The AlgoLaser PiXi has become the easiest-to-use engraver in recent times!
Check out my videos for the article, you can watch all four videos at the end of the article!
Introductory
Yes, you see, I'm writing an article about a machine I've already written about once. The reason for this is that I brought out the little engraver again to show how well it's been designed, and more importantly, to show how well it can be used without external devices, such as a PC, tablet or phone, just by itself, placed on the corner of a table!
This article first talks a little about the manufacturer, then I will briefly write about the Algolaser PiXi (you can find a detailed presentation here: We tried it – AlgoLaser Pixi: The new, pocket-sized revolution in laser engraving!), last but not least, and for the longest time, I will write about AlgoOs itself, that is, the soul of AlgoLaser machines, one of the (well, not the best) operating systems for laser engravers today. Let's get started!
AlgoLaser – History and Mission
Az AlgoLaser (official name Shenzhen Algo Technologies Co., Ltd.) is an innovative manufacturer in the laser engraving and cutting machine market, which "Smart Laser, Super Easy to Use" (Intelligent Laser, Super Easy to Use) philosophy. The company's mission (at least that's what they say about themselves) is to break down the barriers for beginners and intelligent, affordable offer laser solutions for everyday users and small businesses.
Company History and Founder
Behind AlgoLaser stands a professionally recognized (perhaps highly recognized would be more accurate) leader: Justin Tan CEO. Justin Tan is a well-known expert in the diode laser industry and was the CEO of AlgoLaser before founding it. place Founder, where he was responsible for global sales channels and brand building. This experience gives AlgoLaser the industry knowledge to create innovations focused on consumer needs.
Organizational Structure and Vision
The company's headquarters, R&D and manufacturing base are of course in China's Silicon Valley, in Shenzhen located, while the marketing center In Changsha operates, of course this city is also located in China. AlgoLaser has a professional product team that focuses on developing innovative laser technologies and complete solutions, working closely with user feedback.
Their mission: Developing laser applications that have practical benefits and promising business potential, thereby creating value for users' businesses. Okay, that was a pretty strong marketing ploy, I rather see their products as trying to take laser engraving from the level of tech-faces or cubes to everyday use. The point is that these machines should not be more complicated and dangerous to handle than, for example, a microwave. It is not an exaggeration to say that they are on a damn good path towards this goal.
Finally, another well-sounding marketing statement from the company: The manufacturer's primary goal is to help individuals and small businesses supplement their income or pursue their creative hobbies with the help of their professional laser engraving machines.
AlgoLaser Pixi 10W engraver
As I mentioned above, this article is not intended to be a detailed review of the device, there is already a complete review and video for that. I'll say it again, you can find it here, if you liked the device, definitely read it: We tried it – AlgoLaser Pixi: The new, pocket-sized revolution in laser engraving!
So, about the machine in two paragraphs, in a nutshell:
Az AlgoLaser Pixi is a compact, desktop laser engraver designed specifically for home, hobby and small business use. The device's small size (often compared to a toaster, I see it more like a square motorcycle helmet) and aesthetic, completely enclosed (Class 1 certified) Thanks to its design, it fits securely on your desk. Pixi is available in several power versions (3W, 5W, 10W), the 10W model However, it is not only suitable for engraving, but also for cutting.
The power of the 10W diode laser module allows you to cut through thicker materials such as 4-6 mm plywood vagy 20 mm soft wood (depending on the hardness of the material), while thanks to the fine focusing (~$0,08 \times 0,12$ mm) extremely detailed engraving quality can also provide. The size of the working area 100 x 100 mm, which is ideal for making small unique items, gifts or logos. The Plug & Play The ease of setup and the aforementioned standalone operation make the Pixi a favorite for entry-level users. I would also like to note that the manufacturer specifies thicker materials, but I am more cautious based on my experience.
AlgoOS – More Intelligent Features in Detail
The AlgoOS operating system is the main strength of AlgoLaser products (such as the Pixi 10W). In addition to the already mentioned functions that ensure PC-free operation (AlgoSketch, AlgoType, Material Table), the manufacturer highlights several other intelligent capabilities, which we will now go through. You can find a description of each capability in the video at the beginning of the article, as well as in the previous test and video that I have already mentioned twice, so check out these materials as well!
Offline Operation and File Management
Perhaps the most important element of the Pixi and AlgoOS system is the completely independent (offline) operation. Projects imported via Wi-Fi, USB-C cable or TF/SD card (with USB C card reader) are stored in the machine's own memory.
This means that once the project is uploaded, there is no need for a constant computer connection. AlgoLaser Pixi can also be used as a disk drive (when connected to a PC with a USB cable, you will see the AlgoLaser Pixi storage as a USB drive), but the most convenient way is to Wi-Fi transmission via the mobile app, or even better, inserting the TF/SD card with the USB card reader that comes with the machine. The on-screen Projects In the menu item, we can easily review the files stored in the machine's memory and on any connected memory card (e.g. JPG, SVG, PNG, BMP, G code, DWG formats), select the jobs to be repeated, and start them immediately. Again (Repeat) function is particularly useful when making multiple, identical products (e.g. key chains, name tags), significantly speeding up the workflow.
Material Selection and Laser Power Adjustment (Materials Table)
One of the most useful features of AlgoOS is the built-in material table, or also known as a material library. This feature makes life really easy for beginners.
The user does not have to go through complicated trial and error to find the right engraving or cutting parameters. They simply select the material they are working on on the touch screen (e.g. wood, leather, acrylic, paper, metal), and AlgoOS will automatically recommend or load a preset laser power and speed combination. Of course, these values can be fine-tuned afterwards via the screen. In the case of the 10W model, the system differentiates between cutting and engraving settings, helping the user achieve the best possible end result.
Text Input and Custom Fonts (AlgoType)
Az AlgoType This feature is a significant step towards a PC-free workflow. With this feature, we no longer need external text design software.
The display on the AlgoLaser Pixi on virtual keyboard we can enter text through. AlgoOS offers custom fonts and text settings, such as font, size, italic, line spacing and alignment These capabilities simplify the creation of custom nameplates, labels or signs, as the entire design and setup process can be done directly on the machine.
Handwriting and Drawing (AlgoSketch)
Az AlgoSketch This feature allows for creativity and instant engraving. This feature didn't seem very useful to me due to the small display, but you might be able to use it to express your creativity.
With the included stylus, the user can you can draw directly on the screen You can enter patterns, shapes or simple figures, or even your signature as a design to be engraved. This hand-drawn design is immediately processed by the system and ready for engraving. This is ideal for quick, personalized projects such as unique signatures, small messages or transferring freehand drawings onto objects. The system also allows you to scale and rotate the drawing on the display before you start the laser.
Image processing (Inverse / Negative image)
AlgoOS's built-in image processing module allows you to directly on the display Modify the appearance of uploaded images without having to use external software!
One of the most important image editing functions is inverse image (negative) function. This essentially inverts the colors of the image, turning black into white and white into black, which is especially important for achieving high-contrast engraving results. For example, if we wanted to engrave on a dark-coated metal surface or other black surface, plain engraving would remove the coating and leave the light metal visible. By engraving an inverse image, we can make parts of the pattern appear differently (e.g., just an outline instead of a fill). In addition, the display shows basic contrast and brightness adjustment Options are also available to optimize the image before engraving.
In the demonstration videos, this inverse image function is usually demonstrated by engraving on the leaf, which really gives a very spectacular result!
Visual positioning and workspace preview
Precise positioning is essential in laser engraving, especially with the small, closed-chamber AlgoLaser Pixi. AlgoOS simplifies this process through a graphical interface.
AlgoOS touchscreen real-time, visual feedback gives you the engraving pattern on the work area. Simply touch and slide the pattern on the work area Within the framework of The system also offers a built-in “framing” function, which uses a low-power laser to outline the actual size and position of the pattern on the workpiece before engraving begins. This pre-visual positioning It is more accurate than manual adjustment and minimizes the amount of wasted material, which is key for novice users.
Smart security features and OTA updates
AlgoOS not only manages the creative processes, but also the security and maintenance tasks of the AlgoLaser Pixi.
AlgoLaser Pixi has built-in with security features which can be monitored through AlgoOS. These include (in the case of AlgoLaser Pixi) cover opening/tilt detection (tilt alarm), which immediately stops the laser if the machine tilts or the protective cover opens, and the display shows emergency stop button (emergency stop) quick handling. Another outstanding feature of AlgoOS is OTA (Over-The-Air) updates support. This means that the machine independently downloads and installs software updates via an internet connection, ensuring continuous developments and bug fixes without user intervention. Of course, this requires that the machine's built-in wifi adapter be set to access the home wifi network!
This expanded presentation includes the requested company information and the most important capabilities of the AlgoOS system, many of which facilitate PC-free, easy use, providing an ideal background for inserting images!
Some practical experience
The AlgoLaser Pixi is the machine that I sometimes take out not only for testing, but also to have a little fun with it. Okay, I know, it may be strange to some that my relaxation is also my work, but let's just say that testing a product is completely different from creating it with my imagination. And I also ride a bike and a motorbike, so engraving is not the only hobby. 🙂
Well, that's not the point, but why I'm picking up this AlgoLaser Pixi machine. There will be no surprises, precisely because of its independent operation. I don't have to mess around with PC software, I don't have to start the phone app if I want to make something small, say just a small wooden board for my sons with Spider-Man on it. So I just grab it from the cupboard, put it on the table, turn it on and the fun can begin. No need to set it up, fine-tune it, no need to do anything, it just needs power and I can make all the settings via the display.
The AlgoLaser Pixi gives you freedom in your creation. This again seems like marketing gimmick, but it's not, this is the real magic of this machine. I enjoy this too, even if I'm quite good at handling LightBurn or LaserGRBL, which are quite complicated (especially the former) PC software. But maybe that's exactly the good thing about it, that I really don't need to mess around with the PC connected via USB, start programs and set them up.
In the introductory article I wrote about it (I also show it in the video) that the AlgoLaser Pixi is an extremely clever machine, and not only because of the software, but also because the height of the machine housing can be changed, and the height of the laser head can be adjusted. This is what you can do with it by removing the lower metal plate and engraving a pattern on the area under the machine, say (just for the sake of example) in the middle of the dining table, or you can do it by placing a wine bottle, glass, beer can or other cylindrical object under the laser on a glass spinner and working with it.
This year, among the small machines for beginners, the AlgoLaser Pixi is the winner for me. This is thanks to its physical properties as described above, but first and foremost it is not this, but the incredibly well-designed and developed AlgoOS operating system that makes this machine a real winner!
Conclusion
Well, I don't want to write too much, I think everything will become clear to you from the above and the previous test and the two videos (in fact, there aren't even two, I'll link the rest here too!) If you've only been eyeing engraving so far, but haven't dared to take the plunge, were afraid of failure, of the machines, of the software, didn't feel that you had the technical skills necessary to use the machines, then forget these excuses immediately! With the AlgoLaser Pixi, these excuses will lose all relevance one by one, because if you can manage with a mobile phone, you will also be able to manage with the AlgoLaser Pixi!
If you like the machine, you can buy it from the manufacturer's store at the link below (a small discount, here's the coupon code: hochu10):
AlgoLaser Pixi laser engraver
If you don't like reading and would rather watch videos, you can find them here:
