The Master 2S plus is an open, cantilever-framed benchtop laser engraving machine from NEJE lasers.
I considered parameters such as the machine’s size, transmission, laser, material capability, assembly, upgrades, and other factors for this review.
Unfortunately NEJE Master 2S Plus is no longer available, and you can opt for NEJE Master 3 Plus which is basically the same machine that supports different laser modules.
Apart from that, NEJE 3 series also includes NEJE 3 Pro and NEJE 3 Max, that offer the standard square frame design with comparatively larger work area.
At the end of this article, I have also compared NEJE Master 2S Plus with NEJE Master 2S to help you narrow down your choice.
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– Review
Size
| Footprint (l x b) | Work area (l x b) |
|---|---|
| 21.65″ x 18.5″ (550mm x 470mm) | 16.53″ x 10.03″ (420mm x 255mm) |
Footprint and work area of NEJE Master 2S Plus
The footprint of NEJE Master 2S Plus is 21.65″ x 18.5″ and the work area is 16.53″ x 10.03″.It weighs around 7 lbs and can be moved around easily.
It has a cantilever arrangement rather than a 4 sided frame that is mostly followed by other laser engravers at a similar price range. For example, ORTUR Laser Master 2.
The cantilever design of the NEJE Master 2S Plus can cause vibration if the base is not fixed to the tabletop.
The two stepper motors act as a counterweight when the laser module is at the far end of the X-axis gantry which helps reduce the vibration.
The Y-axis rail is supported by two acrylic cutouts having metallic fixing points that allow you to secure it to your workbench.
Laser Module
| Parameters | N25410 Laser | A40630 Laser | A40640 Laser |
|---|---|---|---|
| Input Power | 7W | 30W | 40W |
| Output Power | 2.5W | 5.5W | 10W |
| Wavelength | 450nm | 450nm | 450nm |
| No. of diodes | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Focus | Fixed-focus | Fixed-focus | Fixed-focus |
An overview of the 30W and 40W laser modules that comes with NEJE Master 2S Plus
NEJE Master 2S Plus provides three options for laser modules, but it can also hold most of the laser modules NEJE currently sells. So, if you want, you can even upgrade the laser module later on.
Three options available at the time of purchase are 7W (N25410), 30W (A40630), and 40W (A40640) laser modules. They all operate at a wavelength of 450nm.
The 40W module has two laser diodes arranged at a 90⁰ angle, whose beams are merged using a special prism lens. This combined laser beam results in high output power.
It has almost double the output power of the 30W variant, which makes it more suitable for working on comparatively thin workpieces.
The 40W laser module has an output power of 10W, the 30W variant has 5.5W, and the 7W variant has 2.5W.
For focusing the laser you need to manually slide the mounting fixture up or down. The minimum focus spot size achievable is 0.04 x 0.04 mm².
Smaller focus size facilitates achieving higher engraving resolution and cleaner cuts.
Each laser module is equipped with a temperature sensor to monitor the module’s temperature. It is a critical feature because high temperatures can cause the laser to malfunction.
The laser module is housed inside a metal body with fins on the outside and inside to aid in cooling.
Its smart driver automatically adjusts the cooling fan’s speed to keep the temperature at an optimum operational range.
This means that the laser module can be used for prolonged periods without any risk of overheating.
Material Capability
| Materials | Marking | Engraving | Cutting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plywood | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (<0.7″) |
| MDF | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (<0.7″) |
| Balsa | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (<0.3″) |
| Hard Wood | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (<0.7″) |
| Dark Acrylic | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (<0.3″) |
| Brushed Acrylic (Transparent) | ✓ | ☓ | ☓ |
| Cardboard | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (<0.3″) |
| Bamboo | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stamp Rubber | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fabric | ✓ | ☓ | ✓ |
| Leather | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Plastic | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Foam | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| PCB Board | ✓ | ☓ | ☓ |
| Anodized Aluminum | ✓ | ☓ | ☓ |
| Stainless Steel | ✓ | ☓ | ☓ |
The material capability of NEJE Master 2S Plus laser engraver
NEJE Master 2S Plus can mark, engrave and cut wood, composites, fabric, bamboo, leather, plastic, foam, rubber, stainless steel, anodized aluminum, acrylic, etc.
The laser modules (7W, 30W, and 40W) work on similar materials, but you can achieve faster results with higher power modules.
| Material Thickness | Speed on 40W Module | Speed on 30W Module |
|---|---|---|
| Plywood 1/8″ | 16.5 ipm (1 pass) | 4.72 ipm (1 pass) |
| Birch Ply 1/8″ | 18.9 ipm (1 pass) | 9.4 ipm (1 pass) |
| MDF board 1/8″ | 4.72 ipm (1 pass) | 4.72 ipm (2 passes) |
| Black acrylic 1/8″ | 4.72 ipm (1 pass) | 4.72 ipm (2 passes) |
Different materials and their cutting speed on both the laser modules
These cutting results are obtained by setting the output power at 100% on both laser modules.
It’s advised to perform test runs on the material beforehand, as it helps you find the proper setting for attaining the desired result.
Transmission/Linear Drive
NEJE Master 2S Plus is driven by a belt-drive mechanism along the X and Y-axis.
The V-wheel-assisted movement along the aluminum linear rails provides a smooth transmission to the gantry.
Z-axis is not automated. It has to be adjusted manually to set the laser focus.
Controller and Electronics
Controller
NEJE Master 2S Plus uses a 32-Bit MCU motherboard. It has integrated stepper drivers and Bluetooth capabilities.
Until the beginning of 2021, most NEJE machines were using 8-bit MCUs. All models have since been upgraded with the brand new GD32 MCUs. It has led to improvement in processing speed.
Stepper Motors
The NEJE Master 2S Plus uses two NEMA 17 stepper motors to achieve machine movement. They have a holding torque of 56.64 oz-in and a step angle of 1.8°.
High feed rates can sometimes cause the motor to lose steps. To fix this, perform test runs to ensure that your feed rate is optimal.
Rapid change of inertia at high speed can also cause vibration and move the machine. You can prevent this by securing the machine to the work table using the fixturing holes.
Electronics
One of the major highlights of the NEJE Master 2S Plus machine is Bluetooth, which you can use to control the machine wirelessly through the NEJE mobile app.
The Active Position Protection (APP) feature uses the MEMS accelerometer in the motherboard of NEJE Master 2S Plus to detect any sudden movement of the machine.
The APP feature detects any unwanted movement in the machine and halts the operation almost instantaneously.
While the machine is working, if some external force causes the machine to flick, the machine senses it. However, if the workpiece moves, it cannot be detected.
Another helpful feature integrated into this machine is Exposure Duration Detection and Limitation (EDDL).
If the laser engraver is on and stationary for a long time, the safety system will turn off the laser to prevent fire hazards.
The machine also has limit switches to determine the home position before every new operation.
The laser will sense if the laser’s position has been changed manually and use the limit switches to reorient itself.
Software
NEJE has its software compatible with most devices. All you have to do is install the driver and the latest version of the software from the NEJE website. The software automatically detects the machine model.
They also offer a mobile app for both Android and iOS. However, the app isn’t available on Apple’s App Store or Google’s Play Store.
You can scan the QR code on the back leg of the device to download the NEJE mobile app for controlling the NEJE Master 2S Plus directly from your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth.
NEJE Master 2S Plus also supports LaserGRBL for Windows computers and LightBurn for Windows, macOS, and Linux computers.
Users have reported better engraving results with LightBurn and LaserGRBL than NEJE software. You can also use it with other laser-compatible software.
The NEJE site has a device-specific page where you can download the driver for the device and the latest version of NEJE software.
Accessories
| List of accessories |
|---|
| Power Adapter |
| Laser Safety Glass |
| USB data cable |
| focussing plate |
| Clamps for securing the base |
| Mini spanner |
| Zip ties |
| Allen wrenches |
| Brush |
| Testing wood |
| Anodized aluminum testing sample |
| Testing paper |
| User manual |
List of accessories that come packed inside the shipped box of NEJE Master 2S Plus
Safety Glass
Neje Master 2S Plus includes a laser safety goggle to protect your eyes from laser hazards during the operation.
In addition, the laser module has an acrylic plate on the front-facing side of the laser module for extra protection.
Anodized aluminum, wood, paper
NEJE Master 2S Plus comes with some test materials like anodized aluminum, wood, and paper, which can be used to perform initial test runs after setting up the machine.
Tools
Tools such as clamps, spanners, wrenches, nuts, zip ties, and a brush are provided with 2S Plus. All these tools will help you maintain the machine well.
You can use the wrenches and the mini spanner to tighten the belt drive, adjust the laser focus, and assemble the machine.
Clamps and nuts are used for holding the machine to the workbench.
You can use the brush to clean the residual ashes and dust from the machine regularly.
The zip ties are for cable management. Make sure you use them to keep the wiring away from the axis paths. Rough wire management can affect the machine’s transmission accuracy.
User Manual
The manual provided is short and is written in many different languages. It contains details about the assembly, maintenance, service conditions, and laser safety measures.
Assembly
NEJE Master 2S Plus comes well packed inside a black hard-foam box. Each part is housed inside the slotted inserts on thick foam.
It contains a detailed manual with all the assembly instructions.
The assembly process is as easy as tightening four screws to attach the x-axis to the carriage on the y-axis and plugging the cables into corresponding interfaces.
The laser module easily slides into its holder, and you can tighten the screw to hold it in place and plug it in.
It takes about 20-30 minutes to assemble the machine and get it up and running.
Remember to place the assembled machine on a flat, stable, and clean platform to stabilize its four bracket feet. Else during its operation, the machine can vibrate and cause irregular engraves.
Upgrades
Air Assist
Regarding ventilation, laser cutters/engravers perform better with an air-assist system and an exhaust system.
The air assist system blows away the charred particles created by the cutting/engraving process and provides a clean surface for the laser to work on.
NEJE offers a small, manual-controlled air-assist kit that can be retrofitted to NEJE Master 2S Plus as an opional upgrade.
Has one-year warranty and 30-day replacement period.
Exhaust System
The exhaust system is essential for a laser cutter or engraver, especially when working on materials like PVC and plastics.
The fumes produced by these materials can cloud and stain the focus lens, eventually reducing the laser intensity. Also, when such fumes are inhaled on a daily basis, they can cause irritation to lungs and other health hazards.
You can use an exhaust system to timely remove the generated fumes. It’ll be better to upgrade with an enclosure and connect an exhaust hose.
Base Plate
You can also upgrade NEJE Master 2S Plus with a base plate.
Using just a solid base plate at the bottom of the workpiece will create a burnt edge on the workpieces.
You can fix it by using a simple wire mesh between the workpiece and your baseplate.
Luckily, NEJE themselves offers a honeycomb panel built for the NEJE Master 2S Plus laser engraver.
Honeycomb diameter is 9.5mm (0.37 inch).
Suitable for NEJE Master 2S, NEJE 3 Pro, Plus & Max laser engraving machines.
Community Support
The NEJE website has a forum page with different sections for feedback, tutorials, FAQs, other queries, and also a place for creators to showcase their projects.
There is also a private group on Facebook for the customers of NEJE to showcase their creations and discuss different projects and products.
You can also flag your doubts and errors through these platforms.
Customer Support
NEJE Master 2S Plus has a two-year warranty, and the laser module has a warranty of two years or 20,000 working hours (whichever comes first).
You can contact NEJE through the email contacts mentioned on the contact page of their website.
Almost all of NEJE’s products are available on Amazon. Shipping takes more or less the same amount of days from both Amazon and the NEJE website.
Shipments are made from their nearest warehouse to your location. NEJE has warehouses in the US, Spain, Germany, Hong Kong, and Russia.
NEJE is renowned for its prompt customer service. Also, all the components of NEJE’s machines are available as spares on their website and on Amazon.
Final Thoughts
NEJE Master 2S Plus is an excellent mid-ranged pocket-friendly laser engraver. Its ease of use and flexible laser module options make it a good choice for hobbyists of different proficiency levels.
In conclusion, NEJE Master 2S Plus is a versatile laser device with an adequate work area for performing most engraving jobs of a hobbyist.
NEJE Master 2S Plus is available on Amazon and NEJE’s website. Sometimes, you can’t find all the available laser module options on Amazon. It depends on supply and demand.
However, all the laser options will mostly be available on NEJE’s online store, and they also provide their products at discounted rates during seasonal sales.
NEJE Master 2S Plus vs NEJE Master 2S
| Parameters | NEJE Master 2S | NEJE Master 2S Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Footprint | 15″ x 11.4″ x 5.11″ | 21.65″ x 18.5″ x 5.51″ |
| Work Area | 6.7″ x 6.7″ | 16.53″ x 10.03″ |
| Pixel | 2266 x 2266 | 3400 x 5600 |
| Stepper Motor | NEMA 17 (6.35 oz-in) | NEMA 17 (9.88 oz-in) |
| Laser Modules | 20W, 10W | 7W, 30W, and 40W |
A quick comparison of NEJE Master 2S and NEJE Master 2S Plus
The 2S Plus has a footprint of 21.65″ x 18.5″. You will need a flat tabletop surface of about 25″ x 22″ to operate the machine safely, whereas the 2S has only a 15″ x 11.4″ footprint and doesn’t take much space.
NEJE Master 2S Plus offers a work area of 16.53″ x 10.03″ and allows for working on larger pieces. However, 2S has a work area of 6.7″ x 9.7″ and is restricted to small-sized materials.
2S Plus comes with 7W, 30W, or 40W laser modules. It is also compatible with other laser modules that NEJE sells.
On the other hand, 2S comes with the 10W or 20W module. It can also hold other powerful modules that NEJE offers but will require an additional clamp for some laser modules.
The 2S Plus model, with more powerful lasers, can handle cutting operations more easily and at faster speeds than the 2S model.
Since both machines can hold all the different laser modules with a suitable clamp, it finally comes down to the size of your workpiece and the table size available.
Overall, 2S Plus will be a valuable choice as it offers more flexibility in terms of the workpiece size that it can handle.
Furthermore, being an upgrade to the 2S series, NEJE Master 2S Plus offers a comparatively better cost-benefit ratio.
NEJE Master 2S Plus vs Aufero Laser 1
| Parameters | NEJE Master 2S Plus | Aufero Laser 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Footprint | 21.65″ x 18.5″ x 5.51″ | 12.4″ x 16.6″ x 4.9″ |
| Work Area | 16.53″ x 10.03″ | 7.1” x 7.1” |
| Stepper Motor | NEMA 17 | NEMA 17 |
| Laser Power | 2.5W, 5.5W, and 10W | 1.5W, 5.5W LF, 5.5 SF |
A quick comparison of NEJE Master 2S Plus and Aufero Laser 1
Whereas the Aufero 1 is comparatively smaller and has a 15″ x 11.4″ footprint which doesn’t take much space.
NEJE Master 2S Plus offers a work area of 16.53″ x 10.03″ and allows for working on larger pieces, but Aufero 1 has a work area of 7.1″ x 7.1″ and is restricted to small-sized materials.
2S Plus offers 2.5W, 5.5W, or 10W laser modules, and is also compatible with other laser modules that NEJE sells.
On the other hand, Aufero 1 offers 1.5W or 5.5W laser modules only. However, it offers two variants of the 5.5W laser module: LU2-4-LF and LU2-4-SF.
LU2-4-LF or long focus is ideal for cutting thick materials, whereas LU2-4-SF (short focus) is ideal for cutting and engraving thin materials.
The 2S Plus, with more powerful lasers, can handle cutting operations more easily and at faster speeds than the Aufero 1.
Although Aufero 1 offers low-powered laser modules, it can use multi-pass technique to cut and engrave all the materials that NEJE Master 2S Plus can.
Since both machines can perform similar functions at different speeds, it finally comes down to the size of your workpiece and the table size available.
Overall, NEJE Master 2S Plus is ideal for cutting and engraving large workpieces, whereas Aufero 1 offers better portability with compact size.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it worth buying the NEJE Master 2S Plus?
Yes, it is worth buying the NEJE Master 2S Plus for the given price point as you get powerful laser options. Such lasers reduce work time and improve quality, especially while cutting thick materials. The machine is also pretty straightforward to set up and use.
Does the NEJE Master 2S Plus support LightBurn software?
Yes, the NEJE Master 2S and 2S Plus do support LightBurn software. Most users are confused about this because the NEJE Master 2 didn’t support LightBurn. The 2S series is an upgrade, and it does support LightBurn and LaserGRBL software.
Can the NEJE Master 2S Plus work on colored acrylic?
NEJE Master 2S Plus can only work on black-colored acrylic. It cannot work on most colored acrylic as the diode laser used in 2S Plus is not powerful enough to work on light-colored acrylic.
