Good news: you can now laser cut at Snijlab up to 240 × 120 cm. That's four times larger than before. Our two new large-format machines, the SPOTmaxis, are now fully operational. This significantly expands our capabilities. What does that mean for you as a designer or engineer? Read on to discover why we're taking this step, what you can create with it, and when you can get started.
How big is large-format laser cutting?
SPOTmaxi 10 has a working area the size of a furniture panel
With the new large-format laser cutters, we can cut sheets of 240 × 120 cm. That is a standard sheet dimension in construction, also known as a furniture panel. This is four times larger than what we offered previously. In addition to being larger, these machines can also cut thicker sheets, such as 8 mm and 10 mm thick Acrylic. Ideal for outdoor lettering, for instance, so that letters are stronger and last longer. But also up to 18 mm Linde plywood and 8 mm thick POM.
We are starting with a core selection of large-format materials and will expand later.
Which materials will soon be available for large-format ordering?
- Plywood: birch and lime
- Acrylic: clear, white, and black glossy
- Technical plastics: such as HDPE and POM
- MDF: brown and veneered
You can read everything about materials for large-format laser cutting in this blog.
Why large format?
SPOTmaxi 11 arrives at Wisselwachter 1 in Rotterdam
Until now, we cut parts up to 120 × 60 cm. For many applications, that's large enough. To make the move to large format, a lot was required, including a relocation to a larger facility. So why did we decide to take this step now? This choice stems from three factors: customer demand, efficiency, and reliability.
We build long-standing relationships with many customers; some for almost 15 years already. We are proud of these collaborations and have asked how we can serve them even better. This revealed a clear desire: to be able to order large-format items from us, in addition to small and medium-sized orders. Until now, they had to go elsewhere for large parts; soon, that will no longer be necessary.
Internally, we also saw an opportunity to work more efficiently. Residual material is often a hidden cost. With larger sheets, we can nest parts much smarter, which reduces material waste and makes medium-sized designs more affordable.
Reliability is essential in the production process. Even during peak times, we insist that all our delivery times, including express, are met. That gives you, the customer, clarity and peace of mind. With the new large-format machines, we increase our machinery capacity. Not just for large designs, but for all dimensions. This ensures we can continue to deliver on time in the future. If you order express before 12:00, you are guaranteed to receive your part the next day.
What can you create with large-format laser cutting?
Christmas tree part cut from 10 mm thick acrylic on a SPOTmaxi
The possibilities are endless: we are truly looking forward to the innovative designs you will create. In a two-dimensional plane, you have complete design freedom with laser cutting. Here is some inspiration to get you started:
- Covers: functional protection for machines and cabinets, in transparent acrylic.
- Decorative pieces: for theatre, shop windows, or events; from backdrops to striking shapes.
- Flight cases: inlays of PE hard foam; smaller formats also become more affordable through efficient nesting.
- Furniture: design your own flat-pack cabinet or other furniture piece from 18 mm lime plywood.
- Insulation panels: from technical plastics or felt.
- Wall panels: a room-wide, wavy wall made of wood with an engraved pattern.
- Logos: have your logo cut from 8 mm coloured acrylic for a professional and durable result.
- Housings: front panels and mounting panels, for example, in matte black acrylic for a professional look.
- Acoustic insulation: freestanding panels or wall cladding made from PET felt, with your own logos or patterns.
- Interior panels: a custom-made door with cut-out details — perfect for an awkward corner.
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Filters: ventilation panels with fine-mesh grilles.
What kind of machines are the SPOTmaxis?
The laser bridge of SPOTmaxi 10 moves the laser beam across the entire working area and extracts fumes during laser cutting
The SPOTmaxis are impressive machines: the laser power is 300 W, the working area is 2,500 × 1,300 mm, and they can cut materials up to 50 mm thick (depending on the material). The laser head is precisely driven by ball screws instead of the usual timing belts. Across the entire working surface, the laser beam remains consistent thanks to an ingenious optical system, and the focal distance is continuously measured and adjusted during cutting.
SPOTmaxi specifications
- Laser power: 300 W
- Working area: 2,500 × 1,300 mm
- Maximum material thickness: up to 50 mm (depending on material)
The SPOTmaxis were specially developed for Snijlab. Until now, we built all our laser cutters ourselves to have complete control over quality and reliability; for this project, we've taken a new approach. The SPOTmaxis were externally built according to our specifications, combining our fifteen years of experience with the latest possibilities in machine construction. We perform the maintenance ourselves, ensuring long-term performance.
Snijlab performs maintenance on the SPOTmaxis themselves
What distinguishes the SPOTmaxis is their precision. Instead of the usual timing belts, the laser heads are driven by ball screws. These are threaded shafts where nuts move smoothly over the thread, guided by small ball bearings. This system operates backlash-free, meaning the head always finds the exact correct position, without slip or deviation.
Additionally, the SPOTmaxis have improved optics. In large-format laser cutting, the laser beam travels a long distance. Normally, the kerf width can therefore vary: sharp in one corner, but less sharp in the other corners. The SPOTmaxis solve this with two systems:
- The laser path is equally long throughout the working area due to an ingenious optical system.
- The focal distance between the laser head and material is continuously measured and automatically adjusted.
The result: precision and repeatability, from one end of the sheet to the other, regardless of the material's size or thickness.
For Snijlab, quality and reliability always come first. In the past, we had to build machines ourselves for this. Now that the technology and expertise of machine builders have advanced, we can precisely define our requirements and have them built externally, without compromise. The SPOTmaxis are therefore the next step: larger, more powerful, and just as precise as you've come to expect from us.
How can you order large parts?
The ordering process for large parts is as you're used to from us. Create an account and upload a drawing to your shopping cart. Choose a material; the website checks if your design fits the selected material. For an overview of materials to choose for large-format laser cutting, look here.
You can have large-format deliveries shipped or pick them up yourself. For deliveries of large packages, we work with a suitable courier service; this option will automatically appear in your shopping cart. Would you prefer to pick it up yourself? Please check beforehand if your design fits in the car, van, or trailer you're arriving with.
In conclusion
Large-format laser cutting is a logical step in Snijlab's development. Just like our relocation, the transition to a B.V. (private limited company), and achieving ISO 9001 certification.
Whether you're working on a large interior project, a series of technical parts, or a striking wooden object: you can come to us. Do you have a question or need material advice? Contact our customer service.
