FSL Muse Core 40W CO2 vs Thunder Laser Bolt
| Laser | ||
| Type | CO2 Laser | CO2 Laser |
| Wavelength | 10,600 nm | 10,600 nm |
| Optical Power | 40 W | 30 W |
| Performance | ||
| Work Area | 508 ร 305 mm | 508 ร 305 mm |
| Max Speed | 30,000 mm/min | 90,000 mm/min |
| Focus | Manual | Autofocus |
| Features | ||
| Enclosure | Yes | Yes |
| Air Assist | No | Yes |
| Rotary Compatible | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes | No |
| Camera | No | Yes |
| Physical | ||
| Approx. Price | $2,999 | $5,795 |
| Release Year | 2019 | 2025 |
| Weight | 24.5 kg | 77 kg |
Pros & Cons
FSL Muse Core 40W CO2
What we like
- Browser-based RetinaEngrave v3 โ no OS lock-in, works on Mac/Linux
- Patented removable floor for pass-through engraving
- LCD 7" touchscreen on-machine control
- Made in USA; phone/email support
- Affordable entry price for a US-brand CO2 laser
Watch out for
- No autofocus (manual only)
- No camera
- Air compressor and water cooling not included
- No published max speed specification
- Smaller 20ร12 in work area vs competitors at this price
Thunder Laser Bolt
What we like
- 1,500 mm/s maximum speed โ among the fastest RF CO2 machines
- RF metal tube: 10,000+ hour lifespan vs 2,000โ4,000h for glass
- 0.01mm accuracy and 1,200 DPI โ exceptional engraving detail
- Fan-cooled โ no water chiller needed
- 5MP camera + dual-channel air assist included standard
Watch out for
- Price not published โ requires contacting dealer
- Smaller 508ร305mm work area than Nova series
- Not ideal for bulk cutting thick materials (30W)
- No WiFi โ Ethernet or USB only
Compatible Materials
FSL Muse Core 40W CO2
WoodAcrylicLeatherFabricRubberPaperGlasscoated metals
Thunder Laser Bolt
WoodAcrylicLeatherGlassRubberStoneAnodized Aluminumcoated metalsPaperFabric
The FSL Muse Core 40W CO2 costs $2,999 (48% less) than the Thunder Laser Bolt, which is priced at $5,795.
The FSL Muse Core 40W CO2 has 25% more optical power (40W vs 30W).
Both machines share the same work area of 508 ร 305 mm.
The Thunder Laser Bolt has a 67% higher maximum speed (90,000 mm/min vs 30,000 mm/min).
Feature-wise, Thunder Laser Bolt includes air assist, while FSL Muse Core 40W CO2 does not; Thunder Laser Bolt includes a camera, while FSL Muse Core 40W CO2 does not; FSL Muse Core 40W CO2 includes WiFi connectivity, while Thunder Laser Bolt does not.