Fiber vs. CO2 Lasers: Which One Should You Buy and Why?
Fiber vs. CO2 Lasers: Which One Should You Buy and Why?
Maintenance
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Fiber lasers have significantly lower maintenance requirements than their CO2 counterparts. The main difference comes from the laser beam delivery system.
Fiber lasers have a monolithic configuration whereby the laser beam is delivered to the cutting head via a fiber optic cable.
This means that the optics path is completely protected from contaminants. The two main consumables of a fiber laser are the nozzle (the same applies for CO2 lasers) and the protective window.
CO2 lasers use bend mirrors contained within bellows (sometimes filled with nitrogen) to deliver the beam to the cutting head.
The mirrors and bellows will get dirty over time and will need cleaning/replacing regularly to prevent a decrease in the cutting performance. The repetitive movement of the machine produces holes in the bellows over time.
Given the beam delivery system is more exposed to the environment (temperature, moisture etc.) than fiber lasers, CO2 lasers experience higher levels of variation in the quality and output of the laser.
The heat of the laser often causes the mirrors to distort, reducing the power supplied to the cutting head leading to the misalignment of the laser beam. This may require changes to the cutting parameters to counter this variation which can be a timely process.
The main and most costly issue with CO2 lasers occurs when the laser beam is reflected back down the beam delivery system causing damage to the expensive oscillator.
Maintenance of a CO2 laser cutting head can take between 4-5 hours a week compared to less than half an hour a week for a fiber laser.
The alignment of a laser beam is important to ensure an even cut finish on all sides of a profile (Image below demonstrates the effect of a misaligned beam).
The most common cause of misalignment is a collision between the cutting head and a tipped part and can happen for both CO2 and fiber laser systems.
Misalignment is both more complicated and time consuming to correct on CO2 lasers due to the nature of the beam delivery system which normally contains at least three mirrors.
For fiber lasers, only a single lens needs adjusting.
Best Laser Cutters and Engravers
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 complete 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 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
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
1. xTool P2
Best CO2 Laser Cutter
Our expert review:
Average Amazon review:
Specifications
Machine Footprint:
x 639 x 268mm (39.4 x 25.1 x 10.6 inches)
Engraving Size:
600 x 308mm (23.6 x 12.1 inches)
Laser Type:
CO2
Laser Power:
55W
Laser Wave Length:
nm
Engraving Accuracy:
0.15 x 0.2mm
Connectivity:
USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
Base Plate:
Metal slats and baseplate included
Enclosure:
Built In
View at AmazonView at AmazonReasons to buy
+
Easy assembly
+
Fully Enclosed
+
Positioning Camera
+
Large cutting area
+
Custom software
Reasons to avoid
-
Expensive
-
Over 45 kg (99 pounds)
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.
Deals: Save $1,200 for Amazon Prime Day. Save $1,150 when you buy directly from the xTool store.
Materials: Wood, bamboo, cork, stone, leather, fabric, cardboard and all acrylic.
More: xTool P2 Review
Best Home Crafting Laser Cutter
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2. Glowforge Aura
Best Home Crafting Laser Cutter
Our expert review:
Average Amazon review:
Specifications
Machine Footprint:
558.8 x 520.7 x 127 mm (22 x 20.5 x 5 inches)
Engraving Size:
304 x 304 cm (12 x 12 inches)
Laser Type:
Blue Diode
Laser Power:
6W
Laser Wave Length:
450 nm Diode
Engraving Accuracy:
0.08 x 0.06 mm
Connectivity:
Wireless
Base Plate:
Included
Enclosure:
Built In
View at AmazonView at Best BuyReasons to buy
+
Fully enclosed
+
Positioning camera
+
Easy Software
+
Premium materials with QR code
Reasons to avoid
-
Shallow depth
-
Glowforge materials are pricey
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.
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
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3. xTool F1
Best Portable Laser
Our expert review:
Specifications
Machine Footprint:
179 x 235 x 334mm (7 x 9.3 x 13 in)
Engraving Size:
115 x 115mm (4.53 x 4.53 inches)
Laser Type:
Blue Diode and Infrared
Laser Power:
10W and 2W
Laser Wave Length:
450 nm Diode and nm Infrared
Engraving Accuracy:
0.08*0.06mm Blue Diode and 0.03*0.03mm Infrared
Connectivity:
USB, Wireless Bluetooth
Base Plate:
Metal baseplate included
Enclosure:
Built In
View at AmazonView at xToolView at AmazonReasons to buy
+
Enclosure included
+
Both IR and Diode lasers
+
Live Preview
+
Fast
+
Portable
Reasons to avoid
-
Limited cutting area
-
No glasses provided
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.
Deals: $1,499 directly from the xTool store ($100 off) and $1,399 at Amazon.
Materials: Wood, bamboo, cork, stone, leather, fabric, metal.
More: xTool F1 Review
Best Budget Laser Cutter
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4. Two Trees TTS-55
Best Budget Laser Cutter
Our expert review:
Specifications
Machine Footprint:
570 x 510 x 150 mm (22.4 x 20 x 5.9 inches)
Engraving Size:
300 x 300 mm (11.8 x 11.8 inches)
Laser Type:
Diode
Laser Power:
5.5W
Laser Wave Length:
455 nm
Engraving Accuracy:
.08 x .08mm
Connectivity:
microSD card, USB-C, Wi-Fi
Base Plate:
Not included
Enclosure:
Extra
View at AmazonView at Tomtop WWReasons to buy
+
Dark effortless burns
+
Inexpensive
Reasons to avoid
-
No cutting surface included
JCZ contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.
-
Lots of cord clutter
-
Very smokey
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.
Deals: On sale at Amazon for $189 and at Twotrees3dofficial for $187.
Materials: Wood, bamboo, cork, stone, leather, fabric, cardboard and most acrylic.
More: Two Trees TTS-55 Review
Best Premium Laser Cutter for Home Business
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
5. xTool S1
Best 40W Laser Cutter for Home Business
Our expert review:
Average Amazon review:
Specifications
Machine Footprint:
765 x 561 x 268mm (30.1 x 22 x 10.6 inches)
Engraving Size:
498x 319(19.6 x 12.5 inches)
Laser Type:
Diode
Laser Power:
40W
Laser Wave Length:
455 nm
Engraving Accuracy:
0.08 x .1mm
Connectivity:
USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
Base Plate:
Metal slats and baseplate included
Enclosure:
Integrated
View at xToolCheck AmazonReasons to buy
+
Fully Enclosed Class 1 laser
+
Powerful 40W for fast cutting
+
Positioning Crosshairs
+
Large cutting area
+
Custom software
Reasons to avoid
-
Expensive
-
No Camera
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.
Deals: On sale at Amazon for $2,299 ($400 coupon) and at xTool for $2,199.
Materials: Cardboard, wood, bamboo, rubber, leather, stone, some acrylic, painted glass
More: xTool S1 Review
Best Laser Cutter for Home Business
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
6. WeCreat Vision
Best 20W Laser Cutter for Home Business
Our expert review:
Specifications
Machine Footprint:
23.19 x 20.91 x 9.96 inches (589mm x 531mm x 253mm)
Engraving Size:
16.54 x 11.42 inches (420mm x 290mm)
Laser Type:
Diode
Laser Power:
20W
Laser Wave Length:
455 nm
Engraving Accuracy:
0.08 mm × 0.10 mm
Connectivity:
USB, Wi-Fi
Base Plate:
Removable
Enclosure:
Integrated
View at WeCreatReasons to buy
+
Class 1 laser with full enclosure
+
20W laser cuts quickly
+
Large working area
+
Integrated laser bed
+
Camera provides preview
Reasons to avoid
-
AI image mode is a bit of a gimmick
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
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
7. Creality CR Laser Falcon Engraver
Best Open Frame Laser Cutter
Our expert review:
Specifications
Machine Footprint:
568 x 632 x 198 mm (22.3 x 24.8 x 7.8inches)
Engraving Size:
400 x 415 mm (15.7 x 16.3 inches)
Laser Type:
Diode
Laser Power:
5W
Laser Wave Length:
455 nm
Engraving Accuracy:
0.12 x 0.06 mm
Connectivity:
microSD card, USB Wire
Base Plate:
Not included
Enclosure:
Extra
Check AmazonView at CrealityReasons to buy
+
Easy assembly
+
Built in exhaust fan
+
Large cutting area
Reasons to avoid
-
No base plate included
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
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
8. SnapMaker Artisan
Best Laser Cutter Attachment for a 3D Printer
Our expert review:
Specifications
Machine Footprint:
508 x 620 x 634 mm (20 x 24.4 x 24.9 inches)
Engraving Size:
400 x 400 mm (15.7 x 15.7 inches)
Laser Type:
Diode
Laser Power:
10W
Laser Wave Length:
455 nm
Engraving Accuracy:
0.05 mm × 0.2 mm
Connectivity:
USB stick, Wi-Fi
Base Plate:
Metal grid included
Enclosure:
Included
Check AmazonView at MatterHackersReasons to buy
+
3-in-1 machine
+
Auto focus
+
Positioning camera
+
Complete package
+
Custom Software
Reasons to avoid
-
Huge
-
Pricey
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
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.
- Add 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 capabilities of the laser cutter, 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 3rd party enclosure if needed.
MORE: Best 3D Printers
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