The laser engraving business has grown massively in recent years. Maybe you’re looking to join the growing assortment of entrepreneurs in this industry or you want to add a laser engraving machine to your collection of business tools.
As a business owner, there is a wide selection of laser engraving and cutter machines you can choose from. They come in a range of prices and offer a variety of features.
With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
One of the best things you can do when searching for the perfect laser engraver is to research the types and capabilities of laser cutters and engravers.
Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be able to identify the machine equipped with the right laser power, advanced tools, and safety measures you need to get consistent, high-quality results.
The Best Laser Engraver for Small Business:
1. xTool D1 Pro Laser Engraver with Rotary RA2 Pro – Best 10W Diode Laser
As far as Diode Laser Engraver machines go, you get a very sweet deal with this particular tool.
The xTool D1 Pro Laser Engraver is easy to use and comes with a clear set of instructions, making it an excellent option for beginners.
Although this machine requires self-assembly, it is a simple process and it will be ready for use in under one hour.
Perfect for use as a wood laser engraver and cutter and for engraving on coated metals and non-metal materials, this device works fast and has remarkable accuracy.
A 10 Watt Laser Module powers the xTool D1 Pro laser cutter and engraver machine. With a speed of up to 10000mm/min and a compressed spot, this laser engraver is more powerful and precise.
The engraver machine’s industrial quality steel construction ensures dependability and accuracy, as does its modular design, which allows for simple assembly and maintenance.
The engraving area of the XTool D1 Pro laser cutter and engraver is 432x406mm (17×16 inches). Cylinders can be engraved by adding the RA2 Pro rotary device (Included) and raising the machine’s height.
It also offers excellent eye protection, shielding you from the negative effects of the laser’s ultraviolet light, even without safety goggles.
The laser engraving business comes with its risks, but tools like these can help you minimize those risks considerably.
Can Cut: Paper, Wood, Leather, MDF, some dark opaque acrylic, and felt
Can Engrave: Paper, Wood, Leather, MDF, Some dark opaque acrylic, Bamboo, Fabric, Ceramic, Jade, Marble, Cement, Brick, and Dark Glass
Can Mark: Anodized Aluminum, Electroplated Metals, and Coated Metals. With the 10W and 20W Versions of the xTool D1 Pro, you can directly mark 304 Mirror Stainless Steel Can Engrave With The xTool 1064nm Infrared Laser Module: All metals including gold, silver, platinum, copper, aluminum, zinc, titanium, iron, stainless steel, metal oxides, and alloy. Check the Price On Amazon for the 1064nm Infrared Laser Module for xTool D1 Pro Laser Engraver - Paid Link Check the Price Direct on xTool for the 1064nm Infrared Laser Module for xTool D1 Pro Laser Engraver - Paid Link
Pros
- Affordable
- Wide variety of safe features
- 1-year warranty
- Can be used on wood, bamboo, paper, glass, coated metal, and non-metal materials
- It supports many popular design software applications
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- None
Triumph Laser Marking Deep Engraving Machine – Best 30W Fiber Laser Engraver
As the priciest laser engraver on the list, The Triumph Laser engraver makes for a hefty investment. However, once you read about its features, you’ll see why it’s without a doubt the best laser engraver for small business you can get right now.
This laser marking device comes with an exceptionally high output wattage. A high output wattage translates to a higher output volume. In other words, you get a lot more laser power for faster and more exceptional results!
This machine is a perfect fit for any professional engraver who wants a powerful and reliable machine for their laser engraving business.
However, the Triumph Laser engraver isn’t strictly reserved for seasoned laser engraver users – its control panel is user friendly and well-suited for beginners.
This laser engraver comes with its own computer and monitor along with pre-installed design software. You also have the option of installing other design software too (e.g. Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, AutoCAD).
This laser engraving powerhouse includes a rotary attachment of 80mm, meaning that it can engrave on cylindrical surfaces too, like ring jewelry.
On the whole, few devices can top this high quality engraving machine.
Can Engrave: Steel, Stainless steel, Copper, Aluminum, Gold, Silver, Industrial Plastics like Polypropylene, Polyethylene, Machine Parts, and guns
Pros
- Offers high output volume
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
- The control board is protected against unexpected power surges
- Comes with helpful accessories (computer, monitor, and safety goggles)
- Supports a wide range of design software applications
- Includes a wide engraving surface area
- Laser head can be easily upgraded
Cons
- Falls within a higher average price range
- Cannot be used on glass, wood and acrylic
FLUX Beamo 30W CO2 Laser Cutter and Engraver – Best Desktop 30W CO2 Laser Engraver
This compact, desktop-size laser engraver is tiny but mighty, with an output wattage of up to 30W and a definition of 1,000 DPI.
Because it comes with the Beamo software, you can use the FLUX Beamo Laser to both engrave and cut. This useful feature can help you add a measure of versatility to your engraving projects.
We’re big fans of this tool due to the abundance of advanced features it offers business owners. The FLUX Beamo is fully enclosed, and it will automatically pause should the lid be opened during operation. It also includes a shut down switch for any emergency situations.
Another positive is the free app which will work with your PC, Mac, phone or tablet. You will be able to edit text and vector files in the app.
And, because it’s a CO2 laser engraver, you can use it on wood, rubber, and other non-metal materials. Its powerful laser tube is excellent for high precision engravings.
Compared to more expensive models, this CO2 laser engraver holds its own and can give you the perfect balance between efficiency and affordability.
If you need an excellent CO2 laser engraver with superior engraving and cutting power and don’t want to break the bank to get it, the FLUX Beamo 30W Laser engraver will serve you well.
Can Cut: Up to 3mm Wood, 3mm Acrylic, 1mm Leather, 2mm Cardboard, 3mm Bamboo, and 9mm Fabric Can Engrave: Wood, Acrylic, Leather, Cardboard, Bamboo, Fabric, Rubber, Glass, Cement, and Stone Can Mark: Anodized Aluminum, Coated Metals
Pros
- Includes a free app for text and vector file editing
- Designed with ease of mobility in mind
- Highly durable and offers excellent performance
- Great Safety features
- Fine engravings at the minimum cutting depth of 0.05 mm
Cons
- None
SCULPFUN S9 High Precision Laser – Best Budget 5.5W Diode Laser Engraver
The SCULPFUN S9 brings you three elements in equal proportion; efficient laser power, affordability, and versatility.
With a 5.5W output, the question is, what can you do with this machine power?
The standout feature of this device is its ultra-fine, fixed-focus function that lets you carry out detailed, nuanced designs more accurately.
Suitable for coated metal and wood surfaces, It can also be used to engrave ceramic and acrylic. This device can also be used to work on larger objects as its engraving area is designed to be easily expandable.
As an added bonus, the SCULPFUN S9’s state-of-the-art UV filtration technology protects your eyes even if you don’t have safety goggles on hand. This laser engraver also comes with a strong steel pad to protect your work table, so there’s less risk of the laser beam setting your workspace on fire.
The SCULPFUN S9 is compatible with several design software applications. Coupled with its 1-year warranty, this device is well worth the investment of any laser engraving business owner today.
Can Cut: Wood, Acrylic, Plywood, Fabric, Bamboo, Paper, Cardboard Can Engrave: Wood, Paper, Cardboard, Dark Acrylic, PCB board, Ceramic, and stone Can Mark: Anodized Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Coated Metals
Pros
- 1-year warranty
- Expandable work area
- Built-in safety measures
- Decently priced
- Its simple set of instructions makes assembly easy
Cons
- Is not suited for consistent high production
- Due to the diode laser, engravings do not show on transparent materials like clear acrylic and glass.
LaserPecker Pro Portable Desktop Laser Engraver – Best Portable Diode Laser
Very much like the LaserPecker 2 Laser Engraver, the LaserPecker Pro sacrifices engraving area for increased precision.
Designed for carving and etching on a variety of materials – paperboards, solid wood, felt, and leather – this device engraves extremely detailed impressions with minimal effort, making it one of the best tools if you want a small but efficient engraving device.
While the majority of the other entries on our list require a USB port and USB cable for connectivity, you can dispense with all those wires and utilize its bluetooth connectivity.
One of our favorite features of this product is that you can use it for longer periods without encountering any overheating issues.
The amazing features of this engraver are further complemented by the fact that it comes with lifetime customer service, a 1-year warranty, and several safety certifications.
Can Engrave: Paper, Cardboard, Fabric, Wood, Leather, Felt, Cloth, and even fruit. 𝐂𝐚𝐧'𝐭 𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐥/𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞/𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜. Light-colored or transparent materials will reflect the Diode Laser, so paint or spray them black before laser marking.
Pros
- Comes with several useful accessories
- Perfect for making detailed designs on small objects
- Wireless bluetooth connectivity
- Lifetime customer service and a 1-year warranty
- Supports a wide range of applications.
Cons
- It has a relatively small engraving area
- Is more adapted for use with smartphones
- It has a rather short power cord so you have to position it close to a power outlet
Honorable Mentions
- The Best 20W Budget Fiber Laser Engraver – ComMarker 20W-Smart Fiber Laser Engraver
- The Best 40W Desktop CO2 Laser Engraver – Dremel Digilab LC-40 CO2 Laser Engraver
- The Best 5W Portable Diode Laser Engraver – LaserPecker 2 Laser Engraver
- The Best 60W CO2 Laser Engraver – OMTech Laser Engraver
The Ultimate Guide to Buying the Best Laser Engraver for Small Business
When deciding what kind of equipment to purchase for your engraving business, you want to make sure you are getting the most for your money. To do this, you’ll need to decide what features and capabilities your engraver needs to include for your line of work. Let’s check out the major types of laser engravers to help you make your decision.
Common Types of Laser Cutters
LASER is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. It is fundamentally different from other light sources in terms of intensity, directionality, coherence, and directionality.
CO2 Laser Engraver
These lasers are created when an electrical current is sent through certain gasses to create light. This process is commonly referred to as population inversion. These lasers can usually cut and engrave everything from wood and acrylic to paper, plastic, and engrave anodized aluminum.
They’re also quite fast and are used for production purposes.
On the downside, these lasers tend to take more space, are more fragile, and can be quite pricey.
Fiber Laser Engraver
These are arguably the most sought after type of laser engravers available today. These are often used to work on metals and industrial plastics.
Fiber laser engravers usually have superior laser beam quality, higher efficiency, and longer service life.
However, they can’t be used to engrave certain non-metal materials like acrylic and wood. Also, they’re often the most expensive type of laser.
Diode Lasers
Diode lasers have the lowest output wattage so you can’t expect much output volume from them.
However, they’re more affordable and are portable and lightweight. Also, because they use a low laser power output, they cost less to operate.
The downside to this is that they can’t cut through thicker materials well and don’t perform well when used to engrave on white and transparent surfaces.
Now that you know the types of laser engravers out there, how do you pick the perfect one for your small business?
The three most important factors to consider are:
The Materials You’ll Be Working On
Be sure you take into account what type of materials you’ll be working on before you make your decision. Some tools are better suited for cutting certain types of materials. You want to make sure to get the device best suited for the kinds of projects you’ll be working on.
Available Connectivity Features
Some laser engravers come with Bluetooth and USB connectivity while others operate fully offline. While the comfort of having connectivity options is useful, you may opt for offline options if you feel you don’t need those features.
Power Output
How much you can do with your laser cutter is directly dependent on its power capacity. A high power machine will be able to make faster and more accurate cuts.
However, if you’re just starting your small business, you may want to dispense with power for affordability, at first.
FAQs
1. What Laser Cutter Should I Buy For My Small Business?
If your budget allows it, we recommend the Triumph Laser Marking Deep Engraving Machine. Its durability and numerous features make it a great long-term investment for small businesses.
The xTool D1 Pro with Rotary is another great option if you want an excellent cost-effective laser that can engrave a variety of materials.
2. Is There Any Difference Between a Laser Engraver and a Laser Cutter?
No, there isn’t. Laser engravers and laser cutters are almost identical machines. Based on their primary function, they are referred to as laser cutters or laser engravers. When a laser is primarily used for cutting, it is known as a laser cutter. These tools are usually named based on their main use. As such, these terms can be used interchangeably.
3. Are Laser Engravers and Cutters Dangerous?
Yes, there are, especially when not used with care.
The powerful beams that these tools emit are capable of damaging the eyes or skin. Make sure you follow proper safety protocols when using them.
Conclusion
When you buy the best laser engraver for small business from the get-go, you give your brand the foothold it needs to distinguish itself. You’ll not only be able to work faster but with more precision, too.
If you weren’t able to find a product that checks all the right boxes on our list, feel free to reach out to us at Laser Engraving Tips, and let’s know what you’re looking for specifically. We’re always happy to help!
