The Laser Master 2 is an open-frame, hobbyist, benchtop laser engraving machine from Ortur.
It is a worthy successor of the Ortur Laser Master, which was a portable laser engraver.
Due to its fast engraving capabilities and affordable pricing, the Laser Master 2 has become popular among Artists, Designers, and Manufacturers.
This article discusses this laser engraver in great detail and helps you understand if it’s the right choice for you.
I have done a comparison between Laser Master 2 and Laser Master 2 pro at the end of this article.
This article also discusses the various laser modules that Ortur offers for Laser Master 2.
MellowPine is reader-supported. When you buy through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Ortur Laser Master 2 Review
I reviewed Ortur Laser Master 2 after going through the important aspects, right from its power and build quality to its after-sale service quality.
1. Size
| Footprint (l x b x h) | Work area |
|---|---|
| 21.2″ x 19.68″ x 5.9″ | 15.75″ x 16.93″ |
The Laser Master 2 has a footprint of 21.2” x 19.68” x 5.9” (540 x 500 x 150 mm) with a weight of around 8.83 lbs.
It provides an engraving area of 15.75” x 16.93” (400 x 430 mm), which is very large when compared to any other laser engraver in this price section.
The chassis of this engraver is made from aluminum extrusion profiles which offer good structural strength and rigidity.
The feet of the engraver and endplates of each axis on the Laser Master 2 are made of acrylic.
2. Material Capability
Depending upon the laser module you select, Ortur Laser Master 2 has the ability to perform engraving and etching on a wide range of materials, such as plywood, acrylics, leather, and some soft metals like aluminum.
Laser Master 2 can also be used to engrave on a variety of wood popularly used for laser engraving projects.
With proper settings and adjustments, it can even perform decent cuts on paper, cardboard, leather, and some fabrics.
You can find several projects that you can do on a laser engraver like Laser Master 2 online.
It can offer a maximum engraving speed of around 120 inches/min for materials like paper and thin cardboard.
For better outputs, Ortur provides a material reference chart that can guide you to set proper speeds for various materials and processes.
You can also visit our YouTube channel for weekly tutorial videos about laser cutting and engraving different materials.
3. Laser Module
The Ortur Laser Master 2 supports 4 different laser modules and the one that fits your requirement can be selected and included in your kit at the time of purchase.
All the modules have a Z-axis sliding plate which allows an adjustable range of 0-30 mm.
| Laser module | Optical power | Application | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| LU2-10A | 4.5 W | Good at engraving aluminum, wood, and plastics but not recommended for engraving paper and cardboard | Amazon |
| LU2-2 | 1.6 W | Low-cost laser module, can perform satisfactory engraving | Amazon |
| OLM2-S2-SF | 1.6 W | High-precision engraving, but not recommended for cutting | Amazon |
| OLM2-S2-LF | 1.6 W | Ideal for cutting thin workpeices | Amazon |
| LU2-4-SF | 5.5 W | Suitable for engraving hard materials like stone and glass | Amazon |
| LU2-4-LF | 5.5 W | Ideal for cutting, not recommended for precision engraving | Check Price |
Different laser modules of Ortur Laser Master 2 and their application
LU2-10A
It is a fixed focus laser module with an optical power of 10 W, that provides excellent results with fast engraving speed.
This module is good for engraving materials like wood, plastics, and aluminum.
Furthermore, its high power makes it suitable for laser cutting 30mm plastics, 20mm wood, etc.
Its extremely tight laser spot of around 0.05 x 0.1mm makes it ideal for engraving intricate patterns on the workpeice.
LU2-2
It is a variable focus laser module and provides a maximum optical power of 1.6 W.
A smaller luminous cavity in LU2-2 produces a smaller focal spot of 0.07 x 0.06 mm, which results in high-precision engraving patterns.
It is used for fine-line engraving on soft materials and can be used to cut paper and thin fabric.
The low power output limits it from performing well on hard materials like stone and glass.
OLM2-S2
Apart from that, Ortur also provides OLM2-S2 laser modules in SF and LF variants. These laser modules have an output power of around 1.6 W.
While the short focus (SF) module is ideal for engraving soft materials like paper, fabric, etc., the long focus (LF) module is ideal for cutting thin workpieces.
LU2-4-SF
It is an optically compressed laser module that provides an optical power of 4.5 W to 5.5 W.
The term ‘SF’ in its name stands for short focal length and it provides a focal spot of 0.12 x 0.15 mm.
It provides a high laser energy density which is suitable for engraving harder materials like aluminum, stone, glass, ceramics, and can also perform decent cuts on softer materials like paper and cardboard.
LU2-4-LF
LU2-4-LF is also an optically compressed laser module that provides a similar optical power of 4.5 W to 5.5 W.
It has a long focal length and comparatively a bigger focal spot of 0.17 x 0.25 mm.
This module has high power and a longer depth of field which makes it an ideal choice for performing through cuts on materials like dark acrylics, leather, and wooden boards.
It can also be used for engraving but its bigger focal spot will not produce a precise engraving output.
4. Cooling and Ventilation
The Ortur Laser Master 2 does not include a cooling or ventilation system but the laser module has a built-in cooling fan that keeps it from overheating.
The fumes generated from the cutting and engraving of certain materials can be harmful, so it is advised to use the Laser Master 2 in a properly ventilated environment.
5. Controller and Electronics
Controller
Ortur Laser Master 2 houses a powerful 32-bit GRBL based motherboard with an ESP32 MCU chipset, which offers high speed with smooth performance.
This gives the Laser master 2 an edge over its competitors who run on much slower 16-bit processors.
Stepper Motors
Ortur Laser Master 2 uses NEMA 17 motors with a holding torque of 59.49 oz-in and a step angle of 1.8º.
Electronics
The Laser Master 2 kit does not include a computer, so you must have a computer system with a USB interface to connect with the engraver.
There are some important safety features on the Laser Master 2, like the Active Position Protection which includes a G-sensor that detects any unwanted movement of the frame and turns off the laser.
The Laser Beam Safety Guard is another safety feature that detects any improper stops or halts in the computer system and immediately turns off the laser. Thus preventing the risk of fire.
It also includes a sensor that detects the movement of the laser module and if, for some reason, the laser module stops moving while engraving, the laser is turned off to prevent the risk of fire.
Laser Master 2 comes with limit switches for the x and y axes that prevent the machine from traveling beyond its limits and are also used as homing switches.
6. Software
The Laser Master 2 does not provide any CAD/CAM software and you can use any popular software that can export files in NC, BMP, JPG, PNG, DXF formats.
It uses the highly popular LaserGRBL or LightBurn to control the machine.
LaserGRBL is a free and open-source software but is only supported on Windows platforms.
Whereas LightBurn is available for somewhere around $40, provides comparatively more design features, and is supported on Windows, Mac OS, and Linux platforms.
7. Accessories
Safety Glasses
The Laser Master 2 does not come with an enclosure box or a protective lid, but they provide a safety glass in their kit that you can use to protect your eyes from any harm due to the bright laser.
Test Plates
Laser Master 2 kit includes 4 wooden plates, 1 anodized aluminum plate, and 1 acrylic plate to perform test runs and adjust the focus of your engraver.
It also includes a 50mm metallic spacer that can be placed between the laser module and worksurface to adjust the proper focal length.
Metal Enclosure
Ortur provides an optional metal enclosure, Ortur Laser Master Enclosure, for their Laser Master 2.
The metal enclosure houses the Laser Master 2 and provides a ventilation system consisting of an exhaust fan and an exhaust pipe which can be used to safely discharge harmful fumes.
The lid of the metal enclosure has pneumatic struts which hold the lid up when it is open.
It also has 2 viewports made of light-blocking orange acrylic, which enables you to look at the engraving process without harming your eyes.
The Ortur YRR 2.0 Rotary Roller can be included in your Laser Master 2 kit from their official website.
It enables you to mount the workpiece on the roller arrangement for cylindrical engraving.
The rotary roller is installed in place of the Y-motor by removing the Y-motor cable and connecting it to the rotary roller.
8. Assembly
The Laser Master 2 is shipped as a semi-assembled DIY kit which is comparatively easier to assemble than a product shipped in parts.
Ortur provides a detailed assembly manual that makes the task easier and you can also refer to the assembly videos available on the internet.
It can take you around 25 to 30 minutes for the assembly and setup of Laser Master 2.
However, it can take longer if you are a beginner who is not familiar with the parts of a CNC engraver.
If you are a DIY enthusiast with access to a 3D printer, Ortur provides STL files that can be used for 3D printing some of the spare parts for your Laser Master 2.
9. Community
Ortur ships Laser Master 2 all over the globe, which results in a large community with users from different countries sharing their experiences on multiple platforms and uploading videos.
They also have an Official Ortur User Group on Facebook.
10. Customer Support
Ortur provides a 30-day return policy and a 1-year warranty period on Laser Master 2.
The spares and replacement parts for Laser Master 2 are available on Amazon, Aliexpress, and the official website of Ortur.
A good example of Ortur’s customer support is the fact that some customers complained about a static charge buildup issue in Ortur Laser Master 2 which could damage the motherboard of the machine.
Ortur immediately acted upon it, developed a grounding kit, and made it available for the users to tackle this issue. If you want to know more about this issue, you can check it on the official grounding advisory of Ortur.
You can contact Ortur for technical support of this product either by Email or by submitting your complaint ticket on the portal provided on their website.
11. Final Thoughts
Ortur Laser Master 2 is a beginner-friendly machine that is primarily an engraver but can cut thin sheets of soft materials like paper, fabric, cardboard, and wood.
Compared to more expensive laser cutters, the laser modules on Laser Master 2 can seem a bit underpowered.
However, considering its price, it does offer tremendous value.
Its larger work area compared to other laser engravers with a similar price makes it an ideal choice for beginners and hobbyists.
With a proper laser module and a bit of tuning, the Laser Master 2 is quite a capable engraving machine for hobbyists and small businesses.
- ✅2100mW Laser Engraver with Ultra-Fine Compression: Ortur Laser Engraver has 32-bit professional motherboard, which is smarter, faster, more accurate and easier to use. The output power is 2100mW. The laser engraving area is 390*410mm. Ultra-fine laser focal area is reduced to 0.07*0.06mm, The engraving machine speed can be as high as 5000 mm/min.
- ✅Safety protection: Laser Engraver newly upgraded Safety protection. 1. There is a G-sensor on the motherboard, when the engraving machine is displaced or tilted, it will automatically stop the laser; 2. If your computer system halted or USB cable disconnected, led to that the laser engraver stops moving, the laser beam will stop, to prevent fire. 3. The engraving machine is turned on, but there is no movement for a long time, the laser will be turned off automatically.
Ortur Laser Master 2 vs Laser Master Pro
| Feature | Laser Master 2 | Laser Master 2 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Engraving area | 400 x 430 mm | 400 x 400 mm |
| Frame material | Aluminum extrusion and acrylics | Aluminum extrusion and powder-coated steel |
| Emergency stop button | Not available | Available |
| Fire detection sensor | Not available | Available |
| Firmware | OLF-V1.40 series | OLF-V1.5 |
| Maximum engraving speed | 120 inches/min | 393 inches/min |
| Add-on accessories | 1. Metal Enclosure 2. YRR 2.0 Rotary Roller | 1. Offline Controller 2. Metal Enclosure 3. YRR 2.0 Rotary Roller 4. Adjustable Z-axis Lifting Device |
Laser Master 2 vs Laser Master 2 pro
The smaller engraving area on the pro version is complemented by the presence of the laser safety guard that protects the laser from any damage.
The feet and axis endplates of the Laser Master 2 pro are made of powder-coated steel and are less prone to breaking.
With the added safety features, Laser Master 2 pro ensures accident-free usage even by beginners.
Better motherboard and firmware enable the Laser Master 2 pro to reach a higher engraving speed of 10,000 mm/min which is fast compared to the 3,000 mm/min engraving speed of Laser Master 2.
The add-on accessories are not included in the kit and can be purchased separately from the official website of Ortur.
The offline controller add-on enables you to use the Laser Master 2 pro without connecting it to the computer, which means that the controller can take the file from a USB drive or an SD card and perform the engraving process.
With the adjustable z-axis lifting device, Laser Master 2 pro can have an extra 80mm height adjustment along the z-axis, which makes it easier to focus the laser as required.
Recently Ortur has released its latest machine under its Laser Maser series. Read a full review of Ortur Laser Master 3.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kind of laser does Ortur Laser Master 2 use?
The Ortur Laser Master 2 uses diode lasers with a wavelength of 445 nm.
Can Laser Master 2 be used to cut wood?
Yes, Laser Master 2 can be used to cut wood. With a laser module of 4.5 W or higher and proper laser focus, you can cut through a 5mm thick plywood in multiple passes.
Can Laser Master 2 be used to draw a photo?
Yes, Laser Master 2 can be used to draw a photo. The 32-bit processor enables the Laser Master 2 to have a laser power range of S0-S1000, which is comparatively much higher than other 16- bit laser engravers, and when this powerful processor is combined with a high-power laser module, Ortur Laser Master can even draw a photo on paper.
