When comparing machine options, it’s important to isolate and compare actual specifications between each machine. The most relevant specs include max power options, cutting and engraving speed, max work area, material processing capability, post-sale technical support, component warranty, client satisfaction, and finally the overall value or price.

Features and specifications can be difficult to fairly compare and evaluate especially when they are not always readily available. This is why we have provided easy to read objective comparison bar graphs below. After review you should be able to quickly assess the overall production value of both company offerings.

Comparison Between Boss’ LS-1420 and AP Lazer’s SN1812

Feature	AP Laser SN1812	Boss Laser LS-1420
CO2 Power	30 Watts	50 Watts (+66%)
Work Area	18″x12″ (216in2)	14″ x 20″ (280in2) (+29%)
Engraving Speed	760mm/sec	1,300mm/sec (+71%)
Reviews	145	2,621 (+1,700%)
Price	$12,995	$6,550* (-49%)

Affordability and Value

The affordability or value comparison is a matter of comparing both machines’ specifications, capabilities and support options relative to the asking price. Comparing Boss’ LS-1420 and AP Lazer’s SN-1812 required adjustments to be fair. It’s important to note that AP Lazer includes add-ons or upgrades within their base price. The 3-year warranty, PC, CO₂ glasses, and virtual training are all included within the SN-1812’s base price of $12,995. However, the Boss machines allows the client to decide if those upgrades are worth paying for. With those same upgrades Boss’ price is significantly more affordable. Additionally, if you decided to purchase without any upgrades the base price for Boss’ LS-1420 is only $4,997.

Material Capabilities

The other important note worth mentioning is that AP Lazer presents a unique “open architecture” platform that includes a removable base or cart. With that you can potentially load larger or heavier objects that would not otherwise fit within a ‘boxed’ laser system. AP thus claims their machine offers “endless product creation”. However, keep in mind each AP machine has limited X/Y gantry and work area which requires realignment for larger engraving jobs.

As an example, the SN-1812 work area is limited to 18×12”. Thus, if you want to engrave anything larger than 18×12” you would need to engrave it in multiple 18×12” sections. This requires you to relocate, and re-align the material with exact precision in both X & Y sections so as to keep each subsequent section seamless to one another. This would be a difficult process to efficiently replicate that could result in loss of time and material.

Boss effectively expands their machines work area by offering 4-Way pass through points front to back and side to side. You can position the object with more freedom compared to other “boxed-in” platforms. You can also opt for a 4×8 or 5×10’ work area for larger platforms where you would not need to reposition the material.

Other Considerations

Within the CO₂ laser LS or HP laser lineup Boss offers up to 5×10’ platforms and up to 250 Watts of CO2 power with the option of glass or RF laser power technology for cutting power up to 1”. Boss HP line allows you to cut both metal and non-metal materials.

AP limits their power up to 130 watts with cutting power up to ½” but with no metal cutting capability – only marking or engraving.

Boss also offers a full line of fiber laser cutting and marking machine options from 20 watts all the way up to 15KW (15,000 watts) for industrial metal marking and cutting applications. AP offers fiber marking machines up to 50 watts for marking applications only.

Boss also offers on-site installation and training that is very popular with businesses who need their production lines running quickly and efficiently.

With the comparative specifications above Boss Laser offers considerably more options with respect to laser type, power, size, and support all at a significantly more affordable price. Click here to get a lineup of our current laser machines.

The Boss Laser Lineup