According to our analysis, the best laser engraver for metal is
FIBER LASER FOR METAL
Fiber lasers are the most efficient, precise, and speedy lasers for metal. Ytterbium-doped fiber lasers generate a wavelength of ≈1,064 nm that reacts well with all types of metals, including aluminum, steel, stainless steel, anodized aluminum, magnesium, lead, zinc, and copper. Keep reading and discover all the types of metal engraving machines that exist.
BEST LASER ENGRAVERS FOR METAL COMPARISON CHART
| Laser | Xtool D1 Pro | Omtech 20W | Atomstack A5 | Laserpecker 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Picture |  |  |  |  |
| Type | Diode | Fiber | Diode | Fiber |
| Form factor | Portable | Portable | Portable | Handheld |
| Recommended for | Hobbyists and crafters | Hobbyists and jewelers | Hobbyists and crafters | Professional or hobbyist |
| Power | 20W | 20W | 5.5W | – |
| Engraving Area | 430mm x 390mm | 7000 mm/s | 410mm x 400mm | 100Y200mm |
| Speed | – | 110×110 mm | – | 48000 mm |
| Highlights | Overall great built quality and reliability | – | UV filter acrylic on the laser module filters out up to 97% of UV light | Designed for different metal and plastic |
| Issues | Lack of integrated air assist | – | Learning curve | Limited engraving area |
| Customer Ratings | 4.4/5 | 3.8/5 | 3.6/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Market price | $1200 | $2700 | $300 | $1799 |
| View on Amzon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
How do we make the comparison?
- We analyze the reliability of a laser machine based on user satisfaction, rating them on a scale of 1 to 5.
- We studied customer reviews to determine the most valued feature and most common drawback of each machine.
- We provide you with a detailed analysis of the specifications and accessories of each product, ensuring you have all the information you need.
ANALYSIS OF BEST LASER ENGRAVERS FOR METAL
BEST COST-EFFECTIVE METAL ENGRAVING MACHINE: CLOUDRAY 50W JPT FIBER LASER
The Cloudray is considered the best value fiber laser due to its fast and powerful laser marking capabilities, making it suitable for high production volume and intricate work that requires fine detail. It is appreciated for its reliable performance, quality construction, and helpful customer support.
Cloudray 50W JPT Fiber Laser Engraver Marking Machine for Precision Metal…
- 7000 mm/s Marking Speed
- Rotary Axis Support (Optional)
- Enjoy 2 years-iterm Support
- EzCad 2 Included (Compatible with Lightburn Galvo Version)
- Galvo Head Scanning
$5356.00
WHAT WE LIKE
1. Fast and powerful laser marking capabilities for high production volume and intricate work.
2. Reliable performance, quality construction, and helpful customer support.
3. Wide range of material compatibility, including metals, plastics, glass, and ceramics.
4. Removable workbench.Comes equipped with a rotary tool.The machine boasts a compact Fθ field lens with air spacing design and a protective anti-reflective coating.
COULD BE BETTER
1. Operating the machine may have a learning curve.
2. Requirement of additional equipment for specific needs.
3. Shipping expenses for separate orders.
The Cloudray Laser can mark a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, glass, and ceramics. It comes equipped with a rotary tool and a removable workbench, allowing for easy disassembly and working on larger workpieces. The compact Fθ field lens with air spacing design and protective anti-reflective coating ensures precise and high-quality marking.
BEST BUDGET LASER ENGRAVING MACHINE FOR METAL – MR. CARVE M1
The Fiber Laser Engraver is a solid and highly capable metal engraver, especially considering its price point. It is an excellent choice for those seeking a portable, consumer-level engraver primarily for metal engraving tasks.
MR.CARVE M1 Fiber Pro Laser Marking Machine,for All-Metals&Jewelry&Plastics…
- The world’s lightest 1064nm IR fibre marking machine.
- More cost effective, more versatile and aesthetically pleasing
- Electric lift, precise Focusing
- Exclusive case, shockproof and drop-proof easy to carry out
- 180° Explores a comprehensive view
- Easy To Install AND FAST TO USE
$1179.00
WHAT WE LIKE
1. Fast: The M1 is known for its exceptional speed.
2. Powerful: the M1 uses an infrared pulse laser with a wavelength of up to 1064nm, which provides excellent penetration. It can produce clear and precise engravings on stainless steel.
3. Safe: does not generate harmful blue light that can damage the eyes or cause harm if accidentally touched.
4. Portability and Usability: Despite weighing 6kg, the M1 is considered portable compared to heavy industrial-grade metal engraving machines that can weigh up to 50kg.
5. Use: Setting up the M1 is easy, requiring minimal assembly and no complicated cable connections.
COULD BE BETTER
1. App Limitations: it requires connection to a computer and manual parameter adjustments.
2. Performance on Curved Surfaces: The M1 may have less consistent engraving results on curved surfaces due to the high precision focusing of the pulse laser.
BEST METAL ENGRAVING MACHINE FOR BEGINNERS –LASERPECKER 3
The LaserPecker 3 is considered the best fiber laser engraver for beginners due to its user-friendly experience and minimal technical knowledge required. It stands out with its 360° rotary engraving feature, allowing for seamless engraving on cylindrical surfaces. The compact and convenient storage case makes it easy to transport.
LaserPecker 3(Deluxe) Laser Engraver for Metal 1064nm Pulsed Infrared Fiber..
- The Ultimate Pulsed Infrared Laser
- Fast Engraving Speed
- Ultra-Fine 4K Engraving Effects
- Ultra-High Accurate Positioning
- Profesional Laser Marking Machines for Metals and Plastics
- Compact and Convenient Storage
- 360° Rotary Engraving
$1439.99
WHAT WE LIKE
1. User-friendly experience and minimal technical knowledge required.
2. Precise and fast engraving on metal and plastic materials.
3. Wide compatibility with various materials.
4. User-friendly app interface.
5. Compact and stylish design.
6. Easy setup and Bluetooth connectivity.
COULD BE BETTER
1. Engraving limitations
2. Limited work area
3. Limited power
4. Limited functionality in the app
The engraver offers precise and fast engraving on metal and plastic materials, wide compatibility with various materials, and a user-friendly app interface. It also has cut capability and a versatile electric roller. However, some limitations include engraving limitations, a limited work area, limited power, limited functionality in the app, lack of clear instructions, and inability to engrave silver
BEST MINI LASER ENGRAVING MACHINE FOR METAL: LASERPECKER 2
The LaserPecker 2 is considered the best mini laser engraver for metal due to its exceptional portability, precision, versatility, and user-friendly features. It offers engraving on various materials such as paper, cardboard, wood, leather, aluminum alloy, and brushed stainless steel. It can also cut through wood, paper, and leather with a thickness of up to 0.2 inches.
LaserPecker 2(Suit) Laser Engraver, Handheld High Precision High Speed and…
- Upgrade galvo technology for faster engraving.
- 360° Rotary/Mobile Engraving
- Functional & Widely Used: Engraves Paper, Cardboard, Wood, Leather, Aluminum alloy, Coating metal, Brushed stainless steel, etc
- Plug and play laser engraving machine with innovative handle design
- Safety＆Guarantee: Blue light filter protection cover and glasses prevent blue light
$1199.99
WHAT WE LIKE
1. Portability and compact design.
2. Versatile engraving on various materials.
3. User-friendly interface and app connectivity.
4. High precision and fast engraving speed.
5. Safety features for worry-free operation.
6. Additional functionality with accessories like rotary/trolley attachment.
COULD BE BETTER
1. Limited engraving area compared to larger laser engravers.
2. Slower engraving speed due to its compact size.
3. Inability to engrave reflective metals.
The LaserPecker 2 prioritizes user safety with its protective shield and motion detection system. Its compact size and handle design make it highly portable, while its fast-engraving speed and high precision ensure efficient and accurate results.
METAL ENGRAVING METHODS
Fiber lasers can be adjusted to meet various engraving requirements, using three different processes: laser etching, laser engraving, and laser marking are often preferred for customization purposes, such as applying company logos or marking medical and aerospace parts. These methods are also used for creating intricate designs, patterns, and text on items like jewelry, awards, and personalized gifts due to its precision and high-quality results.
Laser etching
is a chemical process that involves burning lines into the metal surface to create raised marks. Laser etching produces high-contrast black-and-white marks at high speed.
Laser engraving
creates deep, durable marks, engraving is a physical process where sharp tools are used to cut lines directly into the metal surface. This method allows for precise control and the creation of detailed designs.
Laser marking
is used to discolor the metal surface without removing any material. It is the least destructive method and offers flexibility in terms of the depth and appearance of the marks.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT METAL ENGRAVING MACHINE
When selecting a laser engraver for metal, there are several important factors to consider:
1. Type of laser: There are two main types of metal engraving machines: CO2 and fiber laser engravers. CO2 machines are versatile and can engrave a wide range of materials, including some metals. However, fiber laser engravers are specifically designed for metal engraving and offer better precision and efficiency.
2. Power and Wattage: Consider the type and thickness of the metal, desired engraving depth, and level of detail when choosing the appropriate power and wattage for your project.
3. Engraving Area: Choose a machine with an appropriate engraving area based on the size of the objects you plan to engrave. Smaller engraving areas are suitable for jewelry and small objects, while larger areas are needed for signage and industrial equipment.
4. Material Compatibility: Different metals require different laser engraving settings. Ensure that the laser engraver you choose can be adjusted to optimize engraving results and is compatible with the specific metal you want to work with.
5. Precision and Accuracy: Precision refers to how closely the engraved design matches the original, while accuracy is the reproducibility of the engraving process. Factors such as the laser source aperture, equipment stability, and software used can impact precision and accuracy.
CAN I ENGRAVE METAL WITH A CO2 LASER?
Yes, you can engrave metal with a CO2 laser. While CO2 lasers are primarily designed for engraving and cutting non-metallic materials like wood, acrylic, and leather, they can also be used to engrave certain types of metal. However, it’s important to note that CO2 lasers are not as effective on metals as fiber lasers or other specialized metal engraving machines.
When it comes to engraving time, fiber lasers generally offer faster processing speeds compared to CO2 lasers. CO2 lasers may take longer to engrave the same design due to their lower processing speeds.
Engraving metal with a CO2 laser requires specific settings and techniques, and the results may not be as precise or durable compared to using a dedicated metal engraving machine. It’s recommended to use a fiber laser or seek professional metal engraving services for optimal results.
FAQs
A laser engraver for metal can be used for various applications such as marking, engraving, and cutting metal materials with high precision and speed.
A laser engraver for metal can be used with a wide range of metals including gold, silver, stainless steel, copper, iron, aluminum, and more.
The cost of laser engravers for metal can vary depending on factors such as power, features, and brand. Prices can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
Fiber laser engravers have a long lifespan and can last up to 100,000 hours.
Yes, a fiber laser engraver can engrave gold. It is capable of marking most metals including gold, silver, stainless steel, copper, iron, and aluminum.
No, a diode laser is generally not suitable for engraving aluminum. Diode lasers are typically used for engraving non-metallic materials and have a lower power range compared to fiber lasers