You may be considering buying a 20W fiber laser engraver and researching how deep it can engrave. A fiber laser engraver produces a laser beam by pumping extremely intense light through fiber optic cables doped with ytterbium, which helps release the energy as photons. As the photons exit the fiber optic cable, a laser beam is created.
With a 20-30 watt laser power level, engraving depth is typically between 0.3 and 0.5mm. With a 50-100 watt fiber laser engraving machine, its engraving depth can be between 0.6 and 1.5mm.
Engraving depth will depend on the material type and bear in mind maximum engraving depth could take a long time. With a 20W Fiber Laser Engraver: 0.5mm on carbon steel could take 30 minutes up to one hour depending on the design.
Table of Contents
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the capabilities, materials, applications, and limitations of a 20-watt fiber laser engraver.
What Is a 20W Fiber Laser?
A fiber laser engraver uses a solid-state laser source to emit a concentrated beam of light at a wavelength around 1064 nm. This makes it especially effective for engraving and marking metals and hard plastics.
Unlike diode or CO₂ lasers, fiber lasers are known for:
- Long lifespan (often 100,000+ hours)
- No maintenance optics
- Extremely fine, precise engravings
- Minimal heat distortion
A 20-watt fiber laser is considered an entry- to mid-level machine, perfect for detailed engraving and light metal cutting.
What Materials Can a 20W Fiber Laser Engrave?
Here’s a list of materials a 20-Watt fiber laser can engrave, mark, or etch effectively:
Metals
- Stainless Steel
- Aluminum
- Brass
- Copper
- Titanium
- Gold & Silver
- Chrome
- Tungsten
- Nickel
- Anodized Aluminum
Use Cases: Custom jewelry, industrial tags, tool marking, QR/barcode engraving
Plastics
- ABS
- Polycarbonate (PC)
- Polyethylene (PE)
- Polypropylene (PP)
Note: Fiber lasers mark most plastics with color changes (no depth)
Other Materials
- Painted/coated metals
- PCB boards
- Leather (some synthetic types)
- Carbon fiber
- Rubber (for stamps or gaskets)
Can a 20W Fiber Laser Cut Materials?
Yes, but with limitations:
- Thin Plastic films, foils, or labels can be cut
- The 20-watt is not ideal for cutting thin metals—higher wattage (50W+) is better
What Projects Can You Make with a 20W Fiber Laser?
Here’s a table of practical and popular projects:
Project Type | Examples |
|---|---|
Custom Gifts | Dog tags, nameplates, engraved knives |
Business Products | Branding tools, barcodes, QR codes |
Jewelry | Fine detail engraving on rings, pendants |
Electronics | PCB marking, serial number etching |
Industrial Marking | Part numbers, asset tags, tool identification |
Promotional Items | Metal pens, bottle openers, USB drives |
Key Benefits of a 20W Fiber Laser
- Speed: Marking speed up to 8000mm/s
- Precision: Reposition accuracy around ±0.002mm
- Low Maintenance: Air-cooled and long lifespan
- Software Compatibility: Works with EZCAD, LightBurn (some models)
Limitations to Consider
Limitation | Workaround or Upgrade |
|---|---|
Cannot engrave clear acrylic or glass | Use a CO₂ laser or diode laser instead |
Slow for deep engraving | Upgrade to 30W+ for faster metal engraving |
Limited to metals and certain plastics | CO₂ or diode laser for wood, leather, fabric, etc. |
How Much Does a 20W Fiber Laser Cost?
Brand | Price Range | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
ComMarker B4 | ~$1,500–$2,000 | Affordable & portable |
Triumph | ~$2,000–$4,000 | Industrial-grade build |
JPT / Raycus Source | ~$2,500–$6,000+ | Premium machines with deeper engraving |
Real-World Example: ComMarker B4 20W Fiber Laser
ComMarker B4 20W Fiber Laser Engraver
One of the most popular options in this category is the ComMarker B4 20-Watt fiber laser.
Why it stands out:
- Engraves metals with ultra-high precision
- Compact desktop design
- Reputable brand with excellent support
- Priced under $1,500
Perfect for small businesses, metal engravers, and anyone entering the metal personalization market.
Is a 20W Fiber Laser Right for You?
Choose a 20-Watt fiber laser engraver if:
- You want to engrave metal and plastic with precision
- You need a compact machine for a small workshop or business
- You’re looking for speed and fine detail, not cutting
- You want a budget-friendly, pro-quality engraver
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials can a 20W fiber laser engrave?
A 20W fiber laser can engrave most metals and some hard plastics with excellent precision. Common materials include:
Stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper
Titanium, gold, silver (for surface marking)
ABS, polycarbonate, and other engineered plastics
Painted or anodized metals
It can also mark on rubber, leather (synthetic), and some coated woods, but it’s not suitable for glass, clear acrylic, or organic materials like paper or fabric.
Can a 20W fiber laser cut metal?
Technically yes, but it’s not designed for cutting. If you plan to cut metal regularly, a 500 – 1000W fiber laser or Plasma machine is recommended.
What kind of software is used with a 20W fiber laser?
Most 20W fiber lasers use EZCAD2, which is free and widely supported. Some machines (like those using BJJCZ motherboards) may also work with LightBurn (in beta for fiber lasers). The software allows you to:
Import vector (AI, SVG, DXF) and raster files (JPG, PNG)
Adjust laser power, frequency, and speed
Add serial numbers, barcodes, QR codes
Is a 20W fiber laser suitable for starting a business?
Yes, it’s ideal for small businesses and makers looking to engrave custom items like:
Metal tumblers
Jewelry
Industrial tags
Branding tools (logos, barcodes)
It offers high precision, decent speed, and low maintenance, making it a budget-friendly entry point into metal laser engraving. However, if your business requires cutting or deep engraving, a higher-wattage machine may be more efficient in the long run.
Final Thoughts
A 20-watt fiber laser engraver is a powerful tool available to makers, entrepreneurs, and industrial users working with metal and plastic. It opens up a world of possibilities for personalization, branding, and product marking—all in a compact and efficient package.
If your work focuses on metal engraving, fine details, and batch production, the 20W fiber laser is a smart investment that delivers professional results without breaking the bank.