The best laser cutters and engravers can be used to transform digital designs into beautiful products. You can create unique crafts to sell, prototype ideas in a physical format, make interesting promotional materials, or cut bespoke items to be integrated into larger crafting projects, perhaps in conjunction with the best Cricut machines.
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I've personally tested and used dozens of laser cutters and engravers, while commissioning expert reviews from freelance creatives. Based on the results, I've curated this list of the very best laser cutters and engravers that I can confidently recommend. My guide covers options for both studio and individual uses for devices that can cut or engrave metal, plastic, wood and glass.
My top pick overall is the XTool P2, which stands out for its performance, power, speed and accuracy. If that's outside of your budget, I've also included more affordable laser cutters for beginners. You may want to check out our picks of the best drawing tablets too if you're creating your own designs. But in the meantime, these are the best laser cutters that I can recommend today.
We start with a brief overview of top picks of the best laser cutters. Scroll down to browse our full selection.
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Need to know: My top pick as the best laser cutter overall is the xTool P2. It has a 55-watt CO2 laser, which makes it the most powerful laser cutter for home use available today, offering precision and speed. It also features an automated passthrough slot, two 16MP cameras for high-definition accuracy, the ability to engrave curved materials as well as rotary engraving.
I found this to be very accurate and reliable. There's always some trial and error when using a laser cutter and engraver, but the accuracy of the cameras ensured I was able to rework the same project, going over lines that may not have been cut cleanly or redoing a project with tweaked settings.
Like the Glowforge Pro at number 4, it has a metal casing with a glass lid and inbuilt extractor fan, but its workspace is larger than its rival (600 x 308mm to the Glowforge Pro's 495 mm by 279 mm). It's designed to be clean and easy to use, and it's speedy too: running at 600 mm/s, it cuts 18mm basswood in one pass with ease.
On the downside, Glowforge Pro has a passthrough that works out of the box while P2 requires an add-on, the Automatic Conveyor Feeder, to really make use of its expandable size (3,000 x 500 mm). However, that's also a strength since it fits into xTool's wider ecosystem of add-ons, and you can increase the size of the workspace height using a Riser Base (see my guide to the best xTool accessories).
Overall, this laser cutter can do pretty much anything, including rotary engraving (purchased separately). After several months of use, we've found it to be reliable and adaptable. It's large, heavy and a little more complex than a Glowforge, and I find Glowforge's app easier to use, but the P2 costs less for the amount of power, so overall it just pips ahead.
Price: The xTool P2 costs $4,999 / £4,699 for the basic machine. You can usually get discounts from the xTool site of around $700 / £500. My advice would be to opt for a bundle, ideally, the xTool P2 All-in-1 Bundle for $6,955 / £6,349 that includes the RA2 Pro, Automatic Conveyor Feeder, Riser Base and Smoke Purifier.
Read the full review: xTool P2
Need to know: Glowforge Aura is one of a new breed of laser machines targeted at crafters and home users rather than studios and small businesses. The aim of the Aura is to offer a small, clean and accurate laser cutter and engraver to use in the home, which is why this is my recommendation as the best laser cutter for beginners.
While the xTool M1 below is a neat laser solution for crafters, as it uses a blade and laser which means you can use vinyl (lasers can't cut or engrave vinyl as it releases toxins), the Glowforge Aura focuses on a laser, but a low-powered 6W diode for cleaner use and fewer fumes, as well as offering eco-friendly vinyl alternatives.
I found that the lower-powered laser does mean this is a cleaner machine to use, though it still needs regular cleaning for best results. It also makes it a safer laser cutter for the home, and the Aura is smaller, squarer, and shorter than the xTool S1, for example.
Another aspect of the Aura I love is its software; the Glowforge Print web app is free and incredibly stable and easy to use. It offers free guides and projects, connects to a wider community, and is the closest laser app I've used to Cricut Design Space, and includes easy layers, design tools and more. It even includes generative AI now for quick image creation (these are rendered as laser-ready files not simply flat images).
The cons against the Aura can come down to personal taste and use. You may need a more powerful laser (the 6W diode here can't, for example, score or engrave transparent or reflective materials), in which case the xTool S1 would be preferable. A further caveat is that you will need the Glowforge Personal Filter, which costs extra, but this would be a recommendation for every encased laser cutter on this list.
Price: The Glowforge Aura costs $1,199 / £972, but I'd advise buying the Personal Filter for an extra $399.99 / £323.79 to extract and clean the air from inside the machine.
Read more: Glowforge Aura
Need to know: The xTool S1 is a solid step up from entry-level laser cutters, offering a generous 498 x 319 mm work area and a powerful 20W diode laser that's upgradable to 40W. It's designed with both home users and small businesses in mind, providing a good balance of features, safety, and performance.
One of the S1's standout features is its versatility. It's compatible with various xTool laser modules and accessories, allowing users to tailor the machine to their specific needs. The dynamic focus feature enables engraving on curved surfaces, while the smart air assist system helps achieve cleaner cuts.
The enclosed design with a fire-resistant shell and multiple safety features makes it suitable for use in home environments. The dual-wavelength filtering lid means you can operate it without protective eyewear, which is a nice touch for convenience and safety.
However, the S1 does have a few drawbacks. The lack of an internal camera means you'll need to manually position your materials and designs using the Pin-point Positioning System. While accurate, this can be time-consuming, especially for batch production. Some users have also reported issues with WiFi connectivity.
Price: Price-wise, the xTool S1 sits in the mid-range, offering good value for its capabilities. The xTool S1 20W Basic Kit retails for $2,293.90 / £1,799 (RRP), while the xTool S1 20W Rotary Kit is $3,351.60 / £2,629 (RRP).
Read the full review: xTool S1
Need to know: Glowforge Pro is a beautifully designed 'laser printer' that removes the mess and fuss and packages with a clean and approachable device. This is the top model from Glowforge, which also has a medium Plus edition and a slightly less powerful Basic model as well as the Cricut-like Aura (no. 5) and Spark (no.2).
It does the same cutting and engraving as many of the best laser cutters on this list, but its design keeps any mess inside the machine (a filter sucks away any dust and debris into an external air filter). Designs are sent to the machine via a bespoke app, and the Glowforge machines support Windows, Mac and tablet devices.
The Glowforge Pro uses a high-spec Class 4, 45-watt laser which is one of the most powerful you can get outside an industrial device, or the xTool P2 at No.1. (The Plus and Basic use a 40-watt, Class 1 laser, which is still more powerful than most on this list.) When I tested this for my Glowforge Pro review, I was impressed with the machine's speed, ease of use and excellent design app. It does, however, ideally need to be used with the Glowforge Air Filter accessory.
It's this ease of use and clean approach to laser cutting and engraving that makes the Glowforge Pro my premium choice. It looks like a standard printer but can engrave everything from metal to wood and tiles to paper and leather ' it's perfectly suited to every task that requires accurate cutting too, from costume creation to model work. This Pro model comes with a 'passthrough' slot for large lengths of material, making it an ideal wood laser cutter ' you can even make furniture.
I've found the results are always great with the Glowforge Pro, and, again, the app is easy to use. The xTool P2 is cheaper and more powerful (meaning slightly faster) and a little larger, but the ease of use of the Glowforge Pro means it's a great machine for everyone, including small studios or schools.
Price: The good news is Glowforge is cutting the price of Pro, to focus on Aura and Spark. This means you can now buy Glowforge Pro for $5,999 / £4,807, which brings it down in price considerably, via the Glowforge website.
Read the full review: Glowforge Pro
Need to know: The Wecreat Vista is a very capable laser cutter with some tricks up its sleeve, including a built-in HD camera, auto stop function, blue-light filter, and batch mode for creating multiple products at once with the extra-large working area. It has a rear exhaust for filtering out any smoke, and a 10-watt diode laser engraver module.
In our review, we found that the machine was incredibly easy to setup, and it took our review about five minutes to get it up and running. You next need to download Wecreat's Makeit! software, which now includes a new AI image generator, and will feel familiar to those who have used a laser cutter before.
Price: The Wecreat Vista is priced at approximately $799.99, which isn't the most budget-friendly price for a laser cutter of this size, and you'll need to buy extras like the 2-watt IR laser for engraving metal, the smoke purifier, and materials additionally.
Read our full: WeCreat Vista review
Need to know: The xTool F1 Ultra is the newest machine from the company, and replaces the standard XTool F1 model. This is a super smart little laser engraver and cutter that can sit on your desk with space to spare, enabling you to create engraved tags, signs, coasters, or gifts with ease. This is xTool's answer to the portable laser machines pioneered by LaserPecker.
The xTool F1 Ultra is a good choice for beginner engravers but it's also an excellent portable, handheld device for experienced laser engraver users who want the flexibility of a smaller desktop / handheld device. Read our full xTool F1 Ultra review for more details.
In comparison to the larger xTool P2, Glowforge Pro and Gweike laser cutters the F1 Ultra is small and somewhat limited, but it is a great device for those who want a second laser engraver for small projects (I would say the xTool M1 or Glowforge Aura and Spark are the ideal starter machines).
The big advantage of the F1 Ultra for me is how little space it takes up (I have a Glowforge Pro, xTool P2 and xTool M1 and let me say, space is getting tight). The F1 Ultra can sit on your desk next to your Mac or PC and it doesn't look out of place. If you're looking to get into laser engraving and want to make small gifts for friends, to be sold on Etsy or tags for your craft products, the F1 is a handy addition to have.
Its closest rival is the LaserPecker 4 (no.8 on my list below) and it's a close call on which is the best in terms of tech. They both include dual-lasers but the F1 has a super-quick engraving speed of mm/s while the LaserPecker 4 is mm/s and it can cut to a 6mm depth as opposed to LaserPecker 4's 5mm. In practice this is marginal but the F1 does feature better, more stable design software and a fuller protective casing which makes it more of an encased but portable laser cutter.
Price: The xTool F1 Ultra ranges from £4,579 - £6,112, although XTool regularly runs sales with significant discounts.
Need to know: The xTool M1 Ultra laser cutter is described as the world's first 4-in-1 craft machine. That's because it combines laser cutting and engraving, blade cutting, inkjet printing, and pen drawing capabilities in one device, offering an expanded version of the original M1 laser cutter, which we reviewed back in .
The laser module comes in two power options: 10W and 20W. The 20W option can cut through materials up to 10mm thick (basswood), a significant improvement over the original M1. The engraving speed has also been enhanced, reaching up to 400mm/s compared to the M1's 250mm/s.
The blade-cutting module has been expanded to include multiple blade options. In addition to the fine-point blade for thin materials like vinyl and paper, the M1 Ultra introduces a tapered blade for thicker materials (up to 2.5mm), a rotary blade for fabrics, and a foil transfer tip for gold foil effects and embossing.
One of the most exciting additions is the inkjet printing module, which allows users to print designs directly onto materials before cutting or engraving them. This feature eliminates the need for a separate printer and streamlines the crafting process. The pen drawing module, meanwhile, turns the M1 Ultra into a robotic sketch artist, capable of creating intricate designs using the included set of fine liner pens or third-party pens.
While the M1 Ultra offers incredible versatility, it's worth noting that it may have a steeper learning curve compared to single-function machines. However, for crafters and small businesses looking to consolidate multiple tools into one device, the M1 Ultra presents an attractive all-in-one solution.
Price: The xTool M1 Ultra costs $1,099.99 for the 10W laser version, with the 20W option costing $1,749.99. While this is more expensive than single-function machines, the multi-functionality will justifies the cost for many.
Need to know: The LaserPecker 4 is an eye-catching handheld laser engraver and cutter that has a lot of similarities to the xTool F1 (above) but differs in some ways that mean if you're considering which to get, I can help.
Fundamentally the LP4 and F1 share the same dual-laser approach, offering both a 10W Blue Diode Laser and a 2W Infrared Laser for cutting and engraving. As mentioned above the LP4 is slower and cuts 1mm less deep, but for many uses, you won't notice. But the LP4 also has an excellent automatic mode for raising and lowering its laser head.
In my LaserPecker 4 review, this device breezed through engraving a complex illustration into wood, was clean and left little of the smoke and debris you get from larger laser machines. Importantly, the built-in extractor fan worked perfectly and the device is very quiet.
One issue I found in my review is with the LP4's design software; it can be a little unstable and hard to use, particularly on iPad and Android phones. It does work with specialist laser software LightBurn with good results, but this is a paid-for software while Glowforge and xTool offer excellent free-to-use apps.
So, those real-world differences ' the LaserPecker 4 has a slightly larger workspace than the F1 (16 x 12 cm as opposed to the xTool's squarer 11.5 x. 11.5 cm) and is more of a portable handheld device even with this larger size. The LP4 is designed to be used as a handheld, with protective goggles included so it's easier to use.
If you're looking for a handheld the LaserPecker 4 is the best device on this list, and your choice is really between this and the older but cheaper LaserPecker 2, as in my view xTool F1 is best used as a compact desktop device.
Price: The LaserPecker 4 costs $1,999 / £1,799 but you can find deals that bring it in around $1,799 / £1,583 ' head to the official LaserPecker website for the latest discounts.
Read the full review: LaserPecker 4
Need to know: If you're looking to do a lot of engraving in a short space of time, the IKIER K1 Pro Max has much to offer. The engraving speed of the IKIER K1 Pro Max can reach up to 900mm/s, which is significantly faster than other machines on the market.
It's versatile, too, thanks to the 48W to 24W Gear Switching Module. When you need to cut, you can use the 48W gear, and the laser power is fully turned on. This allows you to cut 25mm wood, 19mm black acrylic, and 0.3mm stainless steel sheet with one pass. When you need to engrave, switch to the 24W laser gear, and the engraving is more precise. It can directly carve coloured patterns on mirror stainless steel, ceramics and opaque glass.
Usefully, IKIER's intelligent Z-axis features help you achieve autofocus by automatically measuring the distance to the object and adjusting the focus. An automatic sinking feature helps you to cut thicker materials. The K1 Pro Max also boasts an advanced automatic power failure recovery system that remembers the engraving position. When the power comes back on, it uses an algorithm to quickly continue engraving from where it left off.
Being an open-frame laser device has its advantages, as you can get more manual with setup and position items for engraving in a large, open space. It's an older-fashioned approach, but the air assist diminishes scorching and mess, but it's not a device to use in the home like the Glowforge Aura or Spark.
When I reviewed the IKIER K1 Pro Max I found the brand's own app to be fairly useless so had to use LightBurn, which comes with a subscription cost. Unlike Glowforge and xTool models that use bespoke apps, the IKIER needs more experience to get the best from it ' this is not a laser engraver for beginners.
Price: The IKIER K1 Pro Max costs $1,999 / but it's currently reduced to $1,199.
Read the full review: IKIER K1 Pro Max
Need to know: The Glowforge Spark is about the size of a desktop printer and weighs just 10.8 lbs, which in laser cutter terms is lightweight. The Spark is a cheaper and less powerful version of the Aura on my list at No.5. If you're new to laser cutting and engraving, or simply want a machine for small craft projects, the Spark is ideal.
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The Spark's workspace measures 8.5 x 11 inches and it can cut a maximum material size of 12 x 12 inches, and its 6W diode laser isn't as powerful as others on this list. But that lack of power really comes down to speed, so expect this to cut and engrave most materials but more slowly and in smaller sizes. The diode laser does have some limitations, though. For example, it can't work with clear, white, translucent or blue acrylic materials.
On the upside, the Spark uses the same excellent design app as all Glowforge laser machines and it's compatible with the brand's range of Proofgrade materials. These have been tried and tested on Glowforge machines and in practice reduce waste. Each Proofgrade material comes with a code the machine reads, so it automatically adjusts power, speed and depth settings.
Despite the low price the Spark still comes with built-in cameras for live previews, material positioning and autofocus ' for us this remains the best system. Overall the Spark is a neatly designed laser cutter that comes in sharp white and orange, features a snug lid for clean use and the usual safety features Glowforge is known for ' sensors detect any errors and heat anomalies, and it shuts down automatically.
Overall the Spark is a smart laser machine for crafters and anyone who wants to try this hobby for less. It's a one-button machine, which means you simply create your design in the app and send it to 'print'. Don't be fooled by the price either: the Spark offers the same build quality and reliability as Glowforge's more expensive machines.
Price: The Glowforge Spark costs $699 / £568.63.
Read more: Glowforge Spark offers.
The best laser cutter for you will depend on what you want to use it for. You'll need to decide if you want a diode or CO2 laser, as both of these types of laser cutters work on different materials to different degrees. Diode lasers are more affordable, but the cheapest can only engrave organic materials like wood and paper. CO2 lasers can etch any organic material and all acrylics, including clear acrylic, but they're more costly.
As a rule, CO2 laser machines like the xTool P2 and Glowforge Pro are designed for large, often complex or multiple projects and are aimed at professionals and studios. In comparison, diode laser machines like the Glowforge Aura or xTool M1 are smaller, cleaner and good for the home, making them excellent for crafters.
Think about the size of your workshop too, if you're using a laser cutter at home then you'll likely want something more compact and easy to store when not in use. If you have a larger space to work with then this will of course be less of a concern.
Another thing to consider is speed and accuracy, especially if your aim is to mass produce a product to sell within a limited time. And you'll need to consider how much physical space you have for a machine. Open-frame laser cutters can often be placed on top of large items, while fully enclosed lasers usually demand a dedicated space. You'll also need to consider if the enclosed laser you opt for has a pass-through door for working on larger projects.
Also, bear safety in mind. A laser that can burn wood can burn your skin and damage your sight. Open-frame laser cutters can be cheaper, but an encased machine is safer. Often safety devices, such as ventilation, are sold as optional extras to par with your laser cutter and keep prices down. There are some accessories that can be shared between tools and some can be picked up at a hardware store or solved with DIY.
The software compatibility of a laser cutter is another selling point. Cheaper laser cutters often require free or paid third-party software like LaserGRBL, which is quite basic, or LightBurn, which is excellent and is the standard software but costs $60 for an annual licence. Brands like xTool and Glowforge have their own software for free, and from my experience, Glowforge has the best app of all the laser machine brands I've tried.
Another consideration should be the tech used to position and focus on materials. The easiest to use are enclosed machines that use built-in cameras for auto-focusing as well as positioning. If you're using an open-frame laser cutter you can attach a camera and link this to LightBurn. Some new machines, like the xTool S1, use new software algorithms for positioning and focusing, but it's not quite as good as using cameras.
You'll also need to consider your budget. If you're going to be monetising this skill, then pushing your budget as high as possible makes sense to get the best end product in the fastest time, and with the lowest usage costs. It is vital to consider the cost of replacement parts ' you don't want to find yourself unable to keep the machine running.
To choose my picks of the best laser cutters and engravers, I tested and reviewed the products just like you'd use them. First I surveyed the market and the specs of the various laser cutters available from reputable brands. I then brought in the best machines for hands-on testing, creating projects as well as using the same designs across all machines for engraving and cutting ' in my case it's the Creative Bloq logo as well as complex Christmas decorations (which everyone makes).
For my tests, I used the machines to cut, engrave and score a variety of materials over a number of days, testing out all of the capabilities promised by manufacturers to make sure there were no false promises. We evaluated the machines for accuracy, speed and support for materials.
I also considered ease of use, size and value for money in order to provide options for different needs, including more economical laser cutters and options that can fit on a desk.
When I ask a freelance writer to review for us they are tasked with reviewing using the same criteria so we have a standard across all reviews. If we've not directly reviewed a laser machine, because it's new and we're waiting on a model to rate, then we turn to our sister sites like TechRadar for guidance.
For more details of our processes, see our guide to how we test and review at Creative Bloq.
When choosing the best laser cutters and the best laser engravers for this guide from the product we've tested, I selected machines that have clear use cases, be it for beginner or professional crafters and small businesses. Overall, I chose machines that have good build quality, work accurately and safely and provide advantages in terms of tools and ease of use.
A laser cutter is a device that creates patterns, shapes and designs in materials such as wood, glass, paper, metal and plastic, by cutting into them with a high-power laser. The precision of a laser makes for a clean cut and smooth finish. Laser cutting has been used for many decades in large-scale manufacturing, but more recently laser cutters have become more affordable and are increasingly used by hobbyists, schools and small businesses.
The same laser in the device can be used to engrave imagery onto various materials such as card, wood, leather, various metals, some acrylics, glass and sometimes stone and concrete. The more powerful the laser, the thicker the material it can cut. If you only want to engrave, a less powerful and therefore cheaper laser might fit the bill.
There are three main types of laser cutters. CO2 laser cutters use electrically-stimulated CO2 and are typically used for cutting, boring and engraving. This is the most common laser cutter to be used by hobbyists and makers. Crystal laser cutters use nd: YVO and nd :YAG, and are high-powered, so they can cut through thicker materials. Fibre Laser Cutters use fibreglass and can work with both metal and non-metal materials.
Not so much any more. The new Glowforge Aura is regularly below $1,000 on the Glowforge website; while the rival, xTool M1 is also often around $999. Both are excellent machines, aimed at home crafters.
One thing of note too, is xTool has a new machine trade-in system so you can replace your old xTool laser cutter and engraver and upgrade to a new one for up to $500 / £500 less. You needn't send back your old diode laser machine either, just proof of ownership.
It depends on which specific laser cutter or engraver you own, but in general, laser cutters are compatible with a wide variety of materials that include:
' Metal
' Wood
' Leather
' Paper
' Acrylic (PMMA)
' Cork
' Materials like Cotton, Silk, or Wool
' Cardboard
' Plywood
' MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) sheets
' Plastics (but only some)
There are certain materials that you should never cut with a laser cutter. These include PVC vinyl, pleather or faux leather, and ABS polymer, which is commonly used in 3D pens and 3D printers and can emit chlorine gas when cut.
Never cut laser-cut polystyrene foam, polypropylene foam, or HDPE (a plastic used to make milk bottles) ' as these will all catch fire.
There are many other materials that should not be laser-cut, so always read the instructions carefully. You might also want to see our pick of the best vinyl cutter machines.
Just like in the previous year, this year we have also tested a ton of laser engravers and laser cutters. In this article you will find a selection of best laser engravers, which are laser engravers that I personally like, and I continue to use on a daily basis after reviewing them. I will categorize them based on their purpose and use case, as some of them are ideal for engraving and cutting wood, others excel at engraving metals, and some are best for plastic.
If you're interested in learning more details about a specific machine featured in this article, you can find in-depth reviews for each of them on our website or on my YouTube channel.
*The links on this website can be affiliate links. I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. When you buy through these links you will support this website, which helps me to run this website(which cost money and a TON of time) and provide all these extensive reviews and information to you for free, without any paid membership.
Diode lasers have made significant advancements in recent years. Just two years ago, they were seen as weak hobby tools with only 5 watts of output power. Today however, diode laser engravers are powerful and mature machines, capable of cutting and engraving at high speeds.
The best diode laser engraver I tested in was the Sculpfun SF-A9 [Official store, Geekbuying, Aliexpress, TomTop, Amazon] (read the full review). It features a 40-watt octa-diode laser module mounted on a very solid and sturdy mechanical gantry, allowing for high-speed, precise engraving. The laser module has two selectable power output ranges, and the motor controller offers two acceleration and speed modes, letting you choose between precision and accuracy or power and speed. You can also buy an infrared laser module addon, which is ideal for engraving metal and plastics, making this a very versatile machine, capable of engraving a lot of different materials.
If you are looking for a cheaper option, you should also check out other engravers from Sculpfun. I have tested a ton of various diode engravers and Sculpfun machines were always amongst the best performing in its class.
But if you're looking for an enclosed diode engraver, you should check out the xTool S1 enclosed laser engraver (read the full review) which was the last year's winner which still remains one of the best options today. It offers a variety of laser modules and accessories, making it a great choice for many applications.
Fiber lasers are becoming more affordable and powerful every day. This year, I have tested many MOPA fiber lasers, which are the best version of fiber lasers because they offer significantly more adjustability, allowing you to create various engraving effects on both plastics and metals. MOPA fiber lasers are ideal for creating deep engravings on all types of metal, instantly ablating the surface to produce deep 3D engravings, and they can also be used for cutting thin sheets of metal.
These lasers excel at rust removal on delicate parts and can engrave leather and some plastics as well. MOPA fiber lasers are particularly effective for creating colored engravings on stainless steel and titanium and producing various shades of gray on anodized aluminum. They are also capable of making impressively deep engravings in stone.
The ComMarker B4 [Official store, Amazon, Aliexpress] is a simple and straightforward fiber laser with a tall column and great versatility, as it comes with two lenses and a foot switch as standard (read full review). I also tested the new ComMarker B6, which offers the same power in a smaller frame and can be used in a split configuration. Its main improvement is the autofocus function, which the B4 lacks. ComMarker machines are excellent because they offer a wide range of accessories, such as different types of rotary attachments, workbenches, enclosures, and fixtures, allowing you to customize them for your specific needs. (read the full review of the B6). Both the ComMarker B4 and the B6 are ideal for small engraving businesses.
The big surprise this year was the Monport GA60 [US store, DE store, UK store, Amazon store], which also has a good autofocus system and features a very sturdy, adjustable vertical column that can rotate and can also be easily collapsed for storage (read the full review). The machine is very sturdy and comes well calibrated out of the box. The Monport GA60 is very convenient to use and produces great results.
So, which is the best fiber laser engraver in ? The answer depends on which one best suits your work. While they offer similar engraving performance, the accessories and features can make one machine a better choice over another, depending on your needs. You should check out our full reviews of each of them and see which one will suit you best.
The only downside to fiber lasers is that they cannot engrave wood or similar materials.
So far this year I have tested only one CO2 laser ' the Atomstack Hurricane. It is a 55-watt desktop laser which proved itself to be a very good laser cutter in its price range (read the full review). It produces incredibly good engravings with high contrast and performs very well at laser cutting.
Although compared to last year's winner ' the xTool P2, it falls behind when cutting thicker materials and also lacks the advanced dual camera positioning system that ensures incredible positioning accuracy, and misses a wider range of advanced features like the curved surface engraving (read the full review of the xTool P2).
Other than that, the Hurricane is a very solid machine that works very well and can be a good choice if you don't need all those features. But I have to say I was impressed with the conveyor feeder tray which expands the working area.
But this year, xTool has upgraded the P2 into the xTool P2S which features stronger air assist, better optical path and improved engraving speeds. I haven't tested the P2S yet, but it is on its way, and I will test it very soon, to see how well it performs with all those upgrades. Subscribe to our mailing list and get notified when we test it! You can use my discount code 'xToolJT' for additional discount at checkout!
If you like galvo-style lasers but want the ability to engrave more materials, the xTool F1 Ultra is the ideal choice for you. It is the larger, upgraded version of the older xTool F1 (review here) and features both a 20-watt blue diode laser and a 20-watt true fiber laser in a compact design (read the full review of the xTool F1 Ultra).
The blue diode laser module is perfect for cutting and engraving wood, leather, plastic and other organic materials. And the infrared fiber laser is great for marking raw aluminum, brass, copper, zinc, chrome coatings, plastics and similar materials.
As a result, the xTool F1 Ultra is just as effective at engraving wood as it is at engraving metals and plastic. Its powerful 20-watt blue diode laser also makes it excellent for laser cutting. The dual-beam setup allows you to engrave a very wide range of materials'something that is impossible to do with a single laser module.
Additionally, it enables you to use both laser beams in the same engraving project. A cool thing I like to do is to engrave a photo on black acrylic using fiber laser which produces crisp white engravings, and then make a cutout using a blue laser module which makes a clean cut. This combination allows for unique results that would be impossible with only one laser module. This makes the xTool F1 Ultra one of the best galvo laser engravers.
The infrared laser can also make deep 3D engravings in metals which is an easy way to make a valuable customized gift.
So far we have learned that each laser type has its own limitations in terms of materials they can engrave.
For a rough example, diode lasers work great on wood, but can't engrave metals other than stainless steel and they can't cut white or transparent materials. Fiber lasers can make wonders on all types of metals, but they can't engrave wood and aren't the best for some plastics. CO2 laser is the best for working with wood and cutting plastics, but they can't mark metals directly.
If you're looking for a single machine that performs well on wood, plastics, metals and glass, a UV laser is your answer. But the problem with these machines is that they are usually very expensive, and they require an external water chiller too.
But this year, ComMarker has released one of the most affordable UV lasers with a solid power output. The ComMarker Omni 1 is a compact 5-watt air cooled galvo UV laser engraver (read the full review).
But don't think that it is a weak machine for having just 5 watts of power. UV light is very well absorbed by a wide range of materials, meaning a UV laser can engrave almost anything, including metals, plastics, leather, wood, stone and'most importantly'glass.
It produces incredibly detailed engravings on glass, even better than sandblasting. It is the only type of laser that can ablate glass directly which means it can also cut it very well. And it can do all that at a very high speed!
UV laser is also the best type of laser for engraving plastics. While other types of lasers can also engrave plastics, but they produce limiting results with low contrast by just melting the surface. In contrast, UV lasers create sharp, high-contrast engravings on nearly all plastic types.
Plus, the UV laser beam generates very little heat, which prevents thin metals or plastics from melting and bending and leaves no smoke stains on wood'a feature unique to UV lasers which work by directly breaking chemical bonds in the material. And since the UV light has very short wavelength, the laser spot size of the UV laser is the smallest of any other laser, which makes it possible to engrave incredibly small text. The example below is 0.5mm tall text engraved on a regular toothpick.
The ComMarker Omni 1 is an excellent choice if you want a simple, versatile device that can handle almost everything. It is one of the best affordable UV laser engravers on the market today.
If you want to learn the practical differences between UV and Fiber lasers, you can check our new article, where I tested both types of lasers on the same materials to see which one is the best for each material.
Currently I am testing the most important accessory for any laser ' the xTool SafetyPro AP2 Air Purifier with SuperCyclone System. This is a revolutionary 5-stage cyclone air purification system that is used for removing toxic fumes and smell that is generated while laser engraving with any type of laser. It is a great investment in your health and the health of those around you.
I will soon make a full review article to test it more thoroughly, Subscribe to our mailing list and get notified when the article will be released!
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit laser carving machine for wood.
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