1. Machine size and working area
Confirm exact working area, usable cutting limits, Z-axis clearance, floor space, ventilation space, and unloading access.
- Confirm exact working area, not only model name.
- Ask about usable cutting area after clamps and frame limits.
- Check Z-axis clearance for your material and fixtures.
- Confirm floor space, ventilation space, and access for unloading.
2. Laser source, wattage, and optics
Confirm laser tube brand, rated wattage, expected tube life, replacement cost, optics, and included spare parts.
- Confirm laser tube brand, rated wattage, and measured output.
- Ask expected tube life and replacement cost.
- Record lens, mirror, nozzle, and focal length details.
- Verify whether the quote includes spare optics.
3. Controller and software
Confirm controller brand, exact model, workflow compatibility, licenses, cables, and upgrade options.
- Confirm controller brand and exact model.
- Check LightBurn or other workflow compatibility.
- Ask whether software licenses, dongles, or cables are included.
- Verify USB, Ethernet, rotary, autofocus, and camera options.
4. Cooling, exhaust, and air assist
Confirm chiller model, water protection, exhaust fan, ducting, filtration assumptions, and air assist details.
- Confirm chiller model and whether it is included.
- Ask about temperature alarm and flow protection.
- Record exhaust fan, ducting, and filtration assumptions.
- Confirm air assist pump or compressor details.
5. Material test and sample validation
Request a material test video using your material and compare speed, power, passes, focus, edge quality, smoke marks, and repeatability.
- Request a material test video using your material and thickness.
- Ask for speed, power, passes, and focal setup used in the test.
- Compare edge quality, smoke marks, and repeatability.
- Do not rely on generic demo videos for your final decision.
6. Shipping, customs, and landed cost
Compare EXW, FOB, CIF, DDP, packaging, freight, customs clearance, duties, taxes, local delivery, unloading, and insurance.
- Compare EXW, FOB, CIF, DDP, and door-to-door quotes clearly.
- Ask for packing size, gross weight, and crate photos after order.
- Clarify customs clearance, duty, tax, unloading, and insurance.
- Compare total landed cost, not only machine price.
7. Warranty, spare parts, and support
Confirm warranty length, exclusions, claim process, spare parts availability, support language, time zone, and response process.
- Confirm warranty length and component exclusions.
- Ask how claims are handled and who pays shipping for parts.
- Record included spare parts and future spare parts pricing.
- Check support language, time zone, and response process.
8. Supplier verification and payment
Verify company details, call live before payment, clarify deposit and balance timing, and get specs in writing.
- Ask for verifiable company details and a live video call.
- Clarify deposit, balance payment, and inspection timing.
- Use payment methods with a clear dispute path where possible.
- Do not pay before key specs, warranty, and shipping terms are written.