Machine Comparison
GF LASER P 400 vs GF LASER S 500 U
GF Machining Solutions vs GF Machining Solutions · CNC Laser Cutting
Summary
The GF LASER P 400 and GF LASER S 500 U are both GF laser texturing and engraving machines for mold and tooling surfaces. The LASER P 400 is the compact entry platform; the LASER S 500 U is built for texturing complex 3D mold surfaces in place of chemical etching.
The LASER P 400 has slightly more X travel, 600 mm (23.6 in) against 550 mm (21.7 in), and is the lighter machine at 2400 kg against 4,000 kg (8,818 lb) with coolant. The LASER S 500 U offers 500 mm (19.7 in) of Z travel against 300 mm (11.8 in), so it takes much taller workpieces. Both have 400 mm (15.7 in) of Y travel, and the LASER S 500 U occupies 3,600 x 2,500 mm of floor space.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | GF LASER P 400 | GF LASER S 500 U |
|---|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 600 mm (23.6 in) ▲ | 550 mm (21.7 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 400 mm (15.7 in) | 400 mm (15.7 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 300 mm (11.8 in) | 500 mm (19.7 in) ▲ |
| Machine Weight | 2400 kg | 4,000 kg (8,818 lb) with coolant |
| Floor Space | 2.04 m² | 3,600 x 2,500 mm |
Advantages
GF LASER P 400
- 600 mm (23.6 in) X travel against 550 mm (21.7 in)
- Lighter at 2400 kg against 4,000 kg (8,818 lb) with coolant
- Entry point for shops starting laser texturing on small inserts
GF LASER S 500 U
- 500 mm (19.7 in) Z travel against 300 mm (11.8 in) for taller mold parts
- Aimed at replacing chemical etching on automotive, electronics and medical molds
Verdict
Choose the GF LASER P 400 for small inserts, tooling components, watch and jewelry parts and R&D work that fit within 300 mm of Z, or as a first step into laser texturing. Choose the GF LASER S 500 U for production mold texturing, where taller cavities and cores need its 500 mm of Z and the goal is to replace chemical etching on automotive interior, electronics or medical molds.