Laser Cutting Machines, Laser Engraving Machines
Thunder Nova Plus Review and Demonstration | Best Laser Cutting and Engraving Machine in 2025
Sep
Thunder Nova Plus Review and Demonstration | Best Laser Cutting and Engraving Machine in 2025
If you’re researching laser cutting and engraving machines, you’ve probably seen just how many options are out there — from small hobby units to premium European brands. But where does the Thunder Nova Plus fit in? And more importantly, is it the right investment for your business?
In this blog, we’ll walk you through a full review and demonstration of the Thunder Nova Plus, showing its key features, what makes it unique, how it compares to other machines, and why it’s one of the best laser cutting and engraving machines in 2025 for small to medium businesses.
📹 Watch our full demonstration video below to see the Thunder Nova Plus in action — then read on for a detailed breakdown.
What Is the Thunder Nova Plus?
The Thunder Nova Plus is a CO₂ laser cutting and engraving machine designed for versatility, precision, and business use. Unlike small desktop machines that are often limited in power and size, the Nova Plus is built for entrepreneurs, workshops, and growing businesses that want a reliable mid-range solution.
So what does that mean in practice?
You can cut and engrave wood, acrylic, leather, and more with clean edges and sharp detail.
You can work on large sheets of material thanks to its generous bed size.
It’s engineered for daily production, so you’re not stuck with a hobby machine that burns out after a few jobs.
In short, the Thunder Nova Plus is a professional-grade laser machine without the extreme high-end price tag.
What About Design? Don’t Worry — We’ve Got You Covered
One of the biggest concerns people have before investing in a laser cutting and engraving machine is:
👉 “But what if I don’t know how to design?”
That’s exactly why we created the MaxLaser Academy.
With MaxLaser Academy, you’ll get full CorelDRAW training — the same professional design software that most engraving businesses use. Step by step, you’ll learn how to:
Create and edit designs for laser cutting and engraving.
Prepare files correctly so they cut and engrave perfectly the first time.
Add text, logos, and artwork for personalized products.
Build templates that save you time for repeat jobs.
This means you won’t have to rely on expensive freelance designers or outside help. Instead, you’ll have the skills to bring your own ideas to life — whether that’s signage, décor, gifts, or branding projects.
👉 With MaxLaser Academy, design is no longer a barrier — it’s your new superpower.
Key Features of the Thunder Nova Plus
One of the reasons the Nova Plus stands out in the world of laser cutting and engraving machines is its balance between power, precision, and affordability. Let’s look at the core features that make it a favorite among small business owners.
Cutting Power and Precision
The Nova Plus comes with powerful CO₂ laser tubes, giving you the ability to cut through materials like 15–20mm MDF, plywood, and acrylic in a single pass. For engraving, it offers pinpoint precision, producing fine lines and details that elevate your products.
Large Bed Size and Flexible Z-Axis
The bed is spacious enough for signage, décor, and batch production. Plus, the adjustable Z-axis means you can work with materials of varying thicknesses — from thin veneers to chunky wood slabs.
Compatible Software (LightBurn & CorelDRAW)
The Thunder Nova Plus works seamlessly with popular design software like LightBurn and CorelDRAW, giving you flexibility to design, import, and prepare files quickly.
Reliable Cooling and Extraction Systems
Laser machines produce heat and smoke — but the Nova Plus is equipped with efficient cooling and exhaust systems, keeping the machine running smoothly while ensuring a clean, safe working environment.
These features make it not just powerful, but practical for daily use in a business setting.
Thunder Nova Plus Demonstration (Video Walkthrough)
In our demonstration video, we go hands-on with the Nova Plus to show exactly what it can do. Here’s a quick summary of what you’ll see:
Machine Overview: A close look at the build quality, bed size, and control system.
Wood Cutting Demo: Cutting through MDF with clean, sharp edges.
Engraving Demo: Personalizing a bamboo cutting board with detailed engraving.
Finishing: Showing the contrast and professional quality of the results.
The video makes it clear: the Nova Plus isn’t just about specs on paper — it delivers in real-world use.
Thunder Nova Plus vs Other Laser Cutting and Engraving Machines
When looking for a laser cutting and engraving machine, you’ll find three main categories:
Entry-Level Desktop Machines (R30k – R80k): Compact, affordable, but limited in both bed size and power. Fine for hobbyists, but not scalable if you want to run a business.
Mid-Range Machines (R150k – R250k): This is where the Thunder Nova Plus shines. It delivers professional performance, large bed size, and reliable cutting and engraving power — all at a price that makes sense for entrepreneurs and small to medium businesses.
Extremely High-End European Machines (R500k+): Brands like Trotec fit these machines with ceramic-core laser tubes, premium optics, and advanced software. While they are excellent in terms of engineering and features, they are extremely expensive — often two to three times the price of the Nova Plus. For most businesses, these extras are unnecessary. The Nova Plus gives you all the power and reliability you need without the overkill.
👉 That’s why the Thunder Nova Plus is considered the best value mid-range machine. It strikes the right balance: affordable enough to make ROI achievable, but powerful enough to handle serious daily production.
What Can You Make With the Thunder Nova Plus?
One of the most exciting things about owning a laser wood cutting and engraving machine is the endless list of products you can create. Here are just a few profitable examples:
Custom Signs: For weddings, events, or businesses.
Home Décor: Wall art, layered wooden designs, lamps.
Toys & Games: Jigsaw puzzles, board game pieces.
Kitchen Products: Engraved cutting boards, coasters, trays.
Gift Boxes: Personalized keepsake boxes.
Furniture Accents: Decorative panels or engraved details.
Because the Nova Plus cuts and engraves multiple materials (wood, acrylic, leather, cardboard, and even marks metal), your product range isn’t limited — it’s expanding with every new idea you have.
How Much Does the Thunder Nova Plus Cost? (And Is It Worth It?)
The big question: what will it cost, and will it pay off?
Entry-level machines: R30,000 – R129,000 (too small for many business applications).
Thunder Nova Plus (mid-range): R160,000 – R250,000 (the sweet spot for professional use).
High-End European machines: R400,000+ (premium brands like Trotec with ceramic-core tubes and advanced features).
Running Costs
The Nova Plus is surprisingly efficient:
Electricity consumption similar to a small heater.
Minimal consumables (mainly extraction filters).
Occasional maintenance like lens cleaning.
ROI Example
Material Cost: R100 (MDF board).
Product Sale Price: R400 – R800 (custom sign).
Profit per Item: R300 – R700.
With steady sales, most owners report that the machine pays for itself within 6–12 months — sometimes faster if running at higher production.
So yes, the Thunder Nova Plus is worth it — not just as a tool, but as a business asset.
Who Should Buy the Thunder Nova Plus?
This machine isn’t for everyone. But if you fall into one of these categories, it’s a perfect fit:
Hobbyists ready to go pro: You’ve outgrown your desktop laser and need more power.
Entrepreneurs starting a business: Perfect for signage, gifts, or décor.
Small/Medium shops: Reliable production without going into ultra high-end.
Makers & Creatives: Unlimited options for projects and custom products.
If you’re looking for the best laser cutting and engraving machine for small businesses, the Thunder Nova Plus is designed for you.
Thunder Nova Plus Training and Support from MaxLaser
Buying a machine is one thing — but what about training, setup, and long-term support? That’s where MaxLaser stands apart.
When you purchase a Thunder Nova Plus, you get more than just a machine. You get:
Professional Installation and Training: Our technicians set up your machine and walk you through the entire process, so you feel confident from day one.
MaxLaser Academy Access: Our online training hub gives you full CorelDRAW training, so you can learn how to create and prepare your own designs. This means you don’t have to rely on outside designers — you’ll have the skills to create signage, décor, logos, and product templates yourself.
Lifetime Support: Ongoing access to our technicians, plus WhatsApp support groups where you can get answers and tips whenever you need them.
Financing Options: Flexible payment plans to make starting or scaling your business more achievable.
Maintenance Guidance: We’ll teach you how to care for your machine properly, ensuring it stays reliable for years to come.
👉 With MaxLaser Academy, we remove the design barrier. Even if you’ve never used design software before, we’ll guide you step by step so you can confidently bring your ideas to life.
Thunder Nova Plus Review: Pros and Cons
Let’s keep it real — no machine is perfect. Here’s the honest breakdown:
Pros
Strong cutting and engraving power.
Large bed size, flexible Z-axis.
Compatible with LightBurn and CorelDRAW.
Affordable compared to high-end European machines.
Excellent support and training from MaxLaser.
CorelDRAW design training through MaxLaser Academy.
Cons
More expensive than entry-level hobby machines.
Not fitted with ultra-premium ceramic-core tubes like Trotec (but for 95% of businesses, the Nova Plus is the smarter investment).
Overall, the pros far outweigh the cons — especially for businesses looking for value + reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the Thunder Nova Plus cut solid wood?
Yes. It can cut through solid wood up to around 15–20mm, depending on the type of wood and laser wattage.
How thick of wood can the Nova Plus cut?
Typically up to 20mm MDF or plywood in one pass. Hardwoods may require multiple passes.
Is laser cutting wood safe?
Yes, provided you use proper ventilation and avoid chemically treated woods. The Nova Plus comes with strong exhaust systems to keep your workspace clean.
What materials can the Thunder Nova Plus engrave besides wood?
Acrylic, leather, paper, cardboard, rubber, and even some coated metals (using sprays).
How long does it take to learn?
Most beginners can start cutting and engraving within a day or two of training. With MaxLaser Academy, you’ll also learn to create and prepare designs in CorelDRAW.
Conclusion – Why the Thunder Nova Plus is the Best Laser Cutting and Engraving Machine in 2025
If you’re serious about turning creativity into income, or scaling your business with reliable production, the Thunder Nova Plus is one of the best investments you can make in 2025.
It combines cutting power, precision, affordability, and outstanding support — plus design training through MaxLaser Academy — making it one of the best laser cutting and engraving machines for small to medium businesses.
👉 Book a live demo today and see what the Thunder Nova Plus can do for your business.
