Methodology
How we test
Every number we publish will come from a written, versioned protocol with calibrated instruments and raw data. We have published the protocols first; testing starts with our first purchased machines.
Published protocols (v1.0)
- Laser engraving speed protocolHow we will time real engraving jobs on diode, galvo, CO2 and fiber lasers: a standard test file, fixed materials, three runs, raw times published.
- Laser cut depth protocolHow we will measure how many passes a laser needs to cut 3 mm plywood, the thickest material it cuts in three passes, and kerf and char quality.
- Laser fume (PM2.5) protocolHow we will measure fine-particle (PM2.5) levels near lasers, enclosures and fume extractors: sealed room, baseline, standard job, decay time.
- Machine noise protocolHow we will measure machine noise at 1 m with a calibrated Class 2 (or better) sound level meter: A-weighted LAeq, idle and working, background-corrected.
- Heat press platen uniformity protocolHow we will measure heat press temperature spread across the platen, setpoint accuracy, heat-up time and pressure evenness with a thermocouple grid and thermal camera.
- DTF & sublimation cost-per-print protocolHow we will measure the real ink, film, powder and paper cost of a DTF transfer or sublimation print by weighing consumables across a 20-print batch.
Principles behind every protocol
- Measure what sellers care about. Minutes per finished item, cost per print and how a machine behaves in a small room matter more than headline specs.
- Same conditions for every machine. Same room, same material batches, same test files, room temperature and humidity logged.
- Repeat, then report the median. At least three runs per measurement. Failed and aborted runs are published too.
- Calibrated instruments. We list the instrument class and minimum specification in each protocol, and name exact models on results pages.
- Retail units. We buy machines like you do. We test the EU-voltage version where one exists and say so; if a US-only version is tested on a converter, we note it.
- Raw data or it did not happen. Every result links to downloadable data and photos of the test pieces.
How scores work
Each protocol produces a sub-score from 0 to 10 using the weights and formula printed on its page. Scores compare machines within the same group (for example, diode lasers with diode lasers). We never show a score without the measurements behind it, and a product gets no overall verdict until it has been tested. No test, no review.
Status labels
- Researched
- Specs and facts gathered from cited sources. Not tested by us.
- In lab
- We own the machine and testing is underway. Partial results may appear, clearly marked.
- Tested
- At least one complete protocol run, with data published.
- Discontinued
- No longer sold new; kept for reference.
Protocols in draft
These measurements are planned but their protocols are not finished:
- Focus repeatability (diode, galvo and co2 lasers)
- Vinyl cutter accuracy (vinyl cutters)
- Real embroidery speed (embroidery machines)
- Thread breaks (embroidery machines)
Challenge our methods
If you run a shop and think a protocol misses what matters, tell us. Good suggestions become the next protocol version, credited in its changelog. Contact us.