TTS-20 Pro is a standard open-frame diode laser engraver from Two Trees.
Unlike most diode laser machines, TTS-20 Pro uses a powerful laser module suitable for cutting jobs.
This article critically reviews the Two Trees TTS-20 Pro laser machine by looking at its features and testing its performance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High output power | Doesn’t have a tilt or flame detector |
| Quick assembly | Cable setup could be neater |
| Air assist motor and honeycomb provided | |
| Affordable than other 20W machines | |
| Built-in Wi-Fi for wireless control | |
| Compact and lightweight laser module |
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Testing Two Trees TTS-20 Pro – How Did it Perform?
Using Two Tress TTS-20 Pro, I worked on materials like acrylic, wood, glass, and steel.
To test the engraving performance on wood, I used the standard pattern that we use to test diode lasers.
The engraving looked good across different speed and power settings, with a slight difference in the gradient.
I tried cutting a thick piece of pine wood at 100 mm/min speed using 100% power.
The best result I got was at 3 passes. At 4 or more passes, there was more darkening along the cut line due to char development.
I used the air assist Two Trees provided along with the machine for cutting jobs. It was not that powerful, but it was helpful as I didn’t have to run our shop air compressor.
To score and break glass, I ran TTS-20 Pro at 100 mm/min using 100% power. After scoring, I was able to snap off the piece with little effort easily.
I cut a 2mm thick black acrylic at 200 mm/min speed in 1 pass using 100% power.
The cut path in acrylic was not that smooth, and there was some roughness when felt with a touch.
I also ran an engraving test pattern on steel. The engraving gradient was pretty consistent, with slight differences in colors.
Two Trees TTS-20 Pro Review
| Parameter | TTS-20 Pro |
|---|---|
| Output power | 20W |
| Work Area | 418 x 418 mm |
| Laser Focus | Manual |
| Laser Spot Size | 0.05 x 0.1 mm |
| Transmission | Belt-driven (XY) |
| Stepper Motor | NEMA 17 |
| Max Speed | 500 mm/sec |
| Accuracy | 0.08 mm |
| Limit Switches | Yes |
| Rotary Support | Yes (as upgrade) |
| Air assist support | Yes (pump provided) |
| Honeycomb | Yes (provided) |
| Connectivity | USB, WiFi |
| TF Card support | Yes |
| Offline engraving | No |
| Software | LaserGRBL, LightBurn |
| Assembly | <30 min |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Price | Check Price |
Two Trees TTS-20 Pro is a 20W diode laser engraver. It has a simple open-frame structure reminiscent of the classic design seen on most desktop diode lasers.
The machine comes in a partially assembled condition with four aluminum frames and a gantry attached.
Also, four aluminum legs hold the machine’s frame at level with the work surface.
The TTS-20 Pro arrived securely packaged in a double-walled cardboard box.
The machine parts and other components are carefully nested in foam inserts to prevent any shipping damage.
Inside the box, you can find the following components:
- Pre-assembled engraving frame and gantry
- 20W diode laser module
- Honeycomb bed and protective steel plate
- Air assist pump and hose
- Controller and USB cable
- Power supply adaptors
- Laser safety goggle
- Hex wrenches and assembly tools
- Comprehensive manual
Fully assembling the TTS-20 Pro took around 30 minutes as the controller, end stops, bellow mounts, laser module, and air assist needed to be installed.
I also had to do some light wiring, cable management, and gantry alignment.
TTS-20 Pro’s laser module gives an output power of 20W coupled from four high-quality 5W diodes with 450±5 nm wavelength.
With this laser, you’ll be able to work on materials like wood, leather, acrylic, paper, plastic, foam, aluminum, steel, etc.
Because of its high sintering temperature, metal surfaces get heated and oxidized, producing different colors.
Also, TTS-20 Pro’s 418 x 418 mm engraving area gives you plenty of room for many projects.
The laser module has a compact and lightweight design. On top of the module, two LEDs indicate power (green LED) and laser running status (orange LED).
An air-assist nozzle is also built into the laser module. This nozzle connects to an included air pump, effectively enhancing cuts and smoke dispersion.
Two fans on either side of the laser module help cool the diodes, ensuring optimal operation.
Unlike the other diode machines I used, the cooling fans on the TTS-20 Pro always stay on even when the laser is not running.
Also, I found it louder than the fans on more powerful machines like the 40W xTool D1 Pro.
At the bottom of the laser module is a laser-blocking window that lets you see the cutting or engraving job.
But don’t rely on it for safety. Always wear laser-protective glass. You’ll get one with the machine.
You’ll have to loosen a thumb screw and manually move the laser module along the Z-axis to adjust the laser focus. The lowest spot size you can get is 0.05 x 0.1mm.
With the machine, Two Trees has provided a focus tool with three steps, which allows you to adjust the laser focus for different material thicknesses.
TTS-20 Pro uses high-precision GT2 timing belts and quality NEMA 17 stepper motors aided by v-slat wheels along the XY axes to deliver accurate and repeatable laser head motion control.
Along the Y-axis, the machine transmission is controlled via two stepper motors. This prevents racking and allows smooth movement.
These features allow TTS-20 Pro to engrave at a maximum speed of 500mm/sec with an accuracy of 0.08mm.
Though there are no maximum end stops, homing is facilitated by end stops (limit switches) at one end of each axis.
The control box is attached to the front frame of the TTS-20 Pro. It has an on/off switch, a power input port, a USB, a micro SD card slot, and an ethernet port.
The controller has a built-in WiFi network, allowing wireless control and job transmission through software, web browser, or smartphone app.
This feature proves highly convenient, particularly when your computer is not near the machine.
Connecting to LightBurn was easy. The laser was immediately recognized, and I was able to start test engraving within minutes. It also works with LaserGRBL.
You can import and use designs in formats like JPG, BMP, NC, GCODE, etc.
Software compatibility is quite limited out of the box for non-Windows users. Open-source solutions can work, but configuring them properly takes time and trial-and-error.
Unlike most laser machines, TTS 20 Pro comes with an air assist compressor and honeycomb work surface.
The air assist compressor can be controlled using a single knob to adjust the amount of airflow.
Also, its soft rubber pads help dampen most of the vibration and provide a stable work environment.
Using the included honeycomb panel and plastic clips, you can secure the workpiece and minimize the burn marks on laser cut projects.
Unfortunately, TTS-20 Pro doesn’t have sensors for tilt and fire protection. So you’ll always have to watch the machine when you run a job, especially cutting jobs.
You can get TTS-20 Pro with a Y-axis rotary or TR2 Pro rotary and L150 risers. These will be useful when working on curved surfaces and thicker materials.
Two Trees offers a 12-month warranty for the TTS-20 Pro laser and lifetime technical support from their team.
For support, you can reach them through email, phone, WhatsApp, or the support form or chat widget on their website.
TTS-20 Pro Compared with other 20W Lasers
| Parameter | TTS-20 Pro | TS2 20W | xTool D1 Pro | Atomstack X20 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Output power | 20W | 20W | 20W | 20W |
| Work Area (mm) | 418 x 418 | 410 x 410 | 430 x 390 | 400 x 400 |
| Laser Focus | Manual | Auto focus | Manual | Manual |
| Laser Spot Size (mm) | 0.05 x 0.1 | 0.05 x 0.1 | 0.08 x 0.1 | 0.08 x 0.1 |
| Transmission | Belt-driven (XY) | Belt-driven (XY) Lead screw (Z) | Belt-driven (XY) | Belt-driven (XY) |
| Stepper Motor | NEMA 17 | NEMA 17 | NEMA 17 | NEMA 17 |
| Max Speed (mm/sec) | 500 | 166.6 | 400 | 200 |
| Accuracy (mm) | 0.08 | 0.08 | 0.01 | 0.01 |
| Limit Switches | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rotary Support | Yes (Upgrade) | Yes (Upgrade) | Yes (Upgrade) | Yes (Upgrade) |
| Air assist support | Yes (pump provided) | Yes | Yes | Yes (pump provided) |
| Honeycomb | Yes (provided) | Yes (Upgrade) | Yes (Upgrade) | Yes (Upgrade) |
| Connectivity | USB, WiFi | USB, WiFi | USB, WiFi | USB, WiFi |
| TF Card support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Offline engraving | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Software | LaserGRBL, LightBurn | LaserGRBL, LightBurn | XCS, LaserGRBL, LightBurn | LaserGRBL, LightBurn |
| Assembly | <30 min | <45 min | <30 min | <30 min |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Two Trees TTS-20 Pro is comparable to xTool D1 Pro, Atomstack X20 Pro, and TS2 20W.
They all come with a 20W diode laser with similar material capabilities and a one-year warranty.
xTool D1 Pro costs about $300 more than TTS-20 Pro. Whereas TTS-20 Pro, TS2 20W, and Atomstack X20 Pro cost under $700 (*prices can change).
The work areas are all decently sized, ranging from 400 x 400mm on the Atomstack to a more generous 418 x 418mm on the TTS-20 Pro.
Regarding focus, the TTS-20 Pro, xTool D1 Pro, and Atomstack X20 Pro require manual adjustments, which can be tricky and take a lot of time to set up.
But the TS2 20W simplifies things with automatic focus, so you can set up the laser in focus faster when running simultaneous jobs in production workflows.
xTool D1 Pro stands out for exceptional accuracy with a 0.01mm precision. But the machines from Two Trees have a smaller spot size, meaning a more concentrated laser beam.
TTS-20 Pro beats xTool D1 Pro in speed with a 20% boost providing a 500mm/sec max speed.
In terms of accessories, TTS-20 Pro and Atomstack X20 Pro come with a complete air assist system with an air pump and hose. But only the TTS-20 Pro comes with a honeycomb panel.
xTool D1 Pro and Two Trees TS2 20W do not come with such accessories but offer them as upgrades.
When it comes to assembly, you can get any of these machines up and running in under 45 minutes. But setting up TTS-20 Pro will be faster as it comes 80% assembled.
If I had to crown a winner, I’d go with the TS2 20W for the motorized Z-axis, drag chain, and offline support. But note that it has a lower speed and a smaller work area.
For a larger work area and highspeed engravings, choose TTS-20 Pro. Also, cutting jobs is easy with TTS-20 Pro as it comes with a honeycomb panel and air assist system.
Final Thoughts
TTS-20 Pro is a great, reasonably priced entry-level machine if you plan to work on jobs requiring laser cutting and engraving.
But TTS-20 Pro also lacks some safety considerations like fire detection and tilt protection that should come standard for a laser of this strength.
Luckily, it costs less than similarly powered lasers and is easy to handle. If you need occasional engraving or cutting, TTS-20 Pro could serve well.
Other interesting machines,
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum cutting thickness of the Two Trees TTS-20 Pro Laser?
The 20W TTS-20 Pro can cut up to 20mm acrylic or 30mm pine wood, but the maximum thickness depends on material quality, laser settings, and cut speed.
Can the Two Trees TTS-20 Pro Laser be used for engraving and cutting?
Yes, the 20W TTS-20 Pro can be used for engraving and cutting jobs. But make sure you use designs optimized for each job with the right laser settings.
How does the TTS-20 Pro Laser compare to other laser cutters?
The Two Trees TTS-20 Pro Laser is a mid-range laser cutter that compares favorably to other models in its price range. It has a 20W laser power, sufficient for most laser engraving and cutting jobs. It also has a large working area of 418x418mm, which allows you to work on larger projects.
