It’s not the first desktop laser engraver. They’re quite common as far as consumer fabrication devices go. The Wainlux K6, however, makes its case by being so compact and inexpensive, most anyone should be able to add one to their setup.
Designed for portability, the device measures just 6.8 x 6.8 x 6.4 inches, making it small enough to fit even inside smaller backpacks and carrying cases. That means, you can take it down to trade shows, parties, and other events if you want to engrave souvenirs, giveaways, and other trinkets on the fly. Well, whenever trade shows, festivals, and other public gatherings become viable again, anyway.
The Wainlux K6 is equipped with a 3000mW laser that allows it to burn images on a whole load of materials, from soft items like cardboard, felt, and fabrics to tougher ones like wood, rubber, and acrylic. Seriously, anything short of metals should be fair game for this laser, allowing you to use it to engrave a wide selection of objects. It uses a rail-and-motor setup to allow the laser head to move across the X and Y axis, allowing it to imprint any two-dimensional design within a 3.14 x 3.14 inch work area. We know, that seems awfully small, but that’s the limitation imposed by its ultra-portable size. According to the outfit, it has a routing speed of 1500 mm per minute and a 508 dpi resolution.
While the work area is small, it does have a workaround built in. You see, the entire base of the machine is open, allowing you to simply place it on top of any object you want to engrave, so you’re not restricted to putting engravings on phone cases, wallets, and similarly smaller items. That means, you can use it to engrave designs on your leather briefcase, your motorcycle helmet, and every single piece of furniture you have at home if you feel like it. Even better, if you want to engrave a larger label than the work area allows, you can simply cut the design into 3.14-inch portions and engrave it one section at a time, moving the spot you want to engrave on as you go along.
The Wainlux K6 comes with a focus button that allows you to rotate the focal length to get the exact kind of engraving you want, along with directional controls that let you move the laser head higher, lower, left, or right. You can, for instance, raise it when working on soft fabrics so you don’t burn a hole and lower it when leaving designs on harder materials like wood for maximum burning power.
It has onboard Wi-Fi, so you can send designs to the device either using your smartphone (iOS and Android) or a PC (Windows and Mac OS), as well as a USB slot, in case you want to tether it to your computer instead. Features include built-in protective lenses (no need to wear safety goggles), safety sensors (shuts down immediately when it detects overheating or unusual motion), and a design that makes it easier to replace the laser head for maintenance.
A Kickstarter campaign is currently running for the Wainlux K6. You can reserve a unit for pledges starting at $159.