Thunder Laser Nova 35 vs Trotec Speedy 50 30W CO2
| Laser | ||
| Type | CO2 Laser | CO2 Laser |
| Wavelength | 10,600 nm | 10,600 nm |
| Optical Power | 80 W | 30 W |
| Performance | ||
| Work Area | 900 × 600 mm | 457 × 305 mm |
| Max Speed | 60,000 mm/min | 90,000 mm/min |
| Focus | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Features | ||
| Enclosure | Yes | Yes |
| Air Assist | Yes | Yes |
| Rotary Compatible | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | No | No |
| Camera | No | No |
| Physical | ||
| Approx. Price | $9,230 | $9,995 |
| Release Year | 2015 | 2024 |
| Weight | 311 kg | 53 kg |
Pros & Cons
Thunder Laser Nova 35
What we like
- Large 35" × 23" work area handles big production jobs
- 80W–100W power cuts thick wood and acrylic efficiently
- 1,000 mm/s servo speed for fast batch production
- Pass-through door for unlimited-length material
- Includes LightBurn and lifetime US support
Watch out for
- Very heavy at 311 kg — requires freight delivery and forklift
- No built-in camera (optional ThunderCam)
- Price not listed online — requires dealer quote
- Glass CO2 tube needs replacement every 2,000–4,000 hours
Trotec Speedy 50 30W CO2
What we like
- Professional-grade RF CO2 laser source (maintenance-free, long life)
- Fast for its class — 1.5 m/s, up to 6.5× faster than comparable desktop lasers
- Ruby® software is best-in-class for workflow automation
- CE & FDA compliant, true Class 2 safety enclosure
- Excellent Trotec global service network
Watch out for
- Price is significantly above hobbyist CO2 desktops — quote only
- Single laser power option (30W only)
- No WiFi in standard config (Ethernet only)
- Requires exhaust system (sold separately)
Compatible Materials
Thunder Laser Nova 35
WoodAcrylicLeatherFabricPaperGlassRubberStone
Trotec Speedy 50 30W CO2
WoodAcrylicLeatherPaperplasticFabricGlassStone
The Thunder Laser Nova 35 costs $9,230 (8% less) than the Trotec Speedy 50 30W CO2, which is priced at $9,995.
The Thunder Laser Nova 35 has 63% more optical power (80W vs 30W).
The Thunder Laser Nova 35 offers a 74% larger work area (900 × 600 mm vs 457 × 305 mm).
The Trotec Speedy 50 30W CO2 has a 33% higher maximum speed (90,000 mm/min vs 60,000 mm/min).