AntBelt G1 campaign archive
Frequently Asked Questions
25 answers carried over from the AntBelt G1 Kickstarter campaign.
Which tier should I choose?
Choose 2.5W Starter for the lowest entry price and light learning projects. Choose 6W Maker for regular gift, tag, card, coaster, and packaging-detail work. Choose 12W Creator if you expect frequent sample making, repeat projects, or small-shop personalization.
What can I make first?
Start with cards, tags, selected wood blanks, packaging details, dark cards, keepsake blanks, small seller samples, and other laser-safe materials listed in AntBelt material guidance.
How much will shipping cost?
Shipping is planned to be collected separately after the campaign. Current standard sea-shipping estimates are about US$20-30 for the United States and Europe, about US$20 for many Asia-Pacific destinations, and about US$25-35 for other regions. Final shipping may vary by destination, address, carrier quotes, customs rules, remote-area fees, packed weight, and carton size.
Why is G1 different?
G1 combines compact galvo workflow, visible preview, optional 80 x 2000mm long-format expansion, AntBelt Studio, rotary options, modular laser-head handling, cleaner-workspace accessories, direct-to-object possibilities, and desktop plus mobile-side control support in one launch path.
Is it for children?
No. AntBelt G1 is intended for responsible adult operators only. Laser engraving requires adult operation, eye protection, shielding, ventilation, safe material choices, and attended use.
When will it ship?
Estimated first-batch shipping is September 2026, with the delivery estimate shown in each reward tier. If validation, QC, packaging, logistics, or first-batch capacity require more time, fulfillment may be staged.
Can G1 cut materials?
G1 is positioned primarily for compact engraving and marking. Cutting claims depend on final power-tier validation, material choice, settings, ventilation, and safety guidance.
Can it engrave bare metal?
The launch path is mainly built around blue laser modules. Bare-metal results should only be expected after confirmed tests for the specific material, surface, coating, power tier, and settings. We are also developing a metal-focused red-light module path, and we plan to share upgrade guidance after the module becomes mature and validated.
Is the shield a certified enclosure?
No. The shield accessory helps with workspace protection, but it is not a certified enclosure or a guarantee of safe use. Responsible adult operation, eye protection, ventilation, safe materials, and attended use are required.
What materials should I avoid?
Avoid unsafe laser materials and any material not covered by AntBelt validated guidance. Material behavior can vary by coating, color, thickness, fumes, and power settings.
What software is included?
AntBelt Studio is included for free for G1 backers, so you can start using G1 without buying separate software. It supports the core workflow: import artwork, set parameters, and send the job to G1. We will continue improving AntBelt Studio after shipping. G1 also supports tested LightBurn workflows for users who prefer LightBurn Core, which is sold separately by LightBurn at about US$99. Final setup guidance will be provided before shipping.
How do I expand from 80 x 80mm to 80 x 2000mm?
G1 starts with a fast 80 x 80mm galvo work area for daily small-object jobs. Backers who want selected long-format projects can choose the Rotary Roller + 80 x 2000mm Extension add-on, which adds an extension path for longer work. Final supported materials, alignment steps, and safety guidance will be confirmed before fulfillment.
Can I upgrade from 2.5W to 6W or 12W later?
Yes. G1 is designed around modular laser-head handling. If you start with the 2.5W Starter path, you do not need to buy a whole new machine just to move up in power later; you can add a compatible 6W or 12W laser module when that upgrade path fits your workload.
What is the production status?
G1 has moved from prototype proof into batch-production preparation, including module preparation, alignment checks, QC planning, packaging review, and fulfillment planning. After the Kickstarter campaign is successfully funded, we plan to move into larger-scale production and staged fulfillment with QC control.
What technology does AntBelt provide in-house?
AntBelt is building G1 with hardware and software development capability together: machine structure, laser-module handling, workflow design, AntBelt Studio software, mobile-side control support, testing, and future upgrade planning. This helps us improve the product after launch instead of depending only on a one-time hardware shipment.
Does G1 support filtration and indoor-friendly use?
We offer an optional filtration accessory to help manage smoke and odor in a desktop workflow. It is useful for a cleaner indoor setup, but it does not replace safe materials, ventilation, eye protection, shielding, and attended operation.
Can I control G1 from a phone?
Yes. In addition to desktop software, G1 is planned to support mobile-side control for lighter operation around a desk, booth, or temporary setup. The phone-side workflow is intended to connect by WiFi for supported operation paths, while detailed design work is still best handled on desktop.
What safety features are included?
G1 ships as a complete machine with a shield accessory, and the system is planned with tilt-sensing protection to help reduce risk if the machine is tilted during operation. These features support safer use, but users still need eye protection, ventilation, safe materials, shielding, and attended adult operation.
Why offer a galvo engraver from $99?
The $99 Super Early Bird price is extremely aggressive for a galvo-style engraver and leaves very little margin. We chose it to make faster galvo engraving accessible to more creators, increase real-world adoption, and use larger production scale plus AntBelt hardware/software control to help reduce supply-chain cost over time.
How do I continue or start an AntBelt G1 order?
Original Kickstarter supporters can enter their backer number on AntBelt.com to restore the saved G1 reward and add-ons. New customers can choose a G1 reward directly. Review add-ons, then continue to secure checkout for contact, delivery, and payment details.
When will I be charged?
The canceled Kickstarter pledge was not charged and does not automatically become an AntBelt order. Payment is collected only when you submit the secure AntBelt checkout. Shipping is quoted and collected separately before fulfillment.
Can I change my selection?
You can change the reward and add-ons before checkout. If you already paid and need help with an order, contact AntBelt support using the same email used at checkout.
When do I provide my delivery address?
Your contact and delivery address are collected once during secure checkout. If your address changes after payment, contact AntBelt support before the order is locked for fulfillment.
Is the estimated delivery date guaranteed?
The delivery date shown on a reward is the current target estimate, not a guarantee. Production, quality control, certification, and international shipping can affect the schedule. Material changes will be communicated through official AntBelt updates and order email.
Does my Kickstarter pledge automatically become an AntBelt order?
No. The canceled Kickstarter pledge was not charged. Continuing on AntBelt creates a separate paid pre-order while preserving the original launch reward and applicable supporter benefits.
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