A laser engraver is a machine that almost anyone can use and it makes a great hobby. You can use it for countless projects and not get bored of it, too. This section of this buyer’s guide includes some additional information, and you’ll need it to get your hands on the right laser engraver for your specific requirements and preferences.
If you’re looking to buy a laser engraver to use as a hobby, there are plenty of great options that you can pick from. But if you’re buying a machine for a business, you need to see if it’s compatible with the materials you’re trying to engrave. Make sure that the engraver you’re buying can also work on the surface area you have available.
Certain engravers only work on smaller surfaces — so if you want to engrave larger designs into something, look for a product that can accommodate this.
Certain types of laser engravers are harder to maintain due to their intricate parts. If you’re looking for a high-quality machine, make sure you can easily maintain it. This is because machines that require more maintenance usually require professionals to make repairs.
If you want a lower-maintenance machine designed for hobbyists, you can look into buying a smaller model.
Many laser engravers may not be super pricey, but they do use a lot of power, which can end up costing you some extra money. It’s a good idea to read up on the amount of power an engraver uses so you don’t end up spending more than you want to. If you’re looking for an engraver that works on different materials, that can end up costing you more as well.
When creating a final model, laser cutters can remove large sections of material from your workpiece. Subtractive manufacturing techniques like this employ vector files for precisely cutting a desired product, removing chips, and cleanly separating cut surfaces. Acrylics, plastics, and wood can all be cut pretty easily using a laser cutter, and even lower-end models use CO2 lasers.
Laser engravers, on the other hand, engrave an image, logo, or graphic on top of a chosen material. Although engraving is most commonly used for product or sign marking, it can also be used for permanently inscribing black-and-white artwork on wooden surfaces. Grid engraving is where a laser advances horizontally, line by line, and eliminates specific thicknesses from a material — this process forms a contrasted and legible picture. You can also achieve more accurate engraving using lasers with a short focus length and a small spot size.
If you want to make the most of your laser engraver, you can try out these fun ideas:
If you like DIY projects, you’ll love this option from Makeblock. It uses a strong dual laser, helping you cut through wood and acrylic easily. There’s also different software for engraving customized patterns into almost any surface — this feature is super cool since you can control it using an app or even via USB. You can even engrave images on wood and metal offline, too. With its amazing engraving power and precision, this product is great for making signs and presents for loved ones.
Unlike other models with plastic wheels, this pick has steel wheels with greater accuracy — and you can even adjust the height of this machine for thicker surfaces, giving you clean results without any burn marks. With all these features, this laser engraver has earned the best overall spot on this list.
The Ortur Laser Engraver is a super handy machine that’s great for channeling creative energy and allowing you to create beautiful art at home. Not only is this tool easy to install, but it also offers higher precision for more intricate designs. And it also comes with a laser protective cover for better eye safety during use.
With a powerful 32-bit motherboard, which is faster and more accurate, you can engrave almost any surface using ultra-fine focus and up to 1.6 watts of output power. This laser engraver also comes with a G-sensor, which automatically stops the laser if the object or engraving machine gets displaced — helping you get more precise results.
Make beautiful art in plywood or acrylic with the OMTech 60W CO2 Laser Engraver. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, this laser engraver is simple and intuitive to use and brings your ideas to life! Cutting up to 1.4 inches of plywood or acrylic, this laser comes with a control panel and bundled Windows-compatible editions of RDWorks V8 and CoreLaser so you can read up on how to properly send your drawings to the engraver.
The automated 20×28-inch workbed provides 3.8 square feet of room to engrave almost any small project. If you’re using it in a work environment, the password and key protection allow only you access to your laser engraver. The ethernet and USB ports allow the engraver to easily receive files from your computer or another device. The expected 2,000-hour battery life will never let you down in the middle of a design; but if it does, the two-year warranty on the engraver should help a bit to keep you satisfied with your purchase.
Unlike most larger laser engravers, this mini version by Laserpecker is a portable machine that’s easy to carry. It’s lightweight, compact design takes up less space too, and it offers amazing engraving results. What’s even cooler is that you can use the app to engrave your favorite pictures on different surfaces.
This product comes in a gorgeous gold color and it includes a sturdy stand, too. Plus, this machine also has a password lock system, letting you control who uses it. With a high-quality 1.6-watt laser head, this engraver offers durability, stability, and precision — and it’s even equipped with a warning alert that automatically stops the engraving if the machine overheats.
Unlike most laser engravers with more dangerous beams, this pick from Atomstack features an eye-protection design, so you don’t have to wear goggles. It uses a powerful 0.009-inch laser that burns precise patterns onto almost any surface. Whether you’re printing on bamboo or stone, this laser can produce amazing results. You can also get free replacements for this product for a year after purchase.
Another reason you’ll like this machine is its built-in cooling system that helps cool down the laser when it starts to overheat. This can make your engraver last longer and also function better. It also comes with all the tools required for assembly too, allowing you to use it right out of the box.
The product from Neje is another great option for engraving designs on almost any surface. The app is really simple too, allowing you to draw designs using your phone, iPad, or laptop — plus it’s also compatible with different software. You can even use the app without a Wi-Fi connection, so you can design things on the go. There’s also a fast and powerful laser that offers amazing precision. And unlike other laser engravers that are noisy, this model includes a silent fan.
This product also uses super-cooling technology, so you won’t have to worry about it overheating. And you won’t have to worry about excess smoke either, making this machine safer to use. This engraver also comes with safety goggles and some tools for assembly.
A: It’s better if you don’t try to engrave plastics such as polycarbonate. This is because this process might melt the material, making a mess of or ruining your products. It can also emit harmful gasses, so it’s best to avoid it.
A: A good-quality laser engraver will generally last for up to eight years if it’s properly maintained. If it breaks down, you can usually find replacement parts pretty easily.
A: Remember to not touch the laser while using it because it can burn you. Some laser engravers also require you to wear goggles to protect your eyes.
