Everything You Need To Know To Find The Best text laser cutting machine
Mar. 17, 2025
How to Choose the Right Laser Cutting Machine? Ultimate Guide
If we talk about the innovations in technology, we can't go on without mentioning laser technology. The way energy has been harnessed from the laser has been phenomenal. The key area where the laser is making its presence known is the laser cutting machine.
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Due to its high precision and accuracy, the laser has proved to be the greatest alternate of all other technologies. Laser cutting machines are super-fast and they get the job done in the most finished way possible.
Laser cutting machines are the focus of this discussion on lasers, which is a broad topic. Bear with us as we brief you about what this intelligent technology is.
Laser cutting machines use a laser to cut materials and create designs. The laser beam that is used in such machines is capable of melting, burning, or vaporizing the material.
Laser cutting is a fabrication process. It consists of an extremely thin, invisible but focused laser beam that cuts and engraves the substrate material. It can be used to cut material or create logos, patterns, designs, and write text or numbers.
The latter information is made using the engraving option of the laser cutting machines. Laser is ideal for working on metal, wood, glass, ceramics, paper, and stones. While other cutting machines are strictly dependent on one substrate material, the laser has a wide range of applications.
Applications of Laser Cutting Technology
Laser cutting technology is widely used across various fields, including electronics, medicine, defense, automotive, healthcare, and design. Its most prominent application is in metal cutting, where it can precisely cut materials like steel, aluminum, tungsten, brass, nickel, and iron with unmatched accuracy.
A notable application is in surgical wards, where lasers are replacing traditional scalpels to vaporize human tissues and cells. This technology is used in high-risk operations, such as retina adjustment surgeries, helping patients regain eyesight lost due to accidents or aging, often restoring their vision to its original state.
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Specifications of Laser Cutting Technology
Laser Beam Specifications
- Diameter: 0.1mm to 0.3mm
- Power: 1 to 3 kW, depending on the substrate
- Steel/Iron: 1-2 kW
- Copper/Aluminum: Up to 6 kW due to their reflective and conductive properties
Key Components of a Laser Cutter
Laser Resonator
- Function: Generates the laser beam
- Components:
- Glass tube with mirrors facing each other
- Filled with gases (CO2, hydrogen, nitrogen, helium)
- Charged by diodes or electric discharge to emit energy as a laser beam
Cutting Head
- Function: Directs and focuses the laser beam
- Process:
- Beam is reflected by internal mirrors
- Magnified and focused at the cutting point
- Passes through a nozzle with compressed gases (nitrogen or oxygen)
- Melts substrate material, blown away by nitrogen
Quality of Operation
- Key Factors:
- Distance between nozzle and substrate
- Intensity and speed of the laser beam
- Precision and accuracy of cutting head movement
Marking vs. Engraving
Before exploring the types of laser cutting and engraving machines, it's important to differentiate marking from engraving:
- Marking: Surface-level alteration without significant depth
- Engraving: Deeper penetration into the material for a more pronounced effect
Let's discuss the types of laser cutting machines being used in the industry!
Laser cutting machines are differentiated based on the types of lasers being used. Consequently, the type of laser determines the type of substrate and thickness of the material.
The three main types of laser cutters are as follows:
CO2 Laser Cutters
CO2 laser cutting machines consist of CO2 gas along with a mixture of other gases like helium and nitrogen. This type of gas mixture is charged up by electric discharge which then produces the laser beam. The wavelength of such cutters is 10.6mm.
CO2 laser cutters are the most common and well-reputed because of their efficiency and cheaper prices.
Materials: Glass, plastics, leather, wood, and acrylic.
Crystal Laser Cutters
Crystal laser cutters generate beams from Neodymium doped yttrium ortho vanadate. The wavelengths of these cutters are smaller as compared to CO2 laser cutters hence they can cut through some thicker materials.
Smaller wavelength also contributes to better focus and higher intensity as well. One drawback of these cutters is that their parts wear out because of the high power functionality.
Materials: Plastics, Metals, and Ceramics.
Fiber Laser Cutters
The origin of fiber laser is seed laser which is amplified and magnified using special optical fibers. The more common name for fiber laser cutters is a solid-state laser.
The remarkable benefits of this laser cutter include cutting of reflective and conductive metals, thrice the times of efficiency as compared to CO2 laser cutters, and the absence of movable parts.
Fiber lasers can work on metals as well as organic materials. Although fiber laser cutters are very similar to crystal lasers they are more efficient and low maintenance.
Materials: Metals and Organic materials.
Based on the description of the types of laser cutters, here are some tips and suggestions to help you choose the right laser cutting or engraving machine.
CO2 Laser Cutting Machines vs. Fiber Laser Cutting Machines
CO2 Laser Cutters
- History and Usage: CO2 laser cutters are the pioneers of laser cutting technology and have been the backbone of the metal industry for the last twenty years.
- Advantages: They are particularly effective for thicker metals where good edge quality is required.
- Limitations: CO2 lasers cannot cut reflective and conductive materials.
- Maintenance: Since they have been around for a long time, factories often have trained in-house personnel for maintenance and repair.
Fiber Laser Cutters
- Introduction and Development: Introduced around , fiber lasers offer higher cutting speeds and lower operating costs.
- Advantages: Fiber lasers can cut reflective and conductive materials and can now cut up to 1.5 inches of metal after significant developments.
- Popularity: Despite their higher initial cost, fiber lasers have become a popular choice due to their efficiency and versatility.
- Limitations: Handling material can be challenging due to the machine's high cutting speed. Additionally, maintenance may require assistance from the supplier.
Material Handling and Operational Considerations
When choosing between CO2 and fiber laser machines, consider the following:
- Material Handling: Understand the cutting speeds of your machine. Fiber lasers work very fast, which can make material handling challenging.
- Operational Hours: Calculate the total working hours needed for your tasks and match them with the machine's speed to ensure efficient material handling.
- Maintenance Needs: Evaluate your in-house capabilities for maintenance and repair. CO2 lasers are easier to manage with trained personnel, while fiber lasers may require supplier support for technical issues.
By considering these factors, you can choose the right laser cutting or engraving machine that best fits your industrial needs and operational capabilities.
Price Trends
If we look at the market prices of laser cutting or engraving machines, it varies on the basis of the type of work. Are you trying to use laser cutters or engravers as a hobby and looking for DIY laser machines? Good going! DIY laser machines are available for as low as 500$.
- Genmitsu CNC -PRO Router Kit
This user-friendly laser cutting/engraving machine has the easiest setting up protocols. The accuracy of this machine is outstanding because of the high-speed software and good communication in the machine. The software is Grbl software which is open-source software so no need to worry about software procurement.
One good thing is that it can also run on Arduino. With a one-year warranty period, this device can cut materials like wood, plastics, PVCs, and acrylics. The price of this machine is 250 USD.
If you are not a hobbyist but somewhat of working from home kind of person, you might want to take a look at this laser engraving machine. This BIBO 3D Printer Dual Laser Engraving Machine works on objects that are organic in nature and softer e.g leather, wood, paper, and plastics.
It can do both, printing as well as engraving. This machine comes in a price range of 750 USD.
HS-FLC Series Small Desktop Sheet Metal Laser Cutter
When it comes to industry-leading laser cutting machines, HeatSign stands out as a trusted supplier. The HS-FLC Series Small Desktop Sheet Metal Laser Cutter is designed for precision and efficiency in various industrial applications. This compact yet powerful machine is ideal for small to medium-sized sheet metal cutting tasks, offering a versatile solution for your cutting needs.
Key Features
- Compact Design: The desktop size makes it perfect for businesses with limited space, providing high functionality without compromising on workspace.
- Precision Cutting: Capable of cutting a wide range of metals with exceptional accuracy, ensuring clean and smooth edges.
- Versatile Use: Suitable for various metals such as steel, aluminum, and more, making it a flexible tool for different projects.
- User-Friendly: Designed with an intuitive interface, this machine is easy to operate, even for those new to laser cutting technology.
Conclusion
This pretty much sums up our writing about the laser cutting machines and engraving machines. After figuring out what kind of work you need from your machine, you just have to look at the relevant specs of the machines.
If you have to work with non-metals, try going for CO2 laser cutters and engravers with a power range on the upper side. However, if your requirement is precise work and working on metals or reflective surfaces like steel, aluminum, you need to look for a fiber laser machine.
In any case, the choice is yours but the output varies with every choice. So you better make it right!
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Best Laser Cutters and Engravers | Tom's Hardware
While the best 3D printers can turn a spool of filament or a vat of resin into a working model, sometimes the best way to build something is by cutting through layers of acrylic, wood or metal to get the shapes you need. Other times, you just need to imprint an image or text on an existing surface. For these use cases, you need a laser cutter/engraver.
Laser cutters, also sometimes called laser engravers, come in all shapes and sizes, allowing you to safely work with a variety of materials, from oak to iron-on transfers. You can get one of the best low power laser cutters for as little as $220. Low-wattage lasers are cheaper and perfect for engraving images and cutting thin materials. Higher wattage machines are more expensive and can cut through thicker material in one pass. To help you choose, we've tested several models and listed the best laser cutters below.
Lasers are tested using both the supplied samples as well as popular project blanks, such as basswood sheets and bamboo cutting boards. We completed several test projects to evaluate how the laser performs while engraving text and images, whether it can cut acrylic or etch something more difficult like stone or metal. Finally, we put the laser to work, cutting thicker pine boards to determine if it meets the manufacturer's stated capabilities.
Quick List
Best Laser Cutters and Engravers You Can Buy
Why you can trust Tom's Hardware Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Best CO2 Laser Cutter
If you want to laser all the things, the xTool P2 does nearly everything with speed and accuracy. It can engrave and slice a wide assortment of materials, including 20mm thick Walnut and clear acrylic. It's fully enclosed with a camera for remote operation, air assist, exhaust fan, and metal grill. The lid locks for extra safety and pushing the release button will automatically stop the laser.
The P2 comes with all the bells and whistles, and is priced accordingly. At $ it may not be in the budget for the average hobbyist, but is definitely a good investment for a small business. The only downside of this 'desktop' machine is its size. Weighing in at 99 pounds and taking up 39 inches of counter space, this laser cutter practically needs its own workshop.
xTool offers plenty of support for budding entrepreneurs with a website full of advice and a shop stocked with unbranded materials to engrave. Sure, you could source all your own materials, but everything that xTool sells has a preset profile in the laser's custom software to make engraving and cutting effortless.
Materials: Wood, bamboo, cork, stone, leather, fabric, cardboard and all acrylic.
More: xTool P2 Review
Best Home Crafting Laser Cutter
Glowforge is known for premium CO2 lasers cutters for small businesses, so it was surprising when the company introduced a 6-watt diode laser aimed at family crafters, for a fraction of the cost. The Glowforge Aura is a fully enclosed laser that's incredibly lightweight and can be used anywhere you have a WiFi connection ' including your dining room table.
The enclosure and optional air purifier makes the laser safe for use around kids and pets, a real plus for anyone without a dedicated workshop or craft room. It's designed to appeal to paper crafters who want a little more power for cutting wood and leather, but don't have the budget for Glowforge's CO2 cutter or want the hassle of an open frame laser.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of text laser cutting machine. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
The Aura's software is online and can be used with any computer or mobile device. A Premium Membership unlocks hundreds of ready to burn designs, but it can also be used with simple clip art familiar to paper crafters. Aura's camera can also scan hand drawn designs and quickly make them laser ready.
Retailing at $1,199, the Glowforge Aura is not exactly cheap, but it's extremely easy to use. When coupled with Glowforge's line of QR coded materials, the laser is as easy to use as a paper printer. You can purchase the Aura at Amazon, Best Buy, and directly from the Glowforge store.
Materials: Thin wood, leather, faux vinyl and paper.
More: Glowforge Aura Review
Best Portable Laser
If you want to laser on the go, the xTool F1 is a perfect choice. It was made with craft fair vendors in mind and can safely customize small objects on the spot. It has both a diode and IR Galvo laser under the hood, which allows it to engrave pretty much anything from silver bracelets to wooden ornaments. When used with the lid down, the laser is rated as a Class 1, making it safe to operate around customers, kids and pets.
The F1 doesn't come with safety glasses, so if you plan to laser anything bigger than 4.5 inches you'll need to find a pair. xTool sells the glasses separately, though they are not offered in a bundle.
The laser is able to display a harmless blue preview image right on the object you're customizing, which is incredibly helpful for adding engraving to objects you've previously cut.
Its compact size is also great for crafters short on space ' its tiny footprint takes up no more space than a toaster.
Materials: Wood, bamboo, cork, stone, leather, fabric, metal.
More: xTool F1 Review
Best Budget Laser Cutter
The TTS-55 by Two Tree's is a no-frills 5 watt diode laser cutter / engraver that's a good starting point for budget minded buyers. It's easy to use and produces nice dark engravings in a short amount of time.
The Two Tree's laser retails at $219, and doesn't include a base plate. If you plan to mostly use the machine for engraving instead of cutting, you can protect your work surface with a sacrificial sheet of fireproof material ' we used a cement board from the hardware store.
It comes with a tinted acrylic shield around the tool head and one pair of safety glasses. Two Tree's sells an optional enclosure for $129 which will make the laser safer to run while also assisting with smoke removal. They offer a wide variety of upgrade options to customize your set up, such as a honeycomb work surface, frame extensions, air assist and rotary machine.
There is no native software for the TTS-55, however it is compatible with LaserGRBL and LightBurn.
Materials: Wood, bamboo, cork, stone, leather, fabric, cardboard and most acrylic.
More: Two Trees TTS-55 Review
Best Premium Laser Cutter for Home Business
The xTool S1 is a fully enclosed, 40w diode laser with cutting power you might expect from a CO2 laser at half the price. It can slice a 20 mm piece of pine in one pass at low speeds, and quickly etch designs with speeds up to 600mm/s. Its large, well-lit interior can accommodate boards up to 23 x 19 inches, with an optional conveyor system to handle infinitely long boards.
Though it lacks a camera for automatic positioning, it has a clever system to physically probe the material and pinpoint exact edges and curves. These points are transferred to the xTool software, which allows designs to be precisely placed within a fraction of a millimeter and eliminates the need for complex jigs.
xTool offers a variety of feature packages for the S1, so you can customize the laser to fit your needs and budget. Three swappable tool heads are available: 20 and 40-watt blue 455 nm diode lasers for cutting organic materials and a 2-watt Infrared nm for etching metals. The basic 20-watt laser is currently on sale for $.
A big bonus is xTool's ecosystem, which offers support for makers wanting to spin their hobby into a business. Its website has a fully stocked shop of unbranded materials to engrave, plus ideas and tutorials to inspire you.
Materials: Cardboard, wood, bamboo, rubber, leather, stone, some acrylic, painted glass
More: xTool S1 Review
Best Laser Cutter for Home Business
The WeCreat Vision is a 20 watt diode laser engraver / cutter that features a fully enclosed workspace, an included air assist for clean cuts, and a simple and intuitive software package for preparing builds. The integrated auto-focus allows for objects up to 140mm tall to be engraved without requiring manual setup work, and lifts the entire frame up and down to avoid manual setup. The Vision is ideal for professionals and hobbyists interested in expanding their capabilities or entrepreneurs looking to start making products in their garages.
The Vision includes an integrated 12 MP camera and an LED light bar in the chassis that provides a real-time picture of the material currently in the workspace. This makes it easy to prepare cuts and avoid accidentally cutting into a void or pocket in a sheet of material. In addition, the MakeIt! software makes laying out multiple pieces a simple task by placing them around the workspace and selecting a mode for the cut.
If you're interested in the complete package (Vision, rotary engraving kit, and fume extractor), the package price is currently $1,999.98 direct from the WeCreat site. Less expensive options are available, and the Vision by itself is listed at $1,249.99. The fume extractor is worth every penny if you're going to be operating the Vision in a garage, and the rotary engraving kit is a must-have for small businesses interested in making custom tumblers. It's not a cheap machine, but it's perfect for users wanting to go beyond simple inexpensive diode lasers but not ready for the jump to a CO2 laser.
Materials: Wood, bamboo, cork, food, stone, leather, fabric, cardboard, and most acrylic.
More: WeCreat Vision Review
Best Open Frame Laser Cutter
Want to try out laser cutting / engraving without a huge investment? The Creality CR Laser Falcon will get you started for just $299. Produced by a popular 3D printing company, this was the first desk top laser we tested and it impressed us with its simple build and ease of use.
The Laser Falcon is an open frame diode laser with a manual focusing system and a surprisingly powerful exhaust fan with a carbon filter attached to the tool head. The tool head is wrapped with a laser proof acrylic shield and comes with safety glasses. You can purchase an optional enclosure from Creality for $79.
Cable management is pretty basic, but mesh sleeves manage to contain the wiring. No base plate is included with this machine, but if you're only using it to engrave you can make do with a sheet of fireproof material like cement board from the hardware store. There's no WiFi, so it is best used tethered to a laptop. You have the option of loading files onto an SD card and operating it with a single button on the machine.
The Laser Falcon we tested is the low power 5 watt model, which is excellent at engraving and can slice through wood up to 5 mm thick.
Materials: Wood, bamboo, cork, stone, leather, fabric, cardboard and most acrylic.
More: Creality CR Laser Falcon Review
Best Laser Cutter Attachment for a 3D Printer
Laser attachments for 3D printers seems like a no-brainer ' after all, you already have a perfectly good motion system, right? But the hassle of unscrewing your normal tool head and reprogramming the main board isn't always so easy. Plus, laser safe enclosures for 3D printers are hard to find.
Enter Snapmaker Artisan, a 3-in-1 printer, laser and CNC combo that literally has it all. The machine has a handy auto focusing program, plus it uses a camera to guide material placement. Custom software from Luban is included with the machine to operate all three functions.
Switching between printing, lasering and milling is simple with quick release tool heads and snap in place work surfaces. A well vented, laser safe enclosure comes standard with the machine.
The Artisan has two drawbacks ' it is very, very large and rather expensive. Priced at $2,999 it is more than an xTool D1 Pro with all the extras. But if you're interested in lasers, 3D prints and milling ' it may be the perfect all in one workshop tool for you.
The Artisan comes standard with a capable 10 watt laser and roomy 400 x 400 build surface. The machine can be upgraded with 20 and 40 watt tool heads that also have air assist.
Materials: Wood, bamboo, cork, stone, leather, fabric, cardboard and most acrylic.
More: Snapmaker Artisan 3-in-1 Review
Recent reviews that did not quite make the cut
We recently reviewed the WeCreat Vista, a fully enclosed, 10-watt laser with a slightly smaller build area than its big brother, the WeCreat Vision. The Vista had great features, like a smoke purifier and IR laser for metal engraving, but it did not make our best laser cutter and engraver list. Check out our review for more details. It is on sale at Amazon for $1,059 with a $160 coupon.
We also tested the Mecpow X4 Pro, a mid-range enclosed 22-watt diode laser with many safety features. But while this product offered a lot of protection for the user, we wanted to see more from its performance. Check out our review for more details and find out why it fell short of making our best list. The X4 Pro has a list price of $799, but right now, you can get it for $100 less at Amazon with a coupon.
Shopping Tips for Laser Engravers and Cutters
Shopping Tips for Laser Engravers and Cutters
There are several factors to consider before buying the best desktop laser for you, so be sure to consider these questions before making a choice.
- Includes Enclosures for Safety? Any laser that can burn wood can burn your skin and damage your vision just by looking at it. The price of open frame machines is tantalizingly low, but this is because you get what you pay for: a motion system, a laser and little else. If your laser cutter doesn't come with an enclosure, buy a third-party one; enclosures don't need to be made by the same manufacturer as the laser equipment.
- Diode, CO2 or Fiber? The three most popular styles of desktop lasers work on different materials to varying degrees. Diode lasers are more affordable, but at the low end are only good at etching organic material. CO2 lasers can slice and dice nearly any organic material and all acrylics, but their price and large size are more suitable for entrepreneurs or hobbyists with a large budget. Fiber lasers are very niche and primarily work on metal.
- How much workspace do you need? If you want to engrave large items, like signs or cutting boards, you'll need a laser cutter with a suitable work space. Open frame lasers can often be placed on top of large items, while fully enclosed lasers might be more limited. Check to see if an enclosed laser has a pass through door for working on oversized projects.
- What materials are you working with? If you only want to etch wood and cut paper, a low power diode laser will do the trick. If your projects require slicing a lot of wood and acrylic, a higher power diode can provide all the slicing power you need. A CO2 laser not only cuts thicker material faster, it can also slice blue and clear acrylic ' materials that are invisible to the blue light of a diode laser.
- What accessories are available? Important safety devices are often sold as extra accessories by manufacturers. This is only about reducing prices, it can also save you money. Some accessories can be shared between tools while others can be purchased from your local hardware store or solved with a little DIY. For example, good ventilation is very important, but you don't need an expensive air purifier if an open garage door is available. Also, if you're upgrading to a new laser cutter from an old one, you can often repurpose an enclosure and air assist rather than needing to buy new equipment.
- Is software provided? Budget laser cutters may rely on free or paid 3rd party software. Free programs like LaserGRBL are very basic, while LightBurn is the industry gold standard and costs $60 for a yearly license. Premium laser manufacturers may include custom software, for example both xTool and Glowforge include proprietary software for their machines.
How We Test Laser Cutters
How We Test Laser Cutters
Each laser we review is carefully vetted for safety, performance, and ease of use. Depending on the laser cutter's capabilities, we will use it to engrave on or cut patterns out of various materials, including wood and acrylic.
We always first test the laser using the supplied safety gear, but we reserve the right to move the equipment into a third-party enclosure if necessary.
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