Sculpfun offers two laser engravers, the S6 Pro and the S9. While both engravers offer excellent safety features, easy laser focusing, and a large engraving area, we will be discussing the differences between the two. These differences will be based on precision, power, and modification ability. We will base our recommendation on project needs as well as user skills.
SCULPFUN S6 Pro
Featuring an all-metal frame, the S6 Pro offers a solid structure with improved accuracy of engraving. It offers an engraving area of 410 x 420 mm.
The S6 Pro laser has a combination of a sliding design and a fixed focus lens. Users will slide the laser and then tighten screws to focus the laser. This laser is a 5.5 W LD+FAC spot compression laser. It offers a 0.08 mm square laser focus. It can cut 10 mm thick wood and engrave ceramic and metal.
This engraver offers a special eye protection design. It has a laser filter cover that successfully prevents 98% of the ultraviolet light from reaching users’ eyes. Safety goggles are not necessary with this unit. Additionally, this filter cover will help prevent pets from reaching in and grabbing the laser dot.
The S6 Pro is widely compatible with various mature engraving software like LaserGRBL and LightBurn among others. It supports PWM mode engraving. This engraver supports Windows and Mac. It accepts image files in formats like DXF, JPG, PNG, G-Code, BMP, NC, etc.
The machine comes equipped with a convenient power switch. There are also fixing holes located on the four feet and the body structure that help with fixing the machine and the data cable. It comes with an A4-sized steel pad to protect the table and isolate fire hazards.
The X-axis and Y-axis have precise scale lines. This allows for the easy measuring of engraving surfaces.
The S6 Pro can engrave leather, bamboo, wood, kraft paper, acrylic, cloth, hard plastic, and black-painted metal/ceramics/stone. It cannot engrave on transparent objects. The laser can cut wood, bamboo, kraft paper, acrylic, hard plastic, and leather.
The unit offers an estimated 10,000 hours of life. After this, the laser will be reduced by 15% and will no longer be able to cut, just engrave.
SCULPFUN S9
With an all-metal frame, the S9 offers users stability and accuracy with engraving. It features a modifiable engraving area, easy assembly, and precision focus.
Like the S6 Pro, the S9 offers an engraving area of 410 x 420 mm. It has the same laser focusing process of sliding the laser and tightening screws. Additionally, both engravers assemble in a matter of 10 to 20 minutes. The S9 also comes with an A4 sized pad. Like the S6 Pro, the S9 features a protective cover over the laser, which filters 98% of the UV light from reaching users’ eyes.
Unlike the S6 Pro, the S9 offers a higher laser focus at 0.06 mm and has slightly more power at 5.5 – 6 W. It can also cut 15 mm wood panels. While the S6 Pro can cut 12 mm black acrylic, the S9 can only cut 10 mm acrylic.
Data transmits via a USB connection. Acceptable formats are PNG, JPG, DXF, BMP, NC, and other image files. It is compatible with Windows and Mac. The S9 operates with various mature cutting software such as LightGRBL, LightFire, LightBurn, GrblController, and Benbox. It also supports PMW engraving.
Engraving accuracy is 0.01 mm. The engraving area can be modified so that the area reaches a size of 410 x 2000 mm. In addition to the 15 mm wood that it can cut, the S9 is also able to cut 10 mm acrylic.
The X-axis and Y-axis feature precise scale lines. This allows users to quickly measure the size of the engraving surface.
Our Recommendation
While both engravers offer a multitude of excellent features, we must mark the differences between the two before users commit to purchasing one or the other. The S6 Pro offers excellent precision, high power, and great safety features. Because of its ease of use and assembly as well as high-quality etchings, we recommend this engraver for users of all skill levels.
On the other hand, the S9 offers more power and even better precision. Because of its advanced level of precision and its modification capabilities, we recommend this for users with higher skill levels who want to refine their projects.