Jerry Wang
If you are in the business of custom metal engraving, such as jewelry engraving, having a desktop laser engraver tailored to metal will be a great convenience for your small business. However, not every laser engraver is suitable for engraving metal. For example, diode laser engravers are only suitable for engraving and cutting materials such as wood, acrylic, stone, etc., and have little ability to engrave metal. Similarly, CO2 laser engraver and cutter is also unsuitable for engraving all kinds of metal, its strength lies in engraving and cutting various colors of acrylic, wood, and other non-metallic objects.
Therefore, this article recommends the fiber laser engraver, a laser engraving machine that is very efficient in engraving all kinds of metals. Fiber laser engravers can be used for engraving all kinds of metals, which is very helpful for some custom jewelry makers and metal marking small businesses. Here, I am recommending some of the best fiber laser engravers for metal engraving.
5 Best Metal Laser Engravers Parameters Comparison
For you to quickly find the right laser engraving machine for metal, here is a comparison of the parameters of the 5 best laser engraving machines recommended in this post.
| Product | xTool F1 Ultra | Monport GA Series | Gweike Cloud G2 PRO | LaserPecker 5 | ComMarker B4 30W |
| Price | $3699+ | $3399+ | $1799+ | $2999+ | $2083+ |
| Laser Power | 20W fiber laser & 20W diode laser | 30W/60W/100W fiber laser | 30W fiber laser | 20W fiber laser & 20W diode laser | 20W/30W/50W/60W/100W fiber laser |
| Laser Wavelength | 1064nm(20W fiber laser) 450 nm(20W diode laser) | 1064nm | 1064nm | 1064nm(20W fiber laser) 450 nm(20W diode laser) | 1064nm |
| Working Area | 220*220mm 220*500mm (with conveyor) | 175×175 mm | 110mm*110mm 150mm*150mm | 120 x 160mm 160 x 300mm(With the Slide Extension) | 110*110mm 200*200mm |
| Focus Adjustment | Auto Focus & Manual | Auto Focus& Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Positioning | Pin-point with Camera | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Built-in Camera | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Max. Working Speed | 10000mm/s | 10000mm/s | 15000mm/s | 10000mm/s | 15000mm/s |
| Laser Spot Size | 0.08*0.1mm(20W Diode Laser) 0.03*0.03mm(20W Fiber Laser) | 0.06*0.06mm | / | 0.08 x 0.1 mm(20W Diode Laser) 0.06 x 0.06 mm(20W Fiber Laser) | 0.045mm(110*110mm field lens) 0.065mm(200*200mm field lens) |
| Precision | 4.8μm | 0.1μm | 1μm | 2.7μm | 10μm |
| Software | xTool Creative Space/LightBurn | EZCAD/LightBurn | G-LASER/LightBurn | LaserPecker Design Space/LightBurn | EZCAD/LightBurn |
| Product Size | 273*373*492mm | 350*420*620mm | 260*440*505mm | 255*98*183mm | 336*555*635mm(20W) |
| Auto Streamline Production | Yes | No | No | No | No |
5 Best Laser Engravers and Cutters for Metal
1. xTool F1 Ultra 20W: All the best laser engraver
xTool F1 Ultra is the best all-around laser engraver for metal. In fact, it is a very good laser engraver for small businesses not only for metal engraving. The xTool F1 Ultra is a dual laser source laser engraver, including a 20W fiber laser and a 20W diode laser. This means that the F1 Ultra can efficiently engrave any material!
If engraving metal is all you care about, the xTool F1 can provide you with an efficient, safe, and fast engraving experience. First of all, the 20W fiber laser can engrave all kinds of metals, even 3D engraving at 2mm depth, cutting 0.3mm stainless steel, and 0.4mm brass easily. Its maximum engraving speed can reach 10000mm/s, providing users with an unparalleled and efficient engraving experience.
In addition, xTool F1 Ultra provides users with an extreme user experience. For example, it has a built-in HD camera, which helps users with auto-focus and precise engraving positioning, thus eliminating the need for all manual operations. To meet the needs of mass production, the xTool F1 Ultra offers conveyor belt accessories for purchase. With the conveyor belt, users can easily engrave small metal objects in mass production.
In terms of safety, the xTool F1 Ultra is fully enclosed compared to other fiber laser engravers. The advantage of this is that it can effectively insulate the powder and fumes generated from engraving metal and exhaust the dust out of the window through a powerful exhaust fan. Besides, It also minimizes the possibility of eye damage from the laser.
Regarding the operating software, it is also worth mentioning that xTool Creative Space is really powerful without rivals! xTool Creative Space software is very rich in features, as well as the ease of use of the software, which makes me deeply love the xTool brand.
In conclusion, if you want a safe, reliable laser engraver that can process a wide range of metals in large batches, the xTool F1 Ultra won’t let you down. Just mind you, the xTool F1 Ultra’s dual 20W laser source allows you to engrave all materials, not just metal!
Read more: xTool F1 Ultra Review, xTool F1 Ultra Conveyor Review
2. Monport GA Series: Best metal engraving with sub-micron precision
Monport GA series fiber laser engraver is a professional metal laser marking machine. It offers 30W, 60W, and 100W laser power purchase options to meet different metal engraving needs. The Monport GA series offers sub-micron engraving precision and error-free accuracy, making it the best precision laser engraver for metal among these recommendations.
Also, Monport GA introduces its advanced auto-focus technology, which delivers high precision with an error margin of less than ±1mm at the click of a button. This innovative feature significantly boosts work efficiency and focus accuracy compared to traditional manual methods. Additionally, users have the option for manual focus, complemented by three red lights for enhanced visibility.
With sub-micron engraving precision and a marking speed of up to 10,000mm/s, the Monport GA MOPA fiber laser engraver is specifically engineered for demanding industrial and creative applications. It ensures that your projects are completed with unmatched precision and efficiency that redefines industry standards.
So, if you specialize in the metal marking business, the Monport GA series with higher power and higher precision (sub-micron precision) is more suitable for you. Of course, since it is a single laser source, the range of material engraving is not as wide as the xTool F1 Ultra. Then, there is no fully enclosed design, so you may need to do it yourself in terms of dust protection and laser damage protection.
3. Gweike Cloud G2 PRO: The fastest laser engraver for metal with 15,000 mm/s
The Gweike Cloud G2 Pro 30W Fiber Laser Engraver is an affordable alternative for those demanding high performance and quality. It features a high-speed precision galvanometer that achieves an impressive engraving speed of 15,000 mm/s, resulting in a 79% increase in efficiency. With an outstanding 8K engraving resolution and an accuracy of up to 1 μm, every detail of your engravings will be rendered perfectly.
The Gweike Cloud G2 Pro is powered by a 30W 1064nm fiber laser, which meets the need for precise deep carving on various metals. For added convenience, the G2 Pro has a portable and handheld design. Its detachable structure makes it easy to use beyond traditional workbenches, giving you unmatched flexibility and adaptability in engraving projects.
Moreover, this Gweike Cloud G2 Pro 30W also offers exceptional color engraving capabilities, allowing you to mark over 90 vibrant colors on metals like stainless steel and titanium. So, If you’re looking for a cheaper, powerful, versatile, and efficient engraving solution on metals, the GWEIKE G2 Pro 30W is the perfect choice for you.
Read more: Gweike Cloud G2 20W Portable Fiber Laser Engraver Review
4. ComMarker B4 30W: An affordable fiber laser engraver for metal
The ComMarker B4 30W is less expensive than several other 30W fiber laser engravers, making it an affordable metal marking machine. However, it is also available for purchase with different laser powers, such as the cheaper 20W laser power and the more expensive 50W, 60W, and 100W laser powers.
Of course, the affordability of the ComMarker B4 30W means that it won’t be much of an automated experience. For example, It uses a manual laser focus method, which reduces the experience of using the product.
But anyway, the B4-30W excels in 3D embossing and deep engraving as well, allowing you to handle intricate designs on both metal and stone surfaces with ease. It offers a work area with dual lenses of 110 mm and 200 mm. Additionally, this machine is both portable and affordable, with a compact size of 336 x 555 x 635 mm and a lightweight design at just 19.5 kg, making it easy to move and store.
If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile engraving solution that combines performance with practicality, the ComMarker B4 30W Fiber Laser Engraver Machine is the perfect choice for you.
5. LaserPecker 5: Best compact-size laser engraver for metal
The LaserPecker 5, like the xTool F1 Ultra, features a 20W fiber laser and a 20W diode laser. This makes it possible to engrave not only all metals but almost all materials! The 10000 mm/s engraving speed and 2.7μm engraving precision make it capable of providing professional and accurate metal engraving as well. It fully meets the user’s needs for rapid marking of various metals.
Compared to the xTool F1 Ultra, the LaserPecker 5 has a much smaller size, but the result is a smaller engraving area. In addition, the LaserPecker 5 does not have a built-in HD camera nor does it have autofocus. Also, it does not come with a conveyor belt accessory like the xTool F1 Ultra, which provides users with efficient batch engraving. The good news is that the LaserPecker 5 has a price advantage, as it is about 20% cheaper than the xTool F1 Ultra.
I think the LaserPecker 5 is a good cheaper alternative, after all, it has a 20W dual laser source that can be used for all materials. This can still be helpful for your small business.
Tips for Choosing the Metal Laser Engraver for Your Needs
When choosing a metal laser engraver, there are several key features to consider that will significantly affect your engraving quality, speed, operational ease, and overall effectiveness. Here’s a comprehensive tips to look for:
1. Understanding laser type
Fiber Lasers: Best for metal engraving, providing high precision, speed, and efficiency, particularly with stainless steel, aluminum, and other metals.
CO2 Lasers: Suitable for non-metal materials but can also engrave certain metals with the right coatings.
Diode Lasers: For metal engraving is limited, the high-power diode laser can only engrave stainless steel and coated metals.
2. Laser power output
Laser power out measured in watts (W), higher wattage allows for deeper engraving and faster processing. As a desktop metal laser engraver, it common ranges are from 20W to 100W. So, consider your specific engraving requirements and budgets to determine the appropriate power level.
3. Engraving speed
Look for high engraving speed specifications, typically measured in mm/s. Faster speeds can lead to increased productivity and throughput, crucial for commercial applications. In this article, the 5 best metal laser engravers all have a fast engraving speed.
4. Resolution and accuracy
Higher resolution (DPI) translates to finer detail in engravings. If you’re working on intricate designs, prioritize models that offer high DPI. Regarding engraving resolution, you can check the laser spot size and accuracy in the laser engraver’s parameter sheet to assess whether the engraving resolution is excellent.
5. Workspace size
Ensure the engraving area is suitable for your projects. Larger workspaces can handle bigger materials, while smaller units are more compact and often easier to fit into work environments. However, if you are specializing in a metal marking small business, having a smart conveyor production line will greatly improve efficiency. Therefore, I highly recommend the xTool F1 Ultra.
6. Safety features
Safety features such as emergency stop buttons, protective enclosures, and proper exhaust systems to handle fumes and debris are crucial for operator safety.
7. Ease of use
Look for features that enhance your experience, such as intuitive controls, touchscreen interfaces, and easy access to maintenance points. Nowadays, many metal laser engravers have automatic features like autofocus, pin-point engraving positioning, smart pattern filling for mass production, etc.
8. User-friendly software
Opt for a machine that comes with easy-to-use software or is compatible with popular design software.
Advantages of Fiber Laser Engravers for Metal
Fiber laser engravers are often considered the best option for metal engraving for several reasons. In this article, the 5 best laser engravers are all fiber laser engravers. If you’re specifically looking at metal materials, fiber lasers deliver superior performance compared to other types of lasers, such as CO2 or diode lasers. Below are the key points that make fiber lasers ideal for metal engraving.
- Wavelength: Fiber lasers operate at a wavelength of approximately 1064 nm, which is highly absorbable by metals. This makes them particularly effective for engraving and cutting a wide range of metal types, including stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and copper.
- High Precision and Detail: Fiber lasers can achieve extremely fine detail and high resolution, making them suitable for intricate designs and complex graphics. This precision is essential for applications that require meticulous engraving, such as jewelry or industrial parts.
- Speed: Fiber laser engravers typically have higher engraving and cutting speeds than other laser types when working with metals. This is especially advantageous for production environments where efficiency is a priority.
- Minimal Material Distortion: Due to the focused beam and high intensity, fiber lasers produce less heat-affected zones, minimizing the risk of warping or damage to the surrounding material, which is particularly important for thin metals.
- Durability and Low Maintenance: Fiber laser systems tend to be more robust and require less maintenance than CO2 laser systems. This is due to fewer moving parts and no need for regular lens replacements, leading to lower operating costs over time.
- Compact Size: Fiber laser engravers are often more compact than traditional CO2 systems due to the solid-state design of the fiber laser source. This makes them suitable for smaller workshops or spaces.
While fiber lasers are advantageous for metal engraving, it’s important to consider some limitations:
- Initial Cost: Fiber laser engravers can be more expensive than diode lasers, which might discourage smaller businesses or hobbyists. But if you are specializing in metal marking businesses, a fiber laser engraver is necessary.
- Material Compatibility: They are not as effective for non-metal materials like wood, acrylic, or glass, which are better suited for CO2 lasers and diode lasers.
