If you are in the market for a new laser engraving machine for metal, you have come to the right place. This informative buyer’s guide will explain everything you need to know about choosing the right machine. We will also explore the basics of laser engraving on metal and explain some of the advantages this unique metal engraving offers.
A laser engraving machine designed to work on metal can be fairly expensive, especially if you choose a high-quality option. This is why knowing what to look for is important before investing your hard-earned money into one.
Since poorly built laser engravers are underpowered and lack the durability required to last, it is essential to choose the right machine. To help you make the right choice, we will cover the best machine options, performance factors, like laser power, wattage, engraving area, and software compatibility, to build-quality factors, like durability and reliability.
Table of Contents
Learn what to look for so you don’t waste money on a low-quality laser engraver!
What Is a Laser Engraving Machine for Metal?
Before we dive into the key factors you should look for in a laser engraving machine for metal, it is helpful to quickly discuss what these laser machines do and why they offer many advantages over other metal engraving machines.
A laser engraving machine for metal is a specialized device that employs high-intensity lasers to engrave on hard surfaces like metals. Thanks to the precision of laser technology, these machines can use a special laser head to engrave complex and detailed designs and patterns, including precise text.
What Are the Advantages of Using a Laser Engraving Machine for Metal?
The main advantage of using a laser engraving machine for metal, rather than any other metal engraving machine, is the precision of the laser itself. The extreme focus of the laser allows for sharp, clean lines and incredibly fine details.
These machines can create designs with incredible detail and are much faster and more efficient than other types of metal engraving machines. The automated nature of laser engraving, as well as the speed lasers can burn a design into a metal surface, means that laser engraving machines can reduce labor and increase the turnaround time for projects.
Laser engraving technology is also incredibly versatile, as it can operate on a wide range of metals, including hard metals, like stainless steel and brass, and softer metals, such as aluminum. Metal Laser Engraving Technology lasers can make engravings on various types of metal and work on metal surfaces of various thicknesses.
Whether you are engraving fine details on a small metal object, like a piece of jewelry, or a large metal surface, like a large, weather-proof metal sign, a laser engraving machine for metal can handle the job.
What to Look for When Choosing a Laser Engraving Machine for Metal
Now that you know more about laser engraving machines for metal and understand the advantages they can provide over other metal engraving machines and techniques, we can look at some of the factors you need to consider when choosing your machine.
While there are other factors you should consider, the following are the most important:
Metal Laser Engraving Machine Type
Understanding the differences between the most common laser engraving machines available is the first step in selecting the best laser engraving machine for metal. We have the three best options which we will discuss below.
Fiber Laser Engraver
Fiber Laser Engravers are considered the ideal choice for metal engraving, marking and etching. When compared to the CO2 laser first produced in the 1960s, fiber lasers are a high-tech invention. Fiber lasers employ glass fiber optics as their primary electron source to generate laser beams. Fiber optics have unique qualities that aid in light transmission and are resistant to electromagnetic interference.
Fiber lasers have a wavelength of 1064 nanometers, whereas CO2 Lasers have a wavelength of 10.6 micrometers. When combined with a very small focal diameter, fiber lasers can produce laser beams 100 times more intense than a CO2 laser. Because of this increased power, fiber lasers are best suited for applications such as laser engraving metals.
Fiber Lasers Can Engrave: Steel, Stainless steel, Copper, Aluminum, Gold, Silver, Industrial Plastics like Polypropylene and polyethylene, Machine Parts, and guns
CO2 Laser Engraver
CO2 laser engraving equipment are ideal for engraving, marking and etching a wide range of materials but they will require chemicals such as metal marking spray or paste for directly laser engraving bare metals. They are less powerful than Fiber laser engraving equipment when engraving metals, but can accommodate a wide range of creative and industrial applications.
CO2 Laser Engraving machines, despite being less powerful than Fiber Laser machines for metal, have effectively replaced older engraving technologies. CO2 lasers can etch or engrave a wide range of materials, including anodized aluminum, wood, acrylic, glass, paper, plastic, leather, and stone.
CO2 Laser Engravers Can Cut: Wood, Acrylic, Leather, Cardboard, Bamboo, Fabrics
CO2 Laser Engravers Can Engrave: Wood, Acrylic, Leather, Cardboard, Bamboo, Fabric, Rubber, Glass, Cement, and Stone.
CO2 Laser Engravers Can Mark: Anodized Aluminum, Painted Metals. Use a Marking Spray or Paste for Metal Marking. Detailed Information can be found here: Metal Engraving with a CO2 Laser.
Detailed Information on the Best CO2 Lasers we recommend can be found in the article I wrote here.
Diode Laser Engraver
Diode laser engravers, have less power than CO2 lasers but are nonetheless capable of etching some metals such as stainless steel and anodized aluminum. Diode laser engravers are quite popular on the market since they are inexpensive and suitable for starting a laser engraving business.
A diode is a semiconductor formed by the combination of p-type and n-type material. The diode has one p-type side and one n-type side. With prices ranging from $500 to $1,200, depending on power, features, and specs, these compact, cheap, and beginner-friendly devices are great for small enterprises. Choose a diode laser with at least 10W of power for faster speeds and better results when engraving metals.
Diode Laser Engravers Can Cut: Paper, Wood, Leather, MDF, some dark opaque acrylic, and felt.
Diode Laser Engravers Can Engrave: Paper Wood, Leather, MDF, some dark opaque acrylic, Bamboo, Fabric, Ceramic, Jade, and Dark Glass.
Diode Laser Engravers Can Mark: Painted Metals, Anodized Aluminum. Use a Marking Spray or Paste for Metal Marking.
Detailed Information on the Best 10W Diode Laser Engravers can be found in the article I wrote here.
Why Is Power and Wattage Important?
The power and wattage give you a good idea of how strong the laser engraving machine’s laser will be. A higher-power laser is much more intense, which will determine how quickly and effectively the laser can engrave metal surfaces. A low-powered laser beam will struggle to make an engraving on harder metal. It will also take the laser engraving machine much longer to complete projects.
The main reason to choose a laser engraving machine with enough power, is that it can create metal engravings quickly and effectively. Without adequate power, your machine will make low-depth engravings that wear over time.
Another pitfall of an underpowered laser is that the engravings will be too shallow. A laser engraving machine that uses a powerful laser can achieve deep markings that actually last with time and wear.
Here are our power and wattage recommendations for metal engraving:
- Fiber Laser Engraver: 20 – 100 Watts
- CO2 Laser Engraver: 30 – 100 Watts but requires a marking spray or coating
- Diode Laser Engraver: 10+ Watts but requires a marking spray or coating
How to Choose
When assessing laser engraving machines, check the laser power specifications. Most will specifically list the wattage and power rating of the machine’s laser and the types of metals the laser can engrave.
Engraving Area and Size of the Machine
As you may have guessed, the machine’s engraving area and physical size will determine the space available for the metal surfaces you are engraving. Machines with large engraving areas can engrave much larger objects.
The engraving area size can refer to the maximum dimensions the machine can accommodate, which can be measured in width, length, and height.
Why Are the Engraving Area and Size Important?
Naturally, you will need a laser engraving machine with a large engraving area if you work on metal objects with large dimensions. If you plan to work on small objects and surfaces, you can get away with a much smaller working area, but it is worth considering what you may want to engrave in the future. Your needs could change even if you just plan on engraving small objects.
It is important to remember that even if you can fit an object with a smaller machine if the machine has a small engraving area, the engravings could be inaccurate or incomplete.
How to Choose
When choosing a new laser engraving machine for metal, evaluate the size and dimensions of the metal objects you plan on engraving. Once you have a clear picture of how much of a machine you need.
Check the specifications of the machines you are considering, as they will list the size of the engraving area. Make sure you also take the maximum thickness the machine can accommodate, as this will help you avoid purchasing a machine that cannot handle the metal objects you hope to engrave.
Durability and Build Quality
As you should with any new equipment, assessing the durability and build quality of the laser engraving machine you are considering is essential. The higher-quality laser machines are constructed from high-strength materials like metal and carbon fiber. These materials can also withstand the high temperatures generated when a metal laser engraver runs.
Naturally, the more durable machines built to the best quality standards last much longer. Even if they are more expensive, they are significantly more resilient to the typical wear and tear a laser engraving machine will be exposed to, meaning they will last much longer.
Why Is Durability and Build Quality Important?
Not only are durability and overall build quality essential in how long your laser engraving machine will last, but these factors will also affect the machine’s performance and reliability.
A laser engraving machine appropriately built from durable materials will be much more stable when it operates. Stability is essential for accurate engravings, especially those that involve fine details.
How to Choose
Compare the materials that laser engraving machines are made from. Look for sturdy material and high-quality components.
Another way to assess the build quality is to read customer reviews, reviews from trusted websites, and buyer’s guides. You can also check for the length of the warranty that the machine is backed by, as low-quality machines rarely have lengthy warranties. Think of a long, comprehensive warranty as a reflection of the manufacturer’s confidence that their laser engraving machine will last.
Software Compatibility
Since laser engraving machines for metal rely on connectivity to design software, ensuring your chosen machine is compatible with the programs you use is essential. If the engraving machine is compatible with the right design software, you can seamlessly import and alter your designs.
Ensuring the machine can handle the file formats you tend to work with is also worthwhile.
Why Is Software Compatibility Important?
Software compatibility will influence your overall work efficiency when transferring your engraving designs to a metal object or surface. Ideally, you will find a laser engraving machine compatible with your preferred design software.
When you can work with the design programs you are familiar with, your productivity and the entire user experience will improve.
How to Choose
While checking out new machines, check what software the laser engraver is compatible with and the file formats it can accept. You will want to ensure the laser engraving machine can be adjusted to work with your instructions, such as multiple depths within a single design.
If unsure, you can always contact the manufacturer and speak with their customer support line. They should be able to explain which software programs their product is compatible with. That said, most manufacturers include this information directly on the product label and the product description on their company website.
Comparison Table: Fiber Laser vs. CO2 Laser vs. Diode Laser for Metal Engraving
Feature | Fiber Laser | CO2 Laser | Diode Laser |
|---|---|---|---|
Suitability for Metal | Excellent (direct engraving on bare metal) | Limited (requires marking spray or coating) | Limited (requires marking spray or coating) |
Power Requirements | 20W+ | 30W-50W+ | 10W+ |
Engraving Speed | Fast | Moderate | Slow |
Precision | High | Moderate | Low to Moderate |
Cost | High (starts around $1,500) | Moderate (starts around $1,000) | Low (starts around $300) |
Durability of Marks | Permanent and deep | Surface-level with marking spray | Surface-level with marking spray |
Ease of Use | High (dedicated for metal) | Moderate | Moderate |
Versatility | Great for metals, limited for non-metals | Great for non-metals, limited for metals | Good for hobbyists and soft materials |
Applications | Industrial, professional | General-purpose, signage | Hobbyist, occasional engraving |
Maintenance | Low | Moderate | Low |
Recommendation:
- Choose a Fiber Laser if you need precise, efficient, and permanent engraving on metal.
- Choose a CO2 Laser if you require versatility with non-metal materials and occasional metal marking with sprays.
- Choose a Diode Laser if you’re a hobbyist or on a tight budget and can work with marking sprays.
Best Budget Laser Engraving Machine For Metal
ComMarker B4 20W Fiber Laser Engraver
The ComMarker B4 20W Max Fiber Laser Engraver is a versatile, high-performance laser marking machine that delivers professional-grade results without a premium price tag. Designed for both hobbyists and small businesses, this engraver combines portability, speed, and precision, making it a fantastic choice for engraving metals like silver, aluminum, and stainless steel, as well as jewelry and tumblers.
Key Features
2-in-1 Desktop and Handheld Design
The ComMarker B4 stands out with its dual functionality, allowing users to switch between desktop and handheld modes seamlessly. This flexibility is ideal for working on both stationary and larger, hard-to-move objects.
Dual Lens System for Flexible Engraving
The package includes two field lenses:
- 110mm x 110mm for detailed and precise engravings.
- 200mm x 200mm for larger projects.
These interchangeable lenses allow you to tackle projects of various sizes with ease.
Speed and Precision
- Marking Speed: Up to 15,000 mm/s for rapid results.
- Minimum Line Width: 0.01 mm for intricate details.
- Engraving Depth: 0.1 – 0.3 mm for custom depth control.
The high-speed galvanometer ensures exceptional accuracy, even at maximum speeds, making it suitable for engraving fine details on jewelry or branding large metal products.
Software Compatibility
The B4 supports both LightBurn and EZCad2, providing versatile and intuitive options for designing and managing engraving projects. It works seamlessly with both Windows (7/8/10/11) and macOS, ensuring broad accessibility.
Comprehensive Package
The ComMarker B4 comes with everything needed to get started, including:
- Two lenses (110mm and 200mm)
- Safety goggles, materials for testing, and essential tools for assembly.
This complete kit makes it beginner-friendly while also catering to the advanced needs of professional users.
Wide Material Compatibility
This fiber laser engraver can handle a variety of materials, including:
- Metals: Stainless Steel, Silver, Aluminum, Gold, and Alloys.
- Painted Surfaces: Ideal for marking most painted products and non-transparent plastics.
It’s perfect for engraving jewelry, tumblers, pens, tags, and more.
Performance
The ComMarker B4 excels in delivering precise, high-quality engravings quickly. The dual-lens system ensures adaptability for both small and large projects.
Its compact, lightweight design ensures easy portability, making it ideal for small workshops or on-site work. The machine also includes safety features such as a red dot pointer for alignment and 1064nm safety goggles for user protection.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price under $1,500.
- Dual lenses for flexibility in project size.
- Desktop and handheld functionality.
- LightBurn and EZCad2 compatibility.
- High-speed engraving with exceptional accuracy.
Cons:
- Limited to 20W power; higher wattage options are available at additional cost.
- Requires some setup and calibration for optimal performance.
Who Is It For?
The ComMarker B4 is ideal for:
- Small Businesses: Perfect for creating custom jewelry, tumblers, and branded items.
- Hobbyists: Affordable and easy to use, with enough power for most personal projects.
- Professionals: Its speed, precision, and material compatibility meet the needs of advanced users.
Why It’s Better Than CO2 and Diode Lasers for Metal Engraving
- Efficiency with Metals: Unlike CO2 lasers, which require marking agents for metal engraving, fiber lasers directly mark metals without additional preparation.
- Higher Power Density: Fiber lasers concentrate power more effectively, resulting in deeper, faster, and more precise engravings on hard surfaces.
- Minimal Maintenance: Diode lasers can degrade over time, while fiber lasers maintain their integrity and require less upkeep with a working lifespan of up to 100,000 hours.
- Faster Workflow: The ComMarker B4 20W power output ensures significantly faster engraving speeds than diode or CO2 systems.
The ComMarker B4 20W Max Fiber Laser Engraver is an outstanding choice for anyone looking to engrave carbon steel, stainless steel, and other metals. Its affordable price, comprehensive feature set, and dual functionality make it a standout option for hobbyists and small businesses alike.
With its high-speed precision, compatibility with popular software, and ability to engrave a wide range of materials, the ComMarker B4 delivers exceptional value and performance, earning its title as the best laser engraving machine for metal under $1,500. Whether starting a business or taking your crafting to the next level, this engraver is a reliable and versatile investment.
Laser Engraving Machine For Metal Glossary of Terms
Air Assist – A system that blows air onto the engraving surface to reduce heat buildup, prevent oxidation, and improve engraving quality
Annealing Marking – A process that heats metal surfaces to create oxidation-based black or colored marks without removing material
Beam Quality (M² Factor) – A measurement of how focused and precise a laser beam is, affecting engraving sharpness and efficiency
Burnishing – A technique where the laser lightly removes or polishes the metal surface without deep engraving
CO₂ Laser – A gas-based laser that typically requires a marking agent (like CerMark or Thermark) to engrave on metal surfaces
Color Marking – A technique, primarily using MOPA fiber lasers, that adjusts pulse frequency and duration to create different colors on metal
Dross – The melted material residue left on the surface after engraving or cutting metal
Duty Cycle – The percentage of time a pulsed laser is active during engraving, affecting marking speed and depth
Engraving Depth – The measure of how deep the laser removes material from the metal surface
Fiber Laser – A solid-state laser with a fiber-optic cable, optimized for high-precision metal engraving and marking
Focal Length – The optimal distance between the laser lens and the metal surface for the best engraving results
Galvanometer (Galvo) System – A high-speed mirror system that directs the laser beam for faster and more precise engraving
Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) – The area around an engraving that experiences heat exposure, potentially changing its structural properties
JPT MOPA Laser – A type of fiber laser with adjustable pulse duration, allowing for high-contrast and color marking on metals
Laser Frequency (kHz) – The number of laser pulses per second, impacting the engraving quality and material reaction
Marking Speed – The rate at which a laser engraves a surface, measured in mm/s or inches per second
Oxidation Layer – A surface layer created during annealing marking, producing black, gray, or colored engravings
Passes (Multi-Pass Engraving) – The process of engraving the same area multiple times to achieve deeper cuts or higher contrast
Pulse Duration – The length of time the laser beam is active in each pulse, affecting precision and heat distribution
Q-Switching – A method used in pulsed lasers to generate high peak power for precise and detailed engraving
Raster Engraving – A technique where the laser scans back and forth, burning away metal in layers to create detailed designs
Rotary Attachment – A device that enables the engraving of cylindrical metal objects like rings, cups, and pipes
Scan Head – The mechanism that directs the laser beam using mirrors, ensuring accuracy in engraving
Shielding Gas – Gases like nitrogen or argon used to protect metal from oxidation during laser marking
Vector Engraving – A method where the laser follows a continuous path to engrave fine lines instead of shading large areas
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of laser is best for metal engraving?
The fiber laser is the best type of laser for metal engraving due to its precision, efficiency, and ability to directly mark metals without additional preparation. It outperforms CO2 and diode lasers for this purpose.
Will a 20-watt laser engrave metal?
Yes, a 20-watt fiber laser can engrave metal effectively, producing detailed and permanent marks. However, a 20-watt diode or CO2 laser typically requires a marking spray or coating to engrave metal.
How many watts to engrave metal?
To engrave metal effectively, you typically need:
Fiber laser: At least 20 watts for detailed and permanent engraving.
CO2 laser: 30-100 watts, but requires a marking spray or coating.
Diode laser: 10+ watts, but also needs a marking spray.
Fiber lasers are the most efficient for direct metal engraving.
Final Words
By making sure that you consider the factors we outlined above, you should be able to find a laser engraving machine for metal that meets all of your needs.
While you also need to consider your budget, as long as you consider the laser engraver machine type, power and wattage, engraving area, build quality, and software compatibility, you can make an informed decision.
We also suggest reading Considerations Before Laser Engraving Metals, packed with plenty of valuable tips about safety considerations and more.
