Monport Onyx 55 CO2 Laser Production Changes

Update, 8/1/2024: The new version of the machine is called the Onyx-R and as information is becoming available, it’s obvious the internals of the machine are very different. Even the dimensions of the case are slightly different. Are the changes for the better or the worse? The Laser Channel has started a new YouTube series to cover the Onyx-R, but so far no significant insights.

ONYX-R User Manual (the old machine is called the ONYX50).

Tips:

• In general, use the Air Assist to keep debris off of the lens – I even use it when engraving wood and acrylic
• Check and clean the lens regularly
• Install a RUIDA Console that displays Error Messages, otherwise it’s difficult to determine why the machine refuses to cut or engrave when the Pause/Stop button glows red
• Use an external air evacuation fan via the 4″ exhaust port and remove the dc box fan (impedes flow out of the cabinet). You want to extract as much smoke and particulates from the laser working area as possible to limit debris buildup on the lens and laser nozzle and to keep the smoke out of your workshop. Even with the external exhaust fan, smoke ends up coming out of the front of the machine.
• When engraving, keep your work away from the edges of the worked – the laser head needs room for overshoot and the machine will not start the job if there’s insufficient clearance
• Consider a lens upgrade, like the American Photonics ZnSe 18mm Dia 50.8mm focal length

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In January 2024 The Laser Channel on YouTube was commissioned by Monport to do a series on the Onyx 55 desktop CO2 laser engraver. When I received my machine 7 months later there were quite a few unexpected changes. Let’s take a look at what I’ve found so far – images on the left were from The Laser Channel, on the right, my machine.