Revolutionizing Personal Fabrication: The Mr Beam II Desktop Lasercutter

Benedikt Achatz's Award-Winning Design Combines Functionality and Aesthetics

Mr Beam II was born out of a fascination with laser technology and a desire to make it accessible to a wider audience. The prohibitive cost and complexity of existing industrial machines inspired Achatz to create a user-friendly, affordable alternative. The result is a product that not only fits on a desktop but also offers a maximized working area.

The design of Mr Beam II is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Its distinctive corner flaps make it suitable for both a workshop and an office desk, and allow it to be stored upright without scratching the housing. The machine is portable and can be controlled from any WiFi-enabled device with a web browser.

One of the standout features of Mr Beam II is the camera attached to the safety lid. This provides an accurate preview of the working area, making it easy to position designs accurately. The full metal safety housing, closed with a safety glass lid, ensures secure operation.

The production process involves laser cutting and CNC bending of sheet metal, resulting in a powder-coated housing. The safety housing measures 710 x 480 x 175mm, with a working area of 500 x 400mm and a maximum object height of 35mm. The machine uses a powerful 5w high-efficiency shortwave laser and offers optional fume extraction.

Mr Beam II has been recognized for its innovative design, winning the Golden A' Prosumer Products, Tools, and Machinery Design Award in 2017. The award is given to outstanding, trendsetting creations that advance art, science, design, and technology.

In conclusion, Mr Beam II is a testament to the possibilities of personal fabrication. Its unique features, coupled with its user-friendly design, make it a valuable tool for professionals and hobbyists alike. It's not just a product, but a revolution in the world of desktop laser cutting and engraving.