Atomstack Hurricane Review: Is This 55W CO₂ Laser Worth the Hype

“Compared with other 55W CO₂ laser engravers, the Atomstack Hurricane offers one of the most balanced combinations of performance and price.”

Among the many brands competing in the desktop laser market, Atomstack has earned a strong reputation for innovation and performance.

The Atomstack Hurricane represents the company’s step into the high-power CO₂ segment — a machine designed to bridge the gap between hobby-grade tools and professional workshop equipment.

Unlike typical diode models, the Hurricane is built as a 55W CO₂ laser system, combining industrial-level cutting capability with user-friendly operation.

This review takes an in-depth look at the Hurricane’s design, performance, and real-world usability — providing a clear, unbiased perspective to help determine whether this CO₂ laser cutter meets the needs of creators, studios, and small businesses.

Overview of Atomstack Hurricane

The Atomstack Hurricane is a premium CO₂ laser cutting and engraving machine designed for creators, makers, and small-scale manufacturers.

It was officially launched in September 2024.

Unlike typical diode lasers, it uses a 55W CO₂ infrared laser with a 10.6 µm wavelength, enabling deeper cuts and broader material compatibility, especially for non-metal substrates.

Is the Atomstack Hurricane Right for You

The Atomstack Hurricane is not an entry-level desktop engraver — it’s a 55W CO₂ laser cutting and engraving machine built for users who need serious power, precision, and versatility beyond what typical diode lasers can offer.

If your projects often involve thicker materials, complex patterns, or semi-professional production, the Hurricane could be the perfect match.

Situations Where It’s a Smart Choice

• You need to cut or engrave thicker, non-metal materials.

The 55W CO₂ laser in the Hurricane can handle wood, acrylic, leather, fabric, bamboo, glass, ceramics and more.

It’s also capable of marking coated metals, though not cutting bare metal.

• You want flexibility in workpiece size.

The machine’s standard working area is 500 × 300 mm (19.6″ × 11.8″), with an expanded area of up to 800 × 500 mm (31.5″ × 19.6″) using its auto pass-through mode.

That gives you room to tackle larger projects without needing multiple setups.

• You value speed and precision in one package.

With top speeds up to 600 mm/s and a quoted precision of 0.01 mm, the Hurricane is well-suited for detailed work at production pace.

• You want advanced positioning capabilities.

The integrated 5 MP camera preview system enables real-time alignment and accurate material placement — a useful tool for complex layouts and repeat tasks.

• Safety, durability, and pro-grade design matter.

The fully enclosed frame, air assist, flame detection, emergency stop, and robust metal structure make the Hurricane safer and more reliable for workshop or shared environments.

Situations Where It Might Not Be Ideal

• Your materials are predominantly metal.

If your work involves cutting bare metals, a fiber laser would be a better choice — the CO₂ in Hurricane is incapable of cutting metal, although it can mark coated surfaces.

• You only do lightweight engraving or crafts.

For simple surface engraving on wood, leather, or acrylic, a high-power diode laser (20–40 W) might be more cost-effective, portable, and easier to maintain.

• You lack proper ventilation or workspace.

CO₂ lasers generate fumes and smoke, so you’ll need an exhaust or ventilation system to maintain a clean working environment.

Pros and Cons of Atomstack Hurricane

After reviewing feedback and discussions across major platforms — including YouTube reviews, Reddit threads, maker blogs, and professional testing reports — we’ve summarized the most common experiences shared by real Atomstack Hurricane owners.

These insights highlight what users genuinely like about the machine and where it still has room for improvement.

Pros

Powerful 55W CO₂ Laser — Offers far greater cutting strength than typical diode machines, capable of slicing through thick wood, acrylic, and other non-metal materials cleanly.

High Speed and Precision — Up to 600 mm/s speed with 0.01 mm accuracy, balancing detail and productivity for both hobby and commercial use.

Auto-Focus Convenience — One-click autofocus improves consistency, reducing manual calibration time.

5 MP Built-in Camera — Allows accurate positioning, batch alignment, and live preview directly from the software.

Expandable Work Area — Standard 500 × 300 mm (19.6″ × 11.8″) bed extends to 800 × 500 mm (31.5″ × 19.6″) with auto pass-through for long materials.

Enclosed and Safe Design — Emergency stop, flame detection, and filtered viewing window provide strong safety protection.

Rugged Build Quality — Full-metal frame with air assist and clean cable routing ensures durability and consistent performance.

Competitive Value — Delivers industrial-level CO₂ laser performance at a more accessible price compared with similar enclosed models.

Cons

Small Default Work Area — While expandable, the 500 × 300 mm workspace may be restrictive for large-format designs.

Ventilation Required — CO₂ cutting produces smoke and odor; users recommend adding an external exhaust or purifier.

Sensitive Flame Detection — Some reports mention the fire alarm triggers too easily during darker burns.

Requires Space for Expansion — The pass-through system and conveyor extensions need extra room behind or beside the unit.

Not for Bare Metal Cutting — It can engrave coated metals but cannot cut through uncoated ones.

Bulky and Heavy — The enclosed CO₂ construction makes it less portable and harder to move than diode-based engravers.

3 Atomstack Hurricane Alternative Recommended

While the Atomstack Hurricane is a powerful 55W CO₂ laser cutter, it’s not the only capable option in the desktop and small workshop segment.

Below are three well-regarded alternatives that serve different needs and budgets — each with its own strengths in power, precision, and workflow design.

1. xTool PS2

The xTool P2 is often seen as the closest direct competitor to the Hurricane.

It’s a 55W CO₂ laser cutter featuring a large 600 × 308 mm working area, dual 16 MP cameras, and an automatic conveyor feeder system.

The P2 also supports curved-surface engraving and batch alignment, making it ideal for small businesses or creative studios that value automation and precision.

It runs seamlessly with xTool Creative Space (XCS) and LightBurn, offering a polished, beginner-friendly experience.

• Best for: users seeking a highly automated, plug-and-play CO₂ laser with premium build quality and ecosystem support.

2. OMTech Polar

The OMTech Polar is another compact CO₂ laser cutter designed for professionals and educators.

It comes with a 50W CO₂ laser, 20 × 12 in. (≈ 510 × 305 mm) working area, and a fully enclosed, water-cooled system.

It includes a built-in camera, air assist, and rotary compatibility for cylindrical engraving.

Although slightly less powerful than the Hurricane, the Polar’s reliability, customer service, and long-standing brand credibility make it an excellent choice for classrooms, maker labs, or small business environments.

• Best for: users prioritizing reliability, safety, and support within a professional setting.

3. Falcon2 Pro

For those who prefer diode laser systems over CO₂, the Creality Falcon2 Pro provides an impressive alternative.

Equipped with up to 60W optical power (through multi-diode coupling), it handles wood, acrylic, leather, and even bare metals with IR-laser marking support.

Its auto-focus, built-in air assist, and CoreXY motion system deliver precise, stable engraving even at high speeds.

Although it cannot match a CO₂ laser for cutting thick acrylic, the Falcon2 Pro offers superior versatility in surface engraving and portability.

• Best for: creators who value metal marking capability, compact design, and high efficiency in a diode-based system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What materials can the Atomstack Hurricane engrave/cut

It excels at engraving wood, leather, acrylic, paper, slate, ceramics, and some coated

metals.

It can cut wood, acrylic, paper, and thin plastics effectively.

Is it safe for home use

With proper precautions (safety glasses, ventilation, supervision, fire extinguisher), it can be used safely at home.

Never operate without eye protection and fume extraction.

What software is best to use with it

A: LightBurn is the industry standard and highly recommended for its powerful features and user-friendly interface.

LaserGRBL is a free alternative, good for basic use.

How difficult is the assembly

Assembly is straightforward, typically taking 30-45 minutes with clear instructions.

No complex wiring is involved.

Where can I buy the Atomstack Hurricane

It's available on Atomstack's official website, Amazon, Banggood, and other specialized laser engraving retailers.

What accessories are recommended

Air assist pump (often integrated), dedicated exhaust fan/enclosure, honeycomb workbed, and fire extinguisher.

Conclusion: Your Laser Engraving Decision

Choosing a laser engraver is a big decision, and I hope this deep dive into the Atomstack Hurricane has given you the clarity you need.

It's a fantastic machine that offers incredible capabilities for its price point, empowering you to bring complex designs to life.

If you've used the Atomstack Hurricane, share your experiences in the comments below!

And if you're ready to make the leap, be sure to check the latest prices and promotions from reputable retailers. Happy engraving!