Unboxing and building
The ACMER P3 2IN1 arrives neatly packaged and largely pre-assembled. The case is completely sealed and immediately gives off a sturdy, high-quality impression upon unpacking. All components are securely fastened; nothing wobbles or rattles.
The package includes everything you need to get started. From the honeycomb plate and tools to test material, calibration template, and a microSD card with software, profiles, and sample projects.
If you want more, you can purchase additional accessories. For example, there's a conveyor module for long workpieces or a rotation module for round objects like jars and bottles. It's especially nice that the Air Assist is included. Many other brands charge extra for this!
Overall, setup is quick and straightforward. The laser module is hung in place, the exhaust hose is connected, and the camera is pre-assembled, eliminating the need for separate wiring. Mounting the laser module seems somewhat simple. It's held in place in the carriage with just two screws. While this works, it doesn't seem quite as robust as some competing models and could have been implemented more sturdily.
After about 20 minutes, the device is ready for use on the table. The protective film on the cover is a bit of a test of patience. It's been pulled over hinges, screws, and recesses and can only be removed piece by piece. It gets stuck in many places, making removal somewhat tedious. If you want to keep it neat, you'll need a bit of patience.
Save 15% when you buy the ACMER P3
With the exclusive discount code techreviewer you can secure 15% discount on the official ACMER ShopSimply enter the code when paying and start lasering at a lower price.
Software and operation
On the software side, LightBurn, LaserGRBL, and the proprietary ACMER app (Android) are supported. For ambitious projects, LightBurn is the best choice. The software offers extensive features, a clear interface, and enables precise work. Those who only want to create simple engravings can also use LaserGRBL or the mobile app. The latter is particularly suitable for quickly creating designs directly from a smartphone.
Setting up LightBurn is fundamentally simple. The included microSD card contains a ready-made configuration file. After importing, the workspace, axes, and other basic settings are immediately set correctly. Material profiles for various materials are also pre-stored, providing a solid foundation for getting started.
Calibrating the camera in LightBurn is a bit annoying, though. The included template with the circular pattern must be recognized precisely to ensure the camera image is correctly aligned. In practice, this doesn't always work right away.
The software is picky about angles, lighting conditions, and positioning. Often, you have to move the template slightly several times or open the case to repeat the recognition process. This takes time and patience, especially during the initial setup. However, once you've calibrated it, the camera overlay works reliably.
Once calibration is complete, the live image helps with precise placement of motifs. This saves time, especially when aligning individual pieces. However, this also reveals a peculiarity of the design. The camera is located at the top of the hood and captures a wide angle of view. As a result, the horizontal rail of the laser head is often included in the image, partially obscuring the workpiece. This isn't a serious problem, but it's unusual and can be annoying in some situations.
The laser is controlled either via software or directly on the device. There are physical switches with clear labels for the lighting, Air Assist, and exhaust fan. The emergency stop button is conveniently located. Alternatively, all functions can also be conveniently controlled via LightBurn. In practice, controlling the laser via software has proven to be the most convenient.
Engraving and cutting
The versatility of the ACMER P3 2IN1 quickly becomes apparent in operation. The laser module combines a 10-watt diode laser with a 450-nanometer wavelength for cutting work and a 2-watt infrared laser with a wavelength of 1064 nanometers specifically for engraving on metal. Switching is easily done using a switch directly on the laser head. This is quick and tool-free, but the switching is purely mechanical. The software does not automatically detect which module is currently active.
Both modules deliver precise results, but differ in their application. The IR module is ideal for anodized aluminum and dark metals. The spot size of just 0,02 millimeters ensures fine engravings with high contrast and very clean lines. In our tests, we produced business cards with delicate text and logos, which were engraved with razor-sharp and evenness.
The blue diode laser is used for cutting work. With 10W of power, it can easily cut materials such as wood, MDF, acrylic, or cardboard. In our tests, we made several door wreaths from 3-millimeter poplar wood, among other things.
The cuts were smooth and the edges clean. Only with thicker materials are multiple passes necessary. LightBurn allows you to define multiple passes with exactly the same cutting line if needed. This works without any visible offset.
The CoreXY design ensures smooth motion even at higher speeds. Two stepper motors move the head together along the X and Y axes. This reduces vibration and ensures that even large motifs can be engraved or cut cleanly.
However, anyone switching from a device like the xTool S1 will have to get used to a different process. The ACMER P3 doesn't save the laser's last position. Instead, a manual return-to-home command must be triggered each time the laser is turned on to ensure the head is correctly aligned. If this is forgotten, the laser head can move uncontrollably, hit the frame, and cause the motor to spin.
The generous 400 x 390 millimeter work area offers enough space for most projects. The honeycomb plate sits securely and can be quickly removed when needed. Materials are secured with magnetic pins. This works particularly well with thin wood or slightly curved MDF. The flat surface prevents focus deviations, and the result remains clean.
Air Assist and the exhaust system provide support during work. The airflow keeps the lens clean and prevents soot deposits on the workpiece. Air Assist can be activated directly on the device or via LightBurn.
In most cases, the automatic control is completely sufficient. Odor pollution also remains low. The exhaust hose reliably directs smoke and fumes outside. During normal use near windows, no additional air filter was necessary.
Safety
The ACMER P3 is also well-positioned in terms of safety. Its fully enclosed design reliably protects against escaping laser radiation. While this would theoretically allow operation without protective goggles, those who want to play it safe should still wear them while working.
The hood is equipped with a sensor that immediately stops the laser if it is opened during operation. When the hood is closed again, it resumes its work.
The P3 also offers additional security features. A safety lock prevents unauthorized use, for example, in households with children. A fire detection system interrupts the process if heat or smoke exceeds a critical level, and an overheating sensor protects the electronics from thermal overload.
If the device accidentally tips over or is moved sharply, the integrated tilt detection system stops the laser. This combination ensures a comfortable working experience, even if you briefly leave the room.
