TheiKier K1 Pro Maxaims to offer an all-in-one package for those looking to get started or upgrade their laser engraving and cutting. With helpful usability features and an air assist system, it presents an exciting entry point for those looking to grow a business or expand their material exploration.
iKier K1 Pro Max
For those looking for a robust set of options from their laser engraver, the iKier K1 Pro Max offers features to streamline your workflow. With a 32-bit motherboard, a switchable 24W or 48W laser power, and an included air assist, there’s plenty of control when choosing how best to approach an engraving or laser job. To help position everything optimally, the K1 Pro Max also offers a motorized Z-axis, infrared cross-positioning, and the option to focus automatically. Linear bearings also help support faster engraving speeds, with the iKier K1 Pro Max hitting up to 900 mm/s. In addition, iKier offers a variety of safety features hinging around the security lock, gyroscope, limit switches, and flame detection.
Setting up the iKier K1 Pro Max
As a higher-priced laser engraver, the iKier K1 Pro Max requires some assembly, but it’s not so onerous and can be typically be completed in under an hour. This offers plenty of time to set up any of the optional accessories, too, such as ahoneycomb laser bedor iKier’sprotective box.
However, due to the machine size of 25.6 x 29.5 x 8.7 inches (650 x 750 x 222mm), you’ll probably want some assistance for the process, along with adequate table space for set-up.
The included manual will serve as the most accurate guide, but the linked installation video is good to cross-reference. While generally straightforward, you’ll need to visually check what has already been done for you compared to the video. But overall, once you’ve settled the X-axis rail and installed the laser module, the majority of the work is done.
Another set of hands will help make the final wiring a bit smoother; you can manage with a bit of fiddling. When setting up and installing the air assist system, the linked video proves invaluable.
iKier K1 Pro Max Technical Specifications
The iKier K1 Pro Max offers a sizable engraving area of 16.1 x 16.1 inches (410 x 410mm). But what’s more interesting is the adjustable laser power, which can be swapped between 24W and 48W via a switch on the laser module. Depending on the current mode, the laser spot size will adjust to either 0.08 x 0.1mm at 24W or 0.1 x 0.15mm at 48W power, so you may optimize for greater detail or higher power.
For cutting purposes, the K1 Pro Max can use automatic sinking cutting, which can increase cutting depth up to 25%. Additionally, its linear bearings and motion algorithms allow for engraving at speeds of up to 900mm per second. With respect to its functionality, the linear bearings use a sliding design for its X-axis and a screw design for the Y-axis.
A 32-bit motherboard powers the device and its offline engraving through its attached 4.3-inch touch screen. The included air assist system can be controlled via Lightburn, and the flow can be tweaked via the flow regulation switch. Additionally, the motorized Z-axis offers the option to tap a single-button autofocus by allowing the laser to judge its distance from the material.
Eye Protection and Safety
Beyond the more standard protective acrylic shield around the laser, the iKier K1 Pro Max comes with a variety of safety features to reduce danger during operation. If you opt for iKier’s laser engraver enclosure (not included in our review model), there’s further dust-proofing and fire-proofing alongside an exhaust fan to vent odors and smoke quickly. To chart the progress, it also features multiple viewing windows, so you can protect your eyes and not use laser glasses.
For those going with the basic K1 Pro Max package, laser glasses are included, but it would still be advised to purchase some more comfortable OD5+ glasses since the included ones can put extra pressure on your ears, which becomes noticeable after multiple jobs or extended use.
With the included air assist system, the chances of a flame popping up are significantly diminished, especially when used appropriately with the set laser power percentage. iKier advises keeping the air assist flowing at 80% power or lower to maximize its lifespan. If a flame does appear below the laser head, flame detection will trigger when enabled; the laser will return to its origin and sound an alarm.
In addition to viewing protection, the iKier comes with additional features to limit danger. If tilted, the on-device gyroscope will notify the device, cease operation, and activate its alarm. Limit switches prevent any overreach, so new users needn’t worry about crashing the laser head into the sides when previewing their design.
In addition, the device has a security lock with a physical key to prevent operation.
Using the iKier K1 Pro Touch Screen Controller
The K1 Pro Max can be operated independently of a computer thanks to offline operation via the 4.3-inch touch screen. By inserting a USB drive with supported cutting or engraving files, you can proceed with the job after some minor setup, such as focus adjustments. Until you’ve practiced with the file beforehand, it’s still advisable to try it out first via desktop software, as the controls are much more limited for offline mode and lack the additional bits of visual reference.
The touch screen offers a basic set of controls with a majority of setup commands on the left, whereas movement controls sit on the right side of the screen. If you’re planning to engrave on any irregularly sized objects, using the included fixed focus block is advised instead of choosing autofocus. Once you’ve started the job, there’s a basic completion process bar and a large pause or stop button.
Minor adjustments can also be made to the power or speed of the in-process screen. However, if you do run into any major flubs, it’s likely best to hit the power button due to the lack of any emergency stop button. Otherwise, the slight delay in stopping the job via the touch screen directly.
If you do run into any power loss during an operation, the K1 Pro Max’s resume engraving option can only be used when working offline or via the app. You’ll just need to ensure there’s no movement of the engraver or engraving surface if that does occur to avoid any mistake once you resume. Additionally, you’ll need to make sure auto-home at start-up isn’t enabled.
Software and App Considerations
The iKier K1 Pro Max is compatible with either LaserGRBL or Lightburn. If you’re using macOS, Lightburn is your only option. While Lightburn does come with a free trial, you’ll need to purchase a license after that period to continue using the K1 Pro Max, so factor that cost into your decision. The license costs $60 and grants updates for a year (it’ll still work after a year; you just won’t get any more updates).
While your software choice will come down to preference and your operating system, Lightburn offers a more streamlined and user-friendly option to set up your jobs and control many of the K1 Pro Max’s secondary features. You’ll be able to enable autofocus, sinking cutting, and auxiliary positioning with a few simple steps.
With Lightburn, you can customize a project via multiple layer types that allows you to create a much more complex engraving with minimal hiccups. And with the switch-based system for the laser power, you can easily swap power during a multistep job that intermixes engraving and cutting.
Sometimes, odd bugs will occur regarding connectivity or positioning of the K1 Pro Max, but these can typically be resolved by restarting the device or sending the laser home.
Overall, if you’re spending this much on the pricier K1 Pro Max, it makes sense to take advantage of its integration with Lightburn. It’ll also make it easier to produce files for offline engraving.
If you do venture into trying the iKier smartphone app, connectivity issues and bugs can also occur depending on your phone. Even on a newer phone, the system upgrade via the app failed despite an established connection. I wasn’t actually able to test a print from the app, due to an error that would pop up at final export stage back to the K1 Pro Max. However, it did detect the operation of the device and alert notifications would pop up.
As with most smartphone engraving apps, there’s a very minimal interface to work with and a small amount of image editing too.
Engraving With the iKier K1 Pro Max
In terms of quality, the iKier K1 Pro Max features an engraving accuracy of 0.01mm, and offers a 2K resolution small light spot when using 24W laser power. Depending on your software integration, image engraving options can be fine-tuned to get the desired effect and finish.
You’ll need to experiment when first working with an image, since darker images or those with more black can end up as more subtle relief works. Try different image presets and settings, especially when working with different materials.
When using the 24W laser power and thinner wood, you can typically cut out your design without switching to 48W power. These combined engraving jobs usually range between twenty minutes to an hour, depending on their detail level.
When sizing up, a 10 x 10 inch image at a speed of 1700mm per minute took the iKier K1 Pro Max around two and a half hours. Comparatively, an approximately 11 x 11 inch image with a similar level of complexity took around three hours at 2000mm per minute.
Cutting Power on the K1 Pro Max
To test the cutting strength of the K1 Pro Max, I pulled from two different sizes of scrap softwood with different thicknesses (3/8 inch and 11/16 inch) using the 48W laser power mode. If you intend to cut deeper than that normally suitable for a honeycomb laser bed, you’ll want to raise the K1 Pro Max. Its legs aren’t adjustable, so you’ll need to raise each of the four feet up with something equal in height, but it is possible.
At 3/8 inch thickness, it could cut through with 6 passes at 90% laser power and 900 mm/minute cutting speed on a honeycomb bed. For 11/16 inch thickness, that went up to 16 passes at the same 90% laser power and 900 mm/minute cutting speed. At 16 passes, it took a little effort to push out the cut piece, whereas at 20 passes, it popped out on its own.
With the included air assist, charring was significantly reduced, and there was no flames. If you’re working with the more standard craft wood types and thicknesses (up to 3mm balsa or MDF), the K1 Pro Max can easily cut through, especially with a honeycomb bed.
Should You Buy the iKier K1 Pro Max?
At around $2000, the iKier K1 Pro Max isn’t cheap, but it bridges the gap between lower-power diode lasers and prices CO2 models. It offers a larger engraving area and additional features aimed at simplifying both the setup and work style. But for those not already familiar with engraving software and seeking a simplified user experience, some of its benefits may prove unnecessary.
However, if you’re looking to fine-tune or mass-produce with more frequency, the premium features add extra safety and control. The iKier K1 Pro Max will appeal more to experienced laser engraver users or those looking at more extensive use cases. There are a few hiccups to the process, but the switchable power element of the K1 Pro Max makes it worthy of consideration for those looking for more flexibility with their diode laser.
