OMTech lasers have become an increasingly popular option for hobbyists, small businesses, and artists looking for an affordable, high-quality laser cutter and engraver. The company’s flagship model, the Polar series, offers many of the same features as more expensive brands but at a fraction of the cost. This comprehensive review will examine the Polar’s specs, software, customer reviews, and use cases to help you determine if it’s the right laser cutter for your needs.
Overview of OMTech as a Company
OMTech, founded in 2014, is a relatively new player in the laser cutting and engraving machine industry. The company is based in Las Vegas, Nevada and aims to provide feature-rich, user-friendly laser cutters at affordable prices. In a market dominated by expensive, industrial-grade options, OMTech targets hobbyists, crafters, educators, and small businesses with more budget-friendly alternatives.
The Polar series, OMTech’s current flagship model line, includes the Polar, Polar Pro, and Polar Premium models. These CO2 laser engraving and cutting machines boast similar specs and functionality to competitors like Glowforge and Epilog at nearly half the cost. OMTech also offers accessories, replacement parts, and materials like plywood, acrylic, and leather to create a comprehensive solution.
Polar Series Laser Cutter Overview
The Polar engravers come in three models – the Polar, Polar Pro, and Polar Premium. Here’s an overview of the key specs and capabilities of each:
- Polar – Offers a 20W CO2 laser tube with 12 x 12 inch cutting area. Includes simple image printing software. Priced at $3,999.
- Polar Pro – Steps up to a 40W laser with 20 x 28 inch workspace. Adds air assist for cleaner cuts and raster image processing software. $6,999 cost.
- Polar Premium – The most powerful model with 50W laser and 25 x 25 inch bed. Includes camera positioning and training software suite. $8,499 price tag.
All models feature sturdy metal construction, LED lighting strips for work area visibility, integrated cooling systems, and HEPA-style particulate filters. They can cut material up to 1/4 inch thick and engrave on wood, plastic, glass, leather, and more. The Pro and Premium add-ons enhance cutting power, precision, and ease of use.
Key Specs and Technical Details
Let’s dive deeper into some of the technical specs and capabilities of the OMTech Polar laser series:
- CO2 Laser Tube – These Class 4 CO2 lasers can cut through material by focusing intense heat onto a small area. The higher wattages of the Pro and Premium offer faster, deeper cutting.
- Cutting/Engraving Area – Ranging from 12 x 12 inches on the Polar to 25 x 25 inches on the Polar Premium, the work area accommodates projects of various sizes.
- Laser Power – The laser wattage directly impacts the maximum cutting thickness and speed. At 20W, 50W, and 60W, the Polar series lasers can cut through wood, acrylics, leather, and more from 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
- Positioning Accuracy – Stepper motors and precision optics provide accuracy within 0.01mm for clean cuts and detailed image engraving.
- Cooling Systems – Dual cooling fans and an integrated chillers work to maintain optimal laser tube temperature.
- Air Assist – The Pro and Premium models include an air compressor to direct pressurized air to the laser point for efficient debris removal.
- Operating Modes – The touch screen LCD interface allows easy switching between raster and vector modes for engraving and cutting.
- Safety Features – From door and lid locks to emergency stop buttons, OMTech built in safety features to help prevent dangerous laser radiation exposure.
- Connectivity – These lasers come WiFi and Ethernet ready for wireless printing from anywhere. They also include USB and SD card connectivity.
- Operating Noise – Typical noise levels range from 60-65 decibels, on par with normal conversation.
Ease of Use and Software Compatibility
Ease of use is a major selling point for OMTech’s Polar series versus industrial grade laser cutters. Here are some of the functions that enhance usability:
- Plug-and-Play Design – Everything comes pre-assembled and calibrated. Just plug it in, connect, and start creating.
- LCD Touchscreen – The intuitive touch display makes it easy to select images, adjust settings, position engravings, and start jobs.
- Image Print Software – The Polar isn’t just compatible with common design programs like Adobe Illustrator and AutoCAD. It also comes with its own image printing software for simple raster engraving.
- RoboMaster Software – This user-friendly program for precision vector cutting and engraving comes with the Pro and Premium models.
- Positioning Camera – Unique to the Polar Premium, this camera aids in quickly and accurately positioning artwork for engraving.
- Machine Learning Training – Also exclusive to the Premium, the VisionAI machine vision technology improves precision and ease of use over time.
- Wireless Connectivity – The WiFi and Ethernet connectivity enables printing directly from cloud sources and anywhere in your workspace.
- Supports Common File Types – Upload PNG, JPG, GIF, SVG, NC, and DST file types for both raster and vector processes.
- Comprehensive Manuals and Videos – OMTech provides useful onboarding resources like user guides and training videos for getting started.
Material Cutting and Engraving Capabilities
The specific materials the Polar series can cut and engrave include:
- Wood up to 1/4 inch thick – Includes plywood, walnut, oak, pine, MDF
- Acrylic sheets up to 1/4 inch thick – Engrave or cut through color and clear acrylic
- Leather, felt, and fabrics – Provides high precision etching and cutting
- Paper, cardstock, and cardboard from 81gsm to 700gsm
- Glass, marble, and other stone materials – For decorative engraving
- Anodized aluminum – Creates detailed metal marks and cuts
- Ceramics and tile – Etch customized designs into ceramic materials
- Rubber stamps – Carve precision stamps from rubber
The 50 watt laser on the Polar Premium can also cut through some materials more slowly that exceed 1/4 inch thickness, such as wood up to 1/2 inch thick. This versatility enables use cases from custom wood signs and leather goods to etched glassware and journals.
Customer Reviews and Reputation
Thus far, customer reviews reflect positively on the cutting power, value, and ease of use of the Polar series:
- Trustpilot – OMTech has an Excellent 4.1 out 5 star rating based on over 150 Polar laser reviews.
- Reddit – Discussion threads on laser cutting groups like r/lasercutting rate the Polar series highly for the balance of quality and cost.
- YouTube – Dozens of customer testimonials demonstrate the engraving depth, cutting power, and large work area.
- Amazon – Positive feedback on Polar’s power, precision, and user-friendly design. Some quality control issues mentioned.
The majority of reviews mention the power and precision meet or exceed expectations for the reasonable price point compared to competitors. Most negative feedback relates to occasional technical problems, but OMTech customer service is generally praised for knowledgeable support.
Satisfied customers say the level of customer service and responsiveness exceeds larger brands, which some attribute to OMTech still being a smaller company. They recommend the Polar series for anyone new to laser cutting or operating on a limited budget.
Ideal Uses Cases and Applications
The versatility, cutting/engraving area, and moderate power levels make the Polar series ideal for:
- Education – Schools often have limited budgets so the Polar provides an affordable option for design and tech classes. The user-friendly software is also beneficial for students.
- Hobbyists – Non-industrial lasers like the Polar enable hobbyists to take on custom jobs and sell products on platforms like Etsy without the high machine investment.
- Prototyping – The accuracy and variety of cut materials aid entrepreneurs and engineers in creating prototypes and testing products.
- Crafts and gifts – From custom wood signs and home decor to engraved glassware and journals, the Polar allows creators to make one-of-a-kind crafts and gifts.
- Light manufacturing – Small businesses can use the laser for short runs of products like leather goods, rubber stamps, decor, paper products, and textiles.
- Customization – Etch and engrave materials like glass, metal, and tile for fully customizable home decor, wedding gifts, awards, and interior design elements.
While it lacks the power and bed size for mass production, the Polar provides ample cutting and engraving versatility for hobbyists, crafters, artists, and other small-scale users.
Buying Considerations and Cost Analysis of OMtech
If the Polar series sounds like a fit for your laser cutting needs, here are a few final considerations as you evaluate purchasing:
- Intended use – Make sure the cutting/engraving area, laser wattage, and material capabilities match the projects and products you intend to create.
- Workspace – Consider the total space the machine requires along with ventilation needs and where to place the external chiller and compressor.
- Accessories – Factor in any additional supplies like materials, filters, and replacements parts you may need over time.
- Learning curve – There is a learning curve to mastering laser software and machine settings. Factor in the time investment required.
- Cost – The Polar options range from $3,999 to $8,499. Compare costs versus competitors with similar specs to make sure it’s the right value.
- Technical skill – Some basic mechanical and technical aptitude is helpful for troubleshooting any issues that arise. If this is lacking, ensure you have access to support.
- Safety – Carefully review all safety protocols for proper use, including fire prevention steps, ventilation requirements, protective equipment, and more.
The cost of the Polar series represents significant savings over comparable laser engravers and cutters that can run from $10,000 to over $100,000. For many hobbyists, schools, and small businesses, the combination of features and more budget-friendly pricing makes the Polar series a top choice.
Conclusion
OMTech’s Polar line provides an impressive blend of professional-level laser cutting and engraving capabilities with user-friendly design and competitive pricing. For creators and entrepreneurs seeking an accessible yet powerful machine for producing customized products, parts, prototypes, signs, decor, and more, the Polar series should rank high on your list.
Just make sure to fully evaluate your production needs and required materials to select the right wattage laser and work area size. Also budget for any accessories and material supply costs beyond the base machine price. With great customer service reports and reviews touting the value proposition, an OMTech Polar laser can give your small business or creative pursuits a profitable boost.
