Laser engraving machines have become increasingly popular as both a hobby and professional tool in recent years. But how much does a laser engraver cost?
The price of a laser engraver will vary depending on the machine’s size, power, the brand and the machine’s features. For example, entry-level machines may start at around $150, while high-end industrial machines can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
In this blog post, I’ll give you an overview of the different factors that go into the cost of a laser engraver, as well as some tips on how to get the best deal possible.
Table of Contents
How Much Does a Laser Engraver Cost?
The cost of laser engravers will depend on the category of the laser engraver. Read on for a detailed guide on the different categories of laser engravers and their respective prices:
Entry Level Diode Engravers
The least expensive category of laser engravers are diode engravers. These machines use a low-power laser to etch designs into materials like wood, leather, and acrylic.
Diode engravers are typically small, making them perfect for home use or small shops. Prices for these machines start at around $150 and go up to about $2000.
For the Best Entry Level Diode Laser Engravers check out our buying guide here. For Top of the Range 10 Watt Diode Laser Engravers check out our buying guide here.
Mid-Range CO₂ Engravers
The next step up in terms of power and price are CO₂ engravers. These machines use a high-powered laser to cut through materials like wood, acrylic, leather, and rubber.
CO₂ engravers are larger and more powerful than diode engravers, so they’re better suited for industrial or commercial use. Prices for these machines start at around $500 and can go up to $10,000 or more.
For some of the Best Mid-Range CO2 Lasers like the Omtech then check out our buying guide here.
High-End Fiber Lasers
The most expensive category of laser engravers are fiber lasers. These machines use a powerful laser to cut through the toughest materials, including metals like stainless steel and aluminum.
Fiber lasers are typically only found in commercial or industrial settings due to their size and cost. Prices for these machines start at around $50,000 and can go up to $500,000 or more.
Factors That Affect the Cost of a Laser Engraver
The following factors will affect the cost of a laser engraver:
Laser Type
The commonly used laser types in engraving are the CO₂, fiber, and diode lasers. As mentioned before, each type of laser is used for different materials and purposes. Diode lasers are the cheapest, while fiber lasers are the most expensive.
Power
The power of the laser engraver also affects its price. Low-powered machines are cheaper, while high-powered machines can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Continous-Wave and Pulsed Lasers
Laser engravers can either have continous-wave or pulsed lasers. The basic operation of continuous/constant-wave (CW) lasers is the continuous application of laser beams to the surface of the work material. They operate continuously, which results in their laser output power being relatively low.
Pulsed lasers do not function as a CW. Instead, they produce brief, high-frequency bursts of high-energy laser output.
Pulsed lasers are more expensive than continuous-wave (CW) lasers because of the technology that enables them to pulse at an equal interval of time.
Optics Used in the Laser Engraver
The optics used in a laser engraver affects its price. The three most common types of optics are refractive, reflective, and catadioptric.
Refractive optics use lenses to focus the laser beam on the work material. These lenses can be made from different materials like glass or plastic. Reflective optics use mirrors to reflect and focus the laser beam on the work material. Catadioptric optics use a combination of lenses and mirrors to focus the laser beam.
The type of optics used will affect the price of the laser engraver. For example, catadioptric optics are more expensive than reflective optics.
Number of Axes
The number of axes on a laser engraver also affects its price. The three most common types of axes are the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis.
X-axis machines can only move the laser beam in one direction, while Y-axis machines can move the laser beam in two directions. Z-axis machines can move the laser beam in three directions.
The more axes a machine has, the more expensive it will be. For example, a Z-axis machine is more expensive than an X-axis machine.
Size of Engraving Area
The engraving area is the maximum size that the laser beam can reach. Engraving areas can be as small as a few inches or as large as a few feet. The larger the engraving area, the more expensive the machine will be.
Material Compatibility
Not all materials can be engraved with every type of laser. For example, CO₂ lasers can engrave wood, coated metal, glass, and stone, but they cannot engrave bare metals. Diode lasers can engrave wood, paper, cardboard, and some types of plastics, but they cannot engrave bare metal or transparent materials.
The material you want to engrave will affect the type of laser engraver you need to buy. It is important to make sure that the machine you choose is compatible with the materials you want to use it on.
Controller and Electronics
The controller and electronics serve as the brain of the laser engraver. It controls the laser beam’s movement, the laser’s power, and the engraving’s duration.
The type of controller and electronics used will affect the machine’s price. For example, machines that use microcontrollers are more expensive than those that use simple on/off switches.
Operating System Compatibility
Laser engravers can be controlled with different types of software, depending on the operating system they are compatible with. The three most common types of operating systems are Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Not all laser engravers are compatible with all three operating systems. For example, some engravers may only be compatible with Windows, while others may only be compatible with macOS.
The operating system you want to use will affect the type of laser engraver you need to buy. Make sure that the machine you choose is compatible with the operating system you want to use it on.
Size and Build Quality
Laser engravers come in a variety of sizes, from small desktop models to large floor-standing models. The size you need will depend on the projects you want to use it for.
Build quality is another factor that can affect the price of a laser engraver. Machines that are made with higher-quality materials and construction will be more expensive than those that are made with lower-quality materials.
Brand
Finally, the brand of the laser engraver can also affect its price. There are many different brands of laser engravers on the market, from well-known manufacturers to lesser-known companies. In general, the more well-known and established a company is, the more expensive its products will be.
Also Read: How much does it cost to run a laser cutter?
How Much Does a Used Laser Engraver Cost?
If you’re looking to save money on a laser engraver, you may be considering buying a used machine. Used laser engravers can be found online or at industrial equipment auctions.
Prices for used laser engravers will vary depending on the age, condition, and features of the machine. You can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $10,000 for a used laser engraver.
Factors To Consider When Buying a Used Engraver Machine
When buying a used laser engraver, there are a few important factors to keep in mind:
Age
Older engraving machines may not be able to handle the same workload as newer models. You need to make sure the machine you’re considering is up for the task.
Condition
It’s important to inspect the condition of a used laser engraver before making a purchase. Look for signs of wear and tear, as well as any damage that may have occurred during shipping or storage.
Features
Make sure the used laser engraver you’re considering has all the features you need. Older models may not have the same level of power or precision as newer ones.
How Much Does It Cost to Lease a Laser Engraver?
If you’re not ready to commit to buying a laser engraver, you may be able to lease one instead. Leasing gives you the flexibility to upgrade to a newer model when your lease is up.
Prices for leased laser engravers will vary depending on the make and model of the machine, as well as the length of the lease. You can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $1000 per month to lease a laser engraver.
Hidden Costs of a Laser Engraver
When budgeting for a laser engraver, there are a few hidden costs to keep in mind:
Shipping and Handling
If you’re buying a machine online, you’ll need to pay for shipping and handling. This can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the cost of the machine.
Installation
The cost of installation will vary depending on the make and model of the machine. Some machines come with an installation kit, while others need to be installed by a professional.
Training
If you’re new to using a laser engraver, you may need to pay for training. Training can be done online, in person, or through a video tutorial.
How to Get the Best Deal on a Laser Engraver
Here are some tips on how to get the best deal possible on a laser engraver:
Shop Around
Do not buy the first laser engraver you see. Take the time to compare prices and features from different retailers. Compare prices from different retailers, both online and in-store.
Buy Used
If you’re looking to save money, consider buying a used laser engraver. Just be sure to inspect the machine carefully before making a purchase.
Look for Deals
Keep an eye out for sales, coupons, and other deals that can save you money on a laser engraver. Many retailers offer discounts on laser engravers, so be sure to ask about any available deals.
Negotiate
Negotiation is key when it comes to getting the best price on a laser engraver. Don’t be afraid to negotiate with the seller, especially if you’re buying a used machine. You may be able to get a better price by haggling.
How Much Does It Cost to Operate a Laser Engraver?
In addition to the initial purchase price, you’ll also need to factor in the cost of operating your laser engraver. These costs can include:
Electricity
A laser engraver’s electricity usage varies and is based on many factors, so you’ll need to factor in the cost of your electric bill when budgeting for one of these machines.
Also Read: Do Laser Engravers Use A Lot Of Electricity?
Materials
You’ll also need to purchase materials to engrave on, like wood, metal, glass, or stone. The cost of these materials will vary depending on the type of material and the quantity you need.
Maintenance
Laser engravers require regular maintenance to keep them running properly. These costs can include things like replacement parts, software updates, and repairs.
How Much Does a Laser Engraver Cost? | FAQs
What is the difference between a laser engraver and a laser cutter?
A laser engraver is designed to etch or carve images into surfaces. A laser cutter, on the other hand, is designed to cut through materials like wood, acrylic, or fabric.
Is the laser engraving business profitable?
Yes, laser engraving can be a very profitable business. There is a growing demand for personalized and custom items, and laser engraving is the perfect way to meet this demand. You, however, need to put in the work to market your business and find clients.
What can I engrave with a laser engraver?
Almost anything! Laser engravers can be used to etch images into wood, metal, glass, stone, and more. Many businesses use laser engravers to create custom products like signs, jewelry, and gifts.
How long does it take to learn how to use a laser engraver?
That depends on your prior experience and level of familiarity with similar machines. If you have no prior experience, it could take a few days or weeks to learn the basics. However, if you’re already familiar with using similar machinery, you should be able to pick it up fairly quickly.
Final Thoughts
A laser engraver can be a great addition to any business or home workshop. These machines cost anywhere from $150 to $20,000, so be sure to shop around and compare prices before making a purchase. In addition to the initial purchase price, you’ll also need to factor in the cost of operating your laser engraver. I hope this article helped answer your questions about how much a laser engraver costs.
Also Read: How long do laser engravers last