The Top Laser Engravers Available on the Market
A laser engraver is a machine that reproduces a shape (symbol, photo, logo, etc.) on a variety of materials using a heat source – a laser in this case. In concrete terms, the laser heats up wood, metal, leather or glass, and under the effect of the temperature, the material is hollowed out, obtaining the desired shape point by point. Unlike 3D printing processes, this is a subtractive manufacturing method that is combined with additive manufacturing on some machines. In fact, there are more and more hybrid solutions that offer different manufacturing features – engraving, cutting, or milling.
Three types of lasers are generally used on these engravers: gas, fiber optic or crystal. The choice of laser depends on the material that will be engraved. For example, the fiber optic laser is more powerful and will be more suitable for metals and more resistant materials. On the other hand, the gas laser (using CO2 in this case) is used more for standard plastics – it is also the most widespread on the market. Generally speaking, the power of the laser will determine the performance and precision of your laser engraver.
Faced with these various options, which laser engraver should you choose? We have selected a few desktop machines that could help you in your search, as well as hybrid solutions that will also offer the possibility to 3D print your parts. Be sure to follow the safety instructions provided by each manufacturer – wearing protective eyewear, for example, is mandatory.
Laser Engravers
The Ortur H20 Laser Engraver
The Ortur H20 is a laser engraver that combines power, safety and ease of use. Three laser module powers are available (10 W, 20 W or 40 W) to suit different needs. Its completely cordless design means you can work in an unobstructed space. The machine’s enclosed structure protects the user from fumes and dust, ensuring a cleaner, safer environment. Thanks to its motorized lifting platform, it enables deeper engraving even on thick materials. The 3D printer automatically detects the edges of the substrate, improving precision and reducing errors. Finally, an integrated safety system automatically locks the machine and stops it if the cover is opened during operation, further enhancing user protection. The Ortur H20 thus meets the most stringent safety standards, while offering professional performance.
Photo Credits: Ortur
VEVOR 5W Laser Engraver
VEVOR, based in Shanghai, China, considers itself to be both a brand and home improvement retailer offering a wide selection of products including tools, garden essentials, outdoor equipment and automotive supplies. This includes a line of laser engravers and cutters with a wide range of wattages, going up to 20W. This particular laser engraver has a 5W laser and it is compatible with over 100 materials including wood, acrylic, paper, leather, fabric, stainless steel, and glass etching. It measures 22 x 22.8 x 10.6 inches (610 x 580 x 270 mm) with an effective working area of 16.1 x 15.7 inches (41 x 40 cm). In terms of features, the machine what VEVOR claims to be innovative laser technology and spot compression for faster more accurate results thanks to the concentrated 0.08×0.08mm laser beam size and a stepper motor and synchronous belt drive for speeds of up to10,000mm/min. It has also been designed for easy assembly and is user-friendly with the possibility to connect it to a computer via USB.
Photo Credits: Vevor
NEJE 5
The NEJE 5 laser engraver, which also handles cutting, is a compact, affordable and practical machine. It offers a modular workspace, from 170 x 170 mm to 430 x 290 mm, thanks to an extendable rail. The machine offers different laser modules, depending on the user’s needs – seven versions can be found on the manufacturer’s website. NEJE has developed an application for Smartphones and tablets to facilitate modeling and model creation. The software can manage several laser engravers at the same time, connect to the machine via Wifi or transfer photos from your phone. The NEJE 5 laser engraver is available in several packages: choose your laser module according to the materials you wish to engrave, and get started on your project!
L1 Pro From LaserPecker
We remain on the subject of portable laser engravers with the L1 Pro from LaserPecker. The machine is a Plug&Play solution compatible with materials such as wood, plastic, leather or cardboard. With its dimensions of 65 x 61 x 53 mm and its weight of 190 grams, it is very convenient to carry. The manufacturer claims that the laser has a lifetime of 10,000 hours which would allow to work for 416 days continuously. The L1 Pro has a self-adjusting mount that focuses in seconds. Built-in sensors measure the distance between the laser and the object being engraved and automatically adjust the height to ensure the focal point is at the right distance. Finally, the user can control and adjust the machine from the dedicated mobile app.
IKier & Atomstack P1 Mini
The IKier & Atomstack P1 mini laser engraver is not only suitable for beginners, but also shines with functions for professional use. Creative projects can be engraved with a variety of materials, such as wood and bamboo, metal or acrylic. Thanks to the two laser modules, nothing stands in the way of you realizing complex designs. The machine is easy to use – the included and user-friendly Atomstack software provides you with an extensive library of common materials. Accessories are only available separately, but are extensively supported by the machine – it is also highly compatible with common operating systems. The IKier & Atomstack P1 mini laser engraving machine is perfect for creative minds in their private lives, but can also be used for professional projects.
Photo Credits: iKier
Glowforge Spark™ Laser Engraver
The Glowforge Spark™ laser engraver comes in a compact design that makes it ideal for a desk, safe enough to use at home, and powerful enough to precisely cut, mark, and engrave hundreds of materials to bring your ideas to life in minutes. In terms of specifications, the Glowforge Spark™ has a dimansion of 21.5/16“ (W) x 18.1/2” (D) x 5.1/8″ (H). The machine has a quick and easy setup and is capable of processing, engraving, and cutting materials as diverse as wood, acrylic, leather, and cardboard. It works with the web-based app, Glowforge Print, which can be used with Mac, PC, Chromebook, tablet and phone, and is compatible with JPEG, PNG, SVG, PDF and other common file formats. From the app’s catalog, you can choose customizable, print-ready designs or import your own. Finally, real-time camera preview allows you to view designs on materials before making them.
Photo Credits: Glowforge
The SCULPFUN S9 Laser Engraver
SCULPFUN is a Chinese manufacturer of laser engravers and laser cutters for creative projects. Its SCULPFUN S9 laser engraver is suitable for working with wood, paper, plastic, ceramics, stainless steel, cardboard, printed circuit boards, among other materials. It has a working space of 410 x 415 mm and the machine’s design prioritizes user safety, particularly with a laser cover to protect the user’s eyesight. The engraver’s laser has a power of 5.5W and employs Laser Beam Shaping technology that allows it to achieve an ultra-fine focus of 0.06 mm. Another feature of the S9 engraver is its adjustable metal frame with integrated X- and Y-axis ruler. According to the manufacturer, when the user receives the engraver, he only has to spend about 10 to 20 minutes to assemble it and in the future he can replace the laser while keeping the same structure.
Photo Credits: SCULPFUN
XTool F1 Ultra
Chinese manufacturer xTool’s DIY solutions are aimed at creative professionals of all kinds – from DIY enthusiasts to SMEs in the artistic sector. In June 2024, the company launched the xTool F1 Ultra, a powerful laser cutter that stands out from other models on the market thanks to a number of unique features. For example, the F1 Ultra has two laser types: a fiber laser and a diode laser. With this, xTool is aiming for even more flexibility in applications, as materials can be cut to size on the one hand and engraved on the other. The F1 Ultra also has an assembly line, which should simplify the series production of art objects. An integrated camera and artificial intelligence support this by recognizing patterns and monitoring series production. In addition to the focus on performance and mass, xTool also aims for user-friendliness. The device is safe to operate through the cover and has an integrated fume extraction system.
Hybrid Machines
The Mega Pro Printer Offers a Laser Engraver
You are most likely familiar with the manufacturer Anycubic for its accessible and easy-to-use FDM 3D printers. Among its line of machines is the Mega Pro, a 3D printing solution that also offers laser engraving functionality. With a print volume of 210 x 210 x 205 mm, it has a 220 x 140 mm² workspace for the laser engraver and is compatible with paper, wood or leather. The pixel size is 0.05-0.4mm and the laser height is between 1 and 100mm. It is an ideal fabrication tool for beginners or the more experienced, available from $329.
The Mega Pro machine from Anycubic
Snapmaker 2.0 Laser Engraver
The Snapmaker 2.0, developed by the company with the same name, is a 3-in-1 solution that combines 3D printing, laser engraving and cutting, and CNC carving. First introduced in 2017, it is an ideal choice for beginners and DIY enthusiasts alike. Its 3D printing function makes it possible to create objects with specific mechanical properties such as strength, durability, and flexibility. Its laser engraving and cutting function makes it possible to work with materials ranging from paper and plywood to leather, acrylic and even coconut shells. As for CNC carving, the Snapmaker 2.0 is capable of accurately carving hard materials such as solid wood, carbon fiber and PCBs. Its modular design allows for easy interchangeability of tools, addition of linear modules and accessories, all controlled from a single central unit.
Bambu Lab H2D
Joining this list is Bambu Lab’s newest machine, the H2D. It is a hybrid machine that combines high-speed 3D printing with laser engraving and cutting. Starting with 3D printing, the H2D offers a print volume of 350 x 320 x 325 mm, speeds of up to 600 mm/s and its hotend reaches up to 350 °C. Another highlight of the H2D is its second-generation AMS system that handles the filaments, ensuring drying, storage and material feed. As for its laser, the H2D has 10W and 40W modules at 455 nm, capable of engraving and cutting plywood up to 5 mm, as well as working on cylindrical surfaces thanks to its rotary unit. To work safely, the machine is fitted with laser safety windows and a system called Air Assist that promises to improve cutting quality by cooling and cleaning the work area. All this is complemented by remote cloud connectivity and full offline control. Another excellent solution from the popular Chinese manufacturer.
Photo Credits: Bambu Lab
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