Thunder Laser Nova 35 vs ULS VLS2.30DT
| 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 | 406 × 305 mm |
| Max Speed | 60,000 mm/min | 152,400 mm/min |
| Focus | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Features | ||
| Enclosure | Yes | Yes |
| Air Assist | Yes | No |
| Rotary Compatible | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | No | No |
| Camera | No | No |
| Physical | ||
| Approx. Price | $9,230 | $12,500 |
| Release Year | 2015 | 2016 |
| Weight | 311 kg | 32 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
ULS VLS2.30DT
What we like
- Most affordable current ULS platform — lowest entry point into the ecosystem
- Rapid Reconfiguration™ lets the same chassis accept multiple CO2 laser wattages without tools
- Materials database automates power/speed/focus settings per material
- Compact 70 lb (32kg) desktop footprint
- US-made with an established reseller support network
Watch out for
- Quote-only pricing — no published price, must go through a reseller
- Smallest work area in the current ULS lineup (16"×12")
- Requires a dedicated Windows PC — no standalone touchscreen control
- No camera registration or WiFi
- Max 30W CO2 power limits cutting to thin materials only
Compatible Materials
Thunder Laser Nova 35
WoodAcrylicLeatherFabricPaperGlassRubberStone
ULS VLS2.30DT
WoodAcrylicLeatherPaperplasticFabricGlassStonecoated metals
The Thunder Laser Nova 35 costs $9,230 (26% less) than the ULS VLS2.30DT, which is priced at $12,500.
The Thunder Laser Nova 35 has 63% more optical power (80W vs 30W).
The Thunder Laser Nova 35 offers a 77% larger work area (900 × 600 mm vs 406 × 305 mm).
The ULS VLS2.30DT has a 61% higher maximum speed (152,400 mm/min vs 60,000 mm/min).
Feature-wise, Thunder Laser Nova 35 includes air assist, while ULS VLS2.30DT does not.