the cutting edge of engravers.
With the popularity in laser engraving and cutting on the rise we see more and more new brands emerging. Could Ikier with the Ikier k1 ultra, be the new one to beat?
Desktop DIY and plug and play laser engravers have grown in popularity massively. From the budget starter units coming as a basic frame and laser module unit the the high end coming with a huge array of features including screens and air assist and much more. Ikier come in as a high end fully loaded machines with screen WiFi air assist and more let’s take a look and see just how good.
I have the Ikier k1 ultra which comes with many benefits
Engraving speed: Super Fast 800mm/s.
Motorized Z-axis and Smart Auto Focus.
Cut 30mm wood and 15mm acrylic by one-Pass.
Double compression spot laser power is 33~36W.
These are huge leaps compared to the older 10w laser I used to use so I can’t wait to see what this machine can actually do.
Packaging
According to the ikier community their machines are dispatched different to different countries. Some say their machines are delivered fully built and ready to go. This is ideal for those wanting to pull from the box and get their new laser strait to work. Where others say their machine arrive and require assembly. For me, I enjoy the build and knowing what’s in the machine, so for me, it’s not a down side. Why would some be sent as kit and others as made? The only reason I can think for this would be shipping regulations and duty costs, but as I mentioned, I was quite happy to have kit form.
The machine arrived in a nice thick cardstock box. As soon as opened, we are greeted by very thick foam which incases each componant holding it snug and secure
Pulling the parts each piece has a feel of quality, nicely weighted with no sharp edges and with a very nice overall surface finish.
Amongst the parts we find
The manual,
Warranty Card
Frame (in my case unbuilt),
Screen,
Air assist pump,
Fixing kit,
Usb stick,
Power brick,
Screw kit,
Connecting rod,
Laser modual,
And leveling gauge
Assembling the Ikier k1 ultra
The Assembly at first glance could look a bit complex and overwhelming especially if this is your first machine. In fact, this is a really simple and quick machine to build.
First step, read through the manual which is well written and very clear and well illustrated. After reading and understanding the general instructions proceed from step 1 and start the build process. Building the frame adding the connecting rod, attaching model and screen ect until the builds complete.
Ikier k1 ultra Specs.
Packing a large spec list as follows it definitely ticks a lot of box’s.
Tech Specs:
Brand: iKier
Model: K1 Pro 36W Engraving Size: 410mm*410mmElectric Power: 120WLaser Power 33-36w Spot Size: 0.08mm*0.06mmEngraving Precision: 0.01mm Engraving AccuracyLaser Focal Length: 40mmLaser Wave: 455±5nmFocusing method: Autofocus or Manual, and add Infrared PositioningAdvanced Z-Axis: Automatic Sinking During Cutting Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Android, iOSControl Software: LightBurn, LaserGRBLFile Types: SVG, DXF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, BMP, TIF, CR2, etc.Connecting Interfaces: USB, Wi-Fi, TF CardMotherboard: 32-Bit Control Board With WifiControl Terminal: 4.3 inchesInput Voltage: AC100-240V, 50/60HzOutput Voltage: DC24V, 5AMachine Net Weight: 12kgPacking Weight: 13kgEquipment Size: 650mm*750mm*222mmPacking Size: 780mm*500mm*153mmCertification: CE, FCC, RoHS, FDA
The big switch on the k1 ultra
Now that the machine is built let’s take a look at the UI and some of the features.
One of the nice features of the k1 ultra is it comes with a nice size screen that mounts to the frame using fairly powerful magnets which allows the user to easily pull from the frame for closer viewing. For the likes of me and some of the older users among us this is a nice touch (my eyes not being quite as good as when I was younger). The UI is very smooth with all options you could want, homing, movement, framing ect. With the addition of the key, it makes the Ikier k1 ultra a super safe unit. Preventing little hands from being able to turn on the machine, causing any damages or injuries
matirial for the k1 ultra
The k1 ultra is very versatile, able to cut and engrave a wide range of materials
Wood,
Paper/cards,
Leather,
Vinyl,
Plastics,
Even metals.
though please be aware some materials can be very toxic and reflective, so bare in mind you may need extraction at a minimum the supplied glasses honeycomb and I’d suggest the enclosure.
First run for the k1 ultra
On the USB is a pre compiled hi speed engraving, so it was time for the first run. The only down side with the Ikier is no material is supplied. I opted to use some ply I had at hand, inserted the supplied USB and selected the hi speed file on the USB. The machine sets to work and very quickly completes it’s sample job.
Over view
Overall, the quality of the ikier products I’ve used have been of a very high quality and finish. The assembly has been very simple and the instructions well presented and understandable. Attention to safety with the added security of a key is very welcome especially if children have access to the work environment.
The avaliable accessories is very large with some great additions for almost every option in the engraving market. (hopefully over time there will be some update blogs covering some of these great products).
Overview of the Ikier k1 ultra and the accessories avaliable on their site.
should you get the Ikier k1 ultra ? If the ikier is in your budget, then it is definitely a great purchase, with it’s huge list of features and accessory options, it’s a great machine with safety in mind.
accessories
IKIER have done a great job on this unit and the accessories they have avaliable on their site. I would suggest grabbing a honeycomb bed and also an enclosure for safety. These are tailored to the machines they sell and we’ll worth the money.
With Ikier growing in brand awareness so to is there community and growing fan base. Their Facebook group is forever growing with some amazing community creations and user projects being shared regularly. So far I’ve only witnessed helpful and happy members all sharing a combined passion of creation using the ikier product. Be sure to check out their group and some of the amazing work shared.
If your interested in new advances and tech check out the Apex-maker x1 artical for the newest in hi-speed resin printing.