Accel Laser Pro and Ultra: A First Look at Hybrid Motion Control

Introduction

The Accel Laser Pro and Ultra represent a new approach to large-format laser engraving. These machines combine a galvo scan head with a gantry system, allowing the laser to work across a large area while maintaining the speed and detail of a galvo laser. This hybrid motion control is the defining feature of the Accel Laser lineup, and it opens up possibilities that traditional gantry or galvo-only machines cannot match.

The Pro and Ultra are designed to run on LightBurn, a popular laser control software. This integration is a significant advantage, as it means users can work with a familiar interface while accessing new capabilities. The machines are still in the testing phase, with firmware updates being released regularly to address bugs and refine performance. This is a sign of active development, but it also means that early adopters should expect some growing pains.

Hybrid Motion Control: The Core Feature

The most impressive aspect of the Accel Laser Pro and Ultra is the hybrid motion control system. In this mode, the galvo scan head handles the fine marking motion, while the gantry moves the head across the work area. The two systems work together seamlessly, painting the laser beam across the material like a brush. This allows for continuous, detailed engraving over a large surface without the need to tile or stitch multiple passes.

During testing, the hybrid motion control proved to be the most consistent of all the operating modes. This is surprising, given the complexity of coordinating two independent motion systems. The results are smooth, clean, and consistent across the entire work area. The system handles complex shapes and large graphics with ease, making it ideal for projects that require a high level of detail over a big surface.

The machine’s workspace is approximately 1 foot by 2 feet, with a Z-depth of about 7 inches when using the motorized base. This provides a reasonable amount of space for a variety of projects, from large engravings to batch processing of smaller items. The machine is also designed to fit through a standard doorway, which is a practical consideration for workshop setups.

Real-World Performance and Testing

The Accel Laser Pro and Ultra are currently being tested by a small group of users, including the team at Laser Everything. The testing process has involved running a variety of materials and job types, with a focus on generating a settings library for the machines. This has included work with both the blue diode and fiber laser sources.

One of the key observations from testing is that the hybrid motion control mode has been the most reliable. In contrast, galvo-only mode has shown some quirks, such as ring issues on certain materials. The hybrid mode does not exhibit these problems, making it the go-to choice for consistent results. The gantry mode also performs well, particularly for photo engraving, where straight lines and precise pixel placement are critical.

The machines have also demonstrated the ability to handle large, complex jobs. A test involving a full engrave on a large slate surface showed the hybrid motion system working through the graphic with impressive precision. The machine’s ability to move both the gantry and galvo simultaneously, while producing a cohesive finished piece, is a testament to the engineering behind the Accel Laser.

However, the testing process has not been without challenges. The machines are still in the prototype stage, and several firmware revisions have been necessary to address bugs. One issue involved the machine shutting down mid-job and restarting without homing, which caused the laser to start from the wrong position. Another issue was the lack of a “rerun last job” option, which would save time by avoiding the need to reprocess data. These are the kinds of issues that are expected with a first-generation product, and the development team has been responsive in addressing them.

Who Should Consider the Accel Laser Pro and Ultra

The Accel Laser Pro and Ultra are not entry-level machines. They are designed for users who need the speed and detail of a galvo laser combined with the large work area of a gantry system. This makes them ideal for businesses and serious hobbyists who work with large objects, such as guitar necks, handguards, or full wraps on tumblers.

The machines are also well-suited for batch processing. The ability to engrave multiple small objects efficiently, without sacrificing quality, is a significant advantage for production work. The hybrid motion control system can handle both large fills and fine details, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of applications.

The Accel Laser Pro and Ultra are expensive, and they are not yet available for general purchase. The Ultra is currently being shown at trade shows, while the Pro is undergoing final testing. For those who are considering a purchase, it may be wise to wait for the machines to be fully released and for the initial firmware issues to be resolved. The development team has been transparent about the process, and the machines are showing great promise.

Buying Advice

If you are in the market for a large-format laser engraver, the Accel Laser Pro and Ultra are worth keeping an eye on. The hybrid motion control system is a genuine innovation that sets these machines apart from the competition. The ability to engrave large, detailed graphics in a single pass is a significant time-saver, and the quality of the output is impressive.

However, it is important to be patient. The machines are still in the testing phase, and the final product may differ from what is currently being evaluated. The development team is actively working on firmware updates and addressing bugs, which is a positive sign. Waiting for the machines to be fully released, and for the initial issues to be ironed out, is likely the best course of action for most buyers.

Conclusion

The Accel Laser Pro and Ultra are exciting additions to the laser engraving market. Their hybrid motion control system is a significant step forward, offering the speed and detail of a galvo laser with the large work area of a gantry. While the machines are still in development, the early results are very promising. For users who need to engrave large objects or batch process items with high precision, these machines could be a game-changer. As with any first-generation product, it is wise to wait for the final release and for the initial bugs to be resolved, but the potential is clear.