Most tubes that reach us broken didn't break in use; they broke in the box. Here's how to prepare a tube or a complete machine so the journey doesn't cost you more than the postage.
Glass tubes
The glass body copes with knocks far better than the two end caps, where the electrodes and the water connections sit. All the packaging is there to stop those two points touching anything hard.
Packing guide
Allow about twenty minutes and use a new box. Tap a step for the details.
Packaging on request
If you haven't got a double-wall carton or padding to hand, we prepare packaging to fit your tube or machine and post it to you first. All you do is put the part in and close it up.
Whole machines
On most machines the tube travels better packed on its own than left in place. Pack it as described above and send it with the machine.
Secure the head and the gantry, and take out the bed and any loose parts. A free axis turns every hard stop into an impact.
Past a certain weight, a pallet beats a box. Give us the weight and dimensions and we'll tell you how best to ship it, and arrange collection by a carrier if needed.
Shipping FAQ
Yes. Tell us the model and tube length, or the type of machine, and we'll provide suitable material: a box with padding, or a transport crate for bulky sources. The largest and heaviest sources travel on a pallet. On request we also send photos or a short video showing how to bed the part in, which is the surest way to avoid damage in transit.
You pay for shipping in both directions; the return is charged at cost. There's no fixed rate on the website, because it depends on the source, its size and where it's coming from: an engraver tube in a box and a source on a pallet are very different things. You'll know the return cost from the quote, before you send anything.
Yes: shipments between the UK and Germany cross a customs border. Please get in touch before you book a courier, and we will tell you in advance what the shipment needs.
Yes, for its real value. Without a declared value most carriers only pay out by weight, which never covers a tube, let alone a machine.
Only if it's undamaged and all the original padding is there. A box that has already travelled has lost much of its strength. If in doubt, use a new one; it's cheaper than a tube.
Yes, on request we come to you. The tube is removed on site and refitted after the refill, anywhere in Germany or elsewhere in Europe, with alignment, a test run and a handover included. The cost depends on distance and is shown on the quote before the visit.
While you're at it
You're packing something to send us. Here's what it goes through when it arrives, and what you could order at the same time.
Mirrors, lenses, nozzles, power supplies and belts for the makes we service ourselves. Tell us your machine and the part number and we'll check availability.
See spare partsRefilled in 3 to 7 working days, or a 1:1 exchange from stock dispatched within 24 hours, subject to availability. Same price both ways.
Get a price for my sourceTube measured, optics checked, test cut before delivery, six-month warranty. Collect or have it delivered; training is optional.
See machinesNeed a wear part or a machine now? The parts shop and our refurbished machines are online at laser-store24.de, along with the refill service page.
Everything for your CO2 laser from one workshop: back to the home page.
Send a photo of the packed parcel and we'll tell you whether it will survive the trip. No suitable packaging? We can send you some.