The compact table laser A5 M50 Pro cuts wood and acrylic, even marks metal and works without a connected PC.
However, lasers are not exactly harmless to the eyes. Therefore, one should always work with protective goggles. Expensive models have a closed installation space that protects against the laser light - but you will look in vain for such a housing in the entry-level class with a large work surface.
Technical specifications
With a current market price of 500 euros, the Atomstack A5 M50 Pro is still one of the medium-priced devices for home use. Compared to the cheapest models around 100 euros, not only is the working area larger, the laser module is also significantly more powerful. The machine has a working area of 400 × 410 mm.
The frame of the laser is also the y-axis on which the x-axis moves back and forth. The Atomstack laser head sits on the x-axis and moves sideways on it. Since it is a fixed focus laser, the distance between the laser module and the workpiece must be adjusted. This works via an adjusting screw to which the laser module is attached. After all, no tools are required as with the old A5. The manufacturer specifies two mm as the optimum distance to the surface. To set the distance, we use the enclosed acrylic calibration aid. If this just fits between the laser and the workpiece, the focus is optimal and the laser can show its full potential.
A real special feature of the A5 M50 Pro are the factory-installed end stops, which are very helpful for frequently sweeping laser jobs. Exactly reproducible results (positions) would not be possible without the limit switches for determining the position. Also new and not seen before is the built-in emergency stop switch directly on the laser.
Construction
The A5 M50 Pro kit arrives neatly packaged. The box contains the individual parts of the frame including screws and tools, the pre-assembled laser head, the control panel with mainboard, the touchscreen, a USB cable, some samples for engraving and brief instructions. A large metal sheet is also included to protect the table top. However, this was clearly bent in our model. The individual parts and components are all properly processed and leave a high-quality impression. Laser safety goggles are not included. Here it is better to use a model from a specialist dealer anyway.
Software
The enclosed software is the freeware LaserGRBL. This works somehow, but we find it neither clear nor intuitive. As an alternative, we therefore use the software Lightburn, which is also mentioned by the manufacturer. The program can be used as a free trial version for 30 days, but then costs 60 euros. If you decide to buy a laser engraver, you should definitely plan this budget as well, because working with the commercial software is much easier.
Conclusion
The Atomstack A5 M50 Pro laser engraver is a logical improvement over the older A5 model (review). Even cutting craft wood and acrylic up to a thickness of 10 mm and more works without any problems.
In addition to the great quality when lasering and engraving, we particularly like the stand-alone function and the built-in end stops. Those who frequently produce similar parts can now achieve reproducible results time and time again without any tinkering.
In practice, the only things that annoy us are the somewhat imprecise touchscreen, the lack of protective goggles and the open case.
