Today, we’re going to review the Neje E40 laser module and compare it with the Neje A40640 to see the differences. Given that the price difference of the machines is just a couple of dollars, it makes sense to review the two of them in one go.
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Let’s get started.
For a long time, the Neje A40640 has been the flagship laser module by NEJE. In fact, when the laser engraver was first released, it was among the first dual diode laser modules with 10W of optical power output. The 10W used to be a powerful laser module. However, since then, many companies that make hobby diode laser engravers have come with more powerful laser modules. For example, the Snapmaker has a 20W module, so does the Creality Falcon and even Ortur.
Finally, Neje has upgraded their laser module lineup and the result is the E40.
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Neje E40 Laser Review
The Neje E40 laser engraver features a fixed focus laser module that has been designed from the ground up. Therefore, it has nothing in common with the previous laser modules by Neje. With this laser head, you not only you get new aesthetics, but also a new driver and Optics. The Optics is actually what sets the laser module apart from others, including that of the A40640.
The E40 laser head is a specially designed cutting module created for safe and efficient long-term cutting processes. This fixed 2-diode module packs a punch with its 10-11W output power, providing an almost identical engraving capacity as the A40640 model.
The E40 can handle a wide range of materials for engraving, including paper, cardboard, wood, leather, rubber, acrylic, glass, pebbles, aluminum oxide, painted metal, and stainless steel. When it comes to cutting surfaces, the E40 shines with its ability to handle paper, MDF, pine, hardwood, plywood (up to 18 mm), acrylic (up to 10 mm), leather, and ABS/PVC board.
The Neje E40 machine module excels in clean cuts, especially when working with wood. Its industrial-quality performance ensures faster and more efficient cutting, with improved cutting penetration even for dense woods. Thanks to the powerful air flow, it leaves the cutting surface clean and free from residues or stains.
Featuring a built-in high-pressure air assistant with an advanced flow-mechanical design, the E40’s nozzle optimizes air pressure for improved cutting penetration and efficiency.
Designed specifically for NEJE 3 MAX/PRO machines, the E40 module comes with a clever and highly compatible structural connection device, making it suitable for various machine engraving machines and machine cutters. It can easily be installed in machines from various brands, offering versatility and convenience.
Design
The Neje E40 laser module has a spot size of 0.06 millimeter square spot size, and performs very clean and fast cutting. The laser module of the Neje A40640 has an adjustable focus can can go down to the tiny spot size of 0.06 mm. However, you can only achieve that spot size when in engraving mode, i.e., with the lens screwed all the way out or in other words, in short Focus mode. With the laser module of the Neje E40, you get the tiny spot all the way through the range, i.e., for both engraving and cutting.
The laser head module is self-contained. When you purchase the E40 engraver, you get a pre-assembled nozzle and the hose that passes through the block. Everything is enclosed and therefore, you don’t have to worry about the hose wobbling around either to the front or over to the side.
The laser module also has a longer design and it extends all the way down to the bottom. This means that if you’re using the laser machine without a proper enclosure, there will be a minimal amount of flashing in your room. Therefore, it’s more comfortable to work with compared to other engravers with unenclosed laser head modules.
However, there is a drawback of the extended design; it leaves no room for any clumping device or magnets. Also, sometimes it can catch the material, for example, if you are cutting or engraving a design that is popping out because of the compress air. That is the major drawback of the longer laser head, which is in common with other laser modules with similar design.
However, there is something positive about the longer design. That is, if you’re using this laser module with your Neje 3 Pro or Neje 3 Max, you can engrave sheets of material placed directly onto the spoolboard without having to raise them. With the Neje A40640, you have to elevate the working area because the short design of the laser module doesn’t allow it to go that far down. Therefore, if you want to go that far down, you will end up out of the clamp and won’t be able to work with it. The remedy would be to use your honeycomb as well as raise the material to be able to engrave or cut it.
Dual Power Supply
Another notable feature of the Neje E40 laser module is that you get the dual power supply. The laser module works with both 12V and 24V power supply, like is the case with most of the new laser module design from Neje. You can use the versatile laser module on the Neje 3 Max, which uses 24V or another Neje machine.
Also, you can install this laser module in any other machine thanks to the adapting board which usually comes with the laser module Neje. The laser head is not only compatible with Neje laser engravers, but also machines by any other brands.
Better Performance
Coming to performance, the Neje 20W laser module offers similar performance like other 10 watt laser modules. However, its performance is a little bit more effective, especially compared to the Neje A40640. The improved performance is mainly thanks to the tinier spot size made possible by the new optics.
Now let’s get to the test.
The first test we ran is the ramp test, which allows us to locate the right height for the laser module i.e, the ideal clearance from the sheet so that we can always position my laser module at the right height. From our test results, we found a clearance of about three millimeters for sheets of up to 4mm in thickness is deal. You can easily achieve this clearance with a sheet of acrylic or plywood placed beneath to be used for adjustment.
For engraving, we ran our engraving template on a sheet of birch plywood. We were able to go all the way up to 4000mm/m, and 70 to 80 percent of power. Of course, you can engrave faster if you want to.
Coming to cutting, we were able to cut 2.5mm birch plywood at 320 mm/m and 95 percent of power. Of course, you can go faster if you wish. In fact, we were still able to cut through at 400 mm/m and 95 percent power. However, at these speeds, you will need to apply some force in order to pop out the designs you’ve cut in your plywood. Doing so will make the designs have cracked edges and the job won’t be very clean. Therefore, you will need to clean up the design, perhaps by sanding.
If you’re working with smaller or more intricate designs, you might end up breaking your part. To avoid such issues, it’s advisable to use power that will allow your designs to be easily removed from the sheets without having to apply any force.
We also tested the 3.2mm birch plywood, which cut cleanly at 220 mm/m and 95 percent power. We were also able to go all the way up to 300 mm/m but as expected, it wasn’t a perfectly clean job.
Here are the other materials we were able to cut, together with the settings that we used:
- 3mm MD, two passes, 95 percent power
- 2mm acrylic, two passes, 90 percent power, speed 300mm/m
- 5mm of ABS, power 95% and speed of 750mm/m
- Stainless steel metal engraving, power 90%, and speed of 1000mm/m
We usually test our machines at 90 to 95 percent in power. Generally, setting the laser module power to 100% is not a good idea with any machine, especially on the optics of the laser diode. To increase the longevity of your laser module, keep your power at 90 percent of below.
Also, if you anticipate you will be doing a longer project, e.g., one that takes over 30 minutes to complete, it’s better to use a lower power and speed so as to preserve the laser model.
Pros and Cons
Let’s now look at the major pros and cons of the Neje E40 laser engraver.
To start, let’s look at the price. The price of the Neje E40 is in line with other 10W laser modules. Sometimes, it is cheaper, considering what you get in the package. This is good value for the money considering it built-in air assist, the self-contained hose, and everything else, which comes ready out of the box. There is also the adapting board which will allow you to use the laser module with any machine you like.
You can basically plug in and go. Overall, the laser is more effective than the previous generation of Neje A40640.
However, something that Neje needs to do is include the clearance plate for the laser module. Other brands have been doing this for a long time and it is only right that Neje does it as well. With other laser modules, you normally get a reference plate that you can place under your laser head so you can you can easily adjust the height as needed.
The Neje E40’s laser module extends all the way down, leaving you with no space for clamping or to put magnets. Also, since you’re using compressed air, some of the smaller parts or details cut out of your design may pop out and they get on the way of the laser module and ruin up your project. Therefore, this is something that you really need to look out for. We would prefer laser modules that extend all the way down but have a removable shield, like is the case with the Aufero.
Neje E40 vs. A4064 Laser Module: Which Should You Choose?
Now, should you consider the Neje E40 or discard it, given that a 10 watt laser module is the best option to start? Well, the Neje E40 is the best compromise for both cutting and engraving meaning. It is not too powerful for engraving nor too weak for cutting. Moreover, it also competes effectively with other 10W laser module, especially with the A40640.
When comparing it to the NEJE A40640, the E40 is more focused on cutting stability, boasting a robust design and easier-to-use air support for stable output power during cutting. Interestingly, by removing the air nozzle, the E40 can also be used for engraving without air support, with an engraving capacity that closely matches the A40640.
For those primarily engaged in cutting, the E40 is the ideal choice, while those more focused on carving should opt for the A40640.
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