The Acmer X1 Is a 3-in-1 Laser/CNC Machine Getting Big on Kickstarter – Here’s Why
What happens when you cram a 120 W water-cooled diode laser, a 4 W infrared laser, and a 200 W CNC router into a single unit? An Acmer X1, it seems.
We’ve spotted another Kickstarter campaign getting hot on Kickstarter right now. It combines a couple of powerful lasers with a strong CNC toolhead. It’s called the Acmer X1, and it’s so far raised just a little under $300,000 in pledges.
Leading the charge for your attention and money is the inclusion of a potent 120-watt diode laser, which is paired with a proprietary “IntelliCool” water-cooling system. That system ensures the X1 maintains a stable operating temperature, allowing the laser to deliver consistent power and achieve speeds of up to 30,000 mm/min. This raw power enables the X1 to cleanly cut through materials like 40 mm solid wood in a single pass, but the power of this CO₂ laser system can be easily dialed down to 20 or 60 W when not required to give its full oomph cutting such thick materials.
There’s also a 4-watt infrared laser and 200-watt CNC toolhead that come with the X1. Acmer’s Kickstarter page says the infrared laser module is what will give you “…crisp, high-contrast marks on metals and ceramics” while the 200-watt CNC toolhead is what you’ll want to use for “…slots, pockets, chamfers and 3D relief(s)” that lasers can’t pull off.
There are three options when it comes to work areas: 800 x 800 mm, 1,250 x 1,250 mm, and 1,250 x 2,450 mm. The latter is compatible with the standard 4′ x 8′ full panels, which should make working with large-scale projects like furniture panels and signage a simple task – at least in terms of being able to use the full panels.
As with any powerful laser products, a great deal of emphasis needs to be put on safety, and Acmer’s Kickstarter suggests they’ve done a pretty good assessment of what’s required. The machines can be fully enclosed for a start (albeit a $499 optional extra on the base X1), which contains the laser beam and fumes, reducing the risk of exposure to either. Automatic fire detection should shut off the laser should flames begin to appear, and there’s an emergency shutoff button you can hit if you happen to spot something you don’t like either.
An integrated smoke exhaust system to manage fumes and dust is also installed, and the water cooling system should maintain consistent, safe temperatures while work is being carried out.
All of this doesn’t come cheap of course. After launching, Acmer’s Kickstarter page says the X1 Ultra (the largest machine of the three) will have a $5,999 price tag. For now, if you pledge as a “super early bird” you can secure one for $4,399 though. A base X1 will have an RRP of $3,199 but is available at an early bird price of $2,299, and the Plus (the mid-sized X1) will RRP at $4,299 but is available early doors for $3,199.
A huge work area, powerful laser potential, and a CNC too? Does this Kickstarter appeal? 24 days remain, so we’d wager the 70+ backer count is likely to grow substantially in the coming weeks.
Editor's Note – This article highlights a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign. Kickstarter is not a shop; campaigns are under no legal obligation to deliver on crowdfunding promises, nor offer refunds on unfulfilled campaign rewards. For more insight, read our article 8 Things to Watch for When Backing a 3D Printing Kickstarter.
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