This post is intended for those who are considering purchasing a K40 laser cutter but need additional details beforehand.
To understand more about this machine family, see this page as well as all the others on the k40.

Recommended sellers

The links below lead to manufacturers or dealers with whom I have personal experience.
K40 – 3020, 40w laser machine
K40D – 3020, 40w laser machine

The K40 laser machine

Different types of cases
The K40 is frequently blue and white, but it also exists in other color combinations, including black-red, red-white, orange-black, and others. They are all the same; the gantry and controller should be examined more so than the color.

K40 analog version

k40analog

K40 digital version

k40 laser machine v2

K40D newest machine type

k40 laser machine k40d

Different types of gantrys
The K40 is frequently blue and white, but it also exists in other color combinations, including black-red, red-white, orange-black, and others. They are all the same; the gantry and controller should be examined more so than the color.

The regular gantry in the K40 is this type shown below. This is what you get in the most of the k40´s on the market.

k40oldgantry

Here is the K40D gantry, which is much better, less vibrations and overall better than the regular K40

k40d laser cutting machine

Analog or digital
To put an end to debates about analog vs. digital, they are both exactly the same.
The digital panel displays a percentage that isn’t accurate; for example, 100% is not really 100%, its 150%!
To determine where your true limit is if you get a digital panel, you must to purchase a mA-meter to add to your system. (about 16–18 mA) 
Here is a article how to install it.

Common problems and upgrades to expect

Security and electricity
The K40 is not a plug-and-play laser device, I repeat not. If you aren’t careful, the high voltages present here can and will kill you.
Read my post on how to set up a laser.

Gantry, optics, and machine case
The better you can seal the K40, which is not airtight, the less stench and smoke will leak outside the machine. Below are more articles on this.
The mirrors and lens that come with your computer are, at best, worthless, so be prepared to acquire an optics kit for it. Most people who use our mirror and lens sets see a 20–30% power improvement.
The gantry frequently has flaws, including improper alignment, poor end cuts that cause it to be out of square, and other issues. When it comes, give it a visual examination and put it up using the alignment guide.

Smoke and air assist.
If any sort of air assist is missing, you will definitely need it. Look at these articles about air assistance.
Check out this post about smoke assist to see how it can improve your exhaust.

The seller

Choose a few machines that interest you to start with (or check out my links below).
Read the comments, keep an eye on the vendors’ ratings and reviews, and try to remember that many people purchasing a K40 have never used a laser before.
Not all sellers, but the most of them, will fix any issues you encounter with the equipment.
If there are any issues, they are almost always related to delivery of the machine, which is why many sellers receive negative feedback.
Try to limit your business to vendors that have been in business for at least a year, and stay away from those who are selling rubber ding-dongs, laser machines, and lawn mowers all in the same place.

What to watch out for

As was previously mentioned, go with vendors who specialize in lasers and CNC equipment as they are knowledgeable about their products. Some vendors could struggle to assist you with your inquiries after the purchase and may only sell it to earn money.
Never send money directly to a PayPal account when paying; always use the website’s escrow service on Amazon, Ebay, or AliExpress.
PayPal wants you to send back significantly damaged equipment at your own cost, which is frequently greater than the cost of the equipment itself. Escrow services give you a lot more protection because the seller is required to rectify any issues you have with new equipment or replacement parts.
Avoid using Moshi controller with the machines; they are tagged with MoshiDraw, LDDraw, and similar names. Do not purchase this ancient, out-of-date controller because it has terrible functions.

Recommended sellers

The links below lead to manufacturers or dealers with whom I have personal experience. (Aliexpress)
K40 – 3020, 40w laser machine
K40D – 3020, 40w laser machine

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Minh

What are your thoughts on the acrylic viewing panels these things come with? Do you think it’s sufficient to block out all the IR and UR radiation or should safety glasses or face shields be worn at all times when looking in the viewing panel or near it?

Minh

That’s good to hear, maybe I was just overly freaking out haha. Thanks for all your answers to my questions lately! Your site is such a valuable resource!

Simona

Hi HP, what do you think? is good to change lens after purchase of machine to get better performance for cutting?

Thorsten

Hi HP,
great work. As I’m planning to get a K40D now (from your Link – Suzhou Industry City)…

Would you still recommend that model? Cost is 638€ right now (incl. shipping, NOT including TAX / Custom…)

I am capable of the electric rework I have to do. So ideally after three days of setting up, it should work 😛

Anything else you’d recommend?
Thanks
– Thorsten

Bill

Thanks for the info. Lots of good stuff. Can you recommend and of the ones on Amazon? I’m not seeing any K40D models there and none looks like the one you have posted here. Thanks.

Scott Dickson

I am having trouble with my machine, it will fire when I test fire it but not much when running a program.

Nick Franklin

HP I’m really struggling do you offer any services that could solve the allignment and focus issue. I live in the uk near Bradford?

Nick franklin

Hi HP great work helping out the community. Would you be able to assist me. I am trying to cut 3.2mm hardboard with a k40 do you think this is possible? Don’t think I’ve aligned the mirrors correctly yet. Maybe I might need a more powerful laser. Seem to only be cutting 1mm at the minute. Plus I have no air assist attached. Thanks for advice