’d recommend buying the standard H2D without the laser. If you’re only going to use the laser 1% of the time, it’s probably not worth the added cost.
I’m not sure when the upgrade kit will be available, so if you do plan to use the cutter, feel free to go for the 10W laser version now — or get the base H2D and wait for the upgrade kit.
Just keep in mind that, if I remember correctly, the air assist for the upgrade kit will be mounted externally.
That said, I personally like my 40W laser — even though a dedicated laser machine is likely better overall. But for now, considering the space and integration, this one works well enough for my needs.
For context, I’ve only used the cutting function for maybe 10–20 minutes in total — the rest has been anodized aluminum engraving. And I’ve already gotten a warning about urgent cleaning, so yes, it definitely gets used.
Naturally, this also means more maintenance compared to a non-laser setup, and nobody really knows yet whether this might affect print quality over time.
Short Answer…
It’s a 3D printer purchase it as such,
I would never mix the two!
Purchase a dedicated laser when needed.
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I was contemplating the same decision and choose the 10w. Reasoning was to have all the things and not worry about an upgrade path to the machine if I wanted the added functionality in the future. A simple, better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it. I already have a dedicated laser machine though. Getting the 40w module is much easier than having to build on the additional pieces to the machine…I should mention, if I didnt have gift cards to burn, i might have just stayed with the non laser though.
I bought the 10W laser when I first saw it.
Unfortunately, I am disappointed as many of my projects cannot be cut with a blue laser. I should have informed myself better beforehand, my mistake.
After cutting the “butterfly” from the templates, it took me about 2 hours to clean up.
The conversion from laser to 3-D printing can be done very quickly, but from 3-D to laser requires calibration each time, which takes a lot of time.
The 10W has a smaller focal spot and can therefore cut finer than the 40W.
I will definitely not cut wood with it again.
Conclusion: I would not buy it again.
I bought the 10W laser combo and I am intending to use it mainly for printing and possibly 5% laser engraving in stainless steel and aluminum. Though it’s not totally clean, the generated debris is a fine dust, that requires less cleaning than when you would de cutting wood, or worse, plastics. Those materials cause a lot of contamination in your machine.
I don’t regret my choice so far.
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Just get what you can afford and want. If the increased cost isnt much for you, may aswell get the nicer machine.
If you dont like cleaning, stick to metals
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I agree with get what you can afford… I got the 10w laser combo because I didn’t want to have to deal with the upgrade later. The people that keep saying get a separate laser don’t understand the point of integrating them in the first place… This printer and laser combo is not intended for someone with access to a seperate laser. Hence, the “option”.
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