Fiber laser engravers are some of the most advanced tools on the market. They can work on inorganic (metal) and organic (non-metal) substances to create engravings and other markings to suit any aesthetic, practical, personal, or business need.
Such laser engraving technology works by concentrating a high-powered laser beam onto fiber optic cables. This beam is so intense that it can make a permanent mark on materials, with many options at your disposal.
This article looks at the best fiber laser engraver machines that will fit your needs and provide the results you are looking for.
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Choosing The Best Fiber Laser Engraver For Yourself
The best option depends on what kind of laser engraver you are looking for. Options range from machines made explicitly for engraving on metal and non-metal materials to those available for laser cleanup and other laser marking applications.
Let’s take a look at a wide variety of laser machine engravers that will help you narrow down the perfect one you need.
Fiber Laser Engraver Comparison
Fiber Laser Engraver | Laser Type | Engraving Area | Engraving Speed | Budget Price | Check Price |
1. Cloudray Fiber Laser | 30W Raycus | 175x175mm/6.9×6.9″ | 7m/s | Under $2700.00 | |
2. Triumph Fiber Laser | 50W Raycus | 110x110mm & 200x200mm 4.3×4.3″ & 7.8×7.8″ | 9m/s | Under $5500.00 | |
3. ComMarker B4 Fiber | 30W Max | 110x110mm & 200x200mm 4.3×4.3″ & 7.8×7.8″ | 12m/s | Under $2200.00 |
1. Cloudray 30W Fiber Laser Engraver
The 30W Cloudray Fiber Laser Engraver Machine offers a blend of precision, power, and reliability, making it a strong contender in the laser engraving market. After thoroughly testing this device, here’s a comprehensive review covering its performance, features, and overall value.
Performance and Precision
The 30W fiber laser is powerful and efficient, providing exceptional precision in engraving various materials such as metals, plastics, and some ceramics. The Raycus laser source is known for its stability and reliability, resulting in consistent, high-quality engravings. The machine’s 175×175mm (6.9×6.9in) working area is ample for most small to medium-sized projects, and the precision it offers is ideal for detailed designs and fine text.
Build Quality and Durability
The build quality of the Cloudray Fiber Laser Engraving Machine is impressive. It features a solid metal frame that ensures stability during operation, reducing vibrations that could affect the engraving quality. The components are well-constructed and durable, promising a long lifespan even with regular use.
Ease of Use
Despite its professional-grade capabilities, this machine is user-friendly. The setup process is straightforward, with clear instructions provided. The control software is intuitive and supports various file formats, making it easy to import designs and start engraving quickly. Beginners may face a slight learning curve, but the included manual and online resources help mitigate this.
Versatility
The versatility of the Cloudray Fiber Laser Engraver is one of its key strengths. It can handle a wide range of materials, from metals like stainless steel, aluminum, and gold to non-metals like plastic and leather. This versatility makes it suitable for a variety of applications, including jewelry making, tool marking, and personalized gifts.
Speed and Efficiency
The machine operates at high speeds without compromising on detail or accuracy. The fiber laser’s efficiency means that it can complete complex engravings in a fraction of the time required by other laser types. This efficiency is particularly beneficial for commercial settings where time is a crucial factor.
Customer Support and Community
Cloudray provides reliable customer support, with prompt responses to queries and technical issues. The user community is also active and supportive, sharing tips, tricks, and project ideas that can enhance the user experience.
Value for Money
Considering its performance, build quality, and versatility, the 30W Cloudray Fiber Laser Engraver Machine offers excellent value for money. It is priced competitively for a machine of its caliber, making it a worthwhile investment for both professional engravers and serious hobbyists.
Materials The Cloudray 30W Fiber Laser Engraver Can Engrave
All metals including gold, silver, platinum, copper, aluminum, zinc, titanium, iron, stainless steel, metal oxides, Anodized Aluminum, Electroplated Metals and Coated Metals. Leather, stone, PCB and Plastics such as PLT, PS, ABS, PBT, Silicon, PS, and others.
Things We Like:
- Powerful 30W fiber laser for high precision and efficiency
- High stability and reliability with the Raycus laser source
- Durable build quality with a solid metal frame
- User-friendly interface and intuitive control software
- Versatile material compatibility for various applications
- High speed and efficiency in operation
- Strong customer support and active user community
Things We Don’t Like:
- Slight learning curve for complete beginners
2. Triumph 50W Fiber Laser Engraver
This Triumph Fiber Laser Machine is highly effective and does its job well at a reasonable price. Its laser source is the 50W Raycus, and the engraver comes with a 2-year warranty, making it another great option to invest in. With a large marking area of 110x110mm & 200x200mm and a high quality 80mm Rotary Axis along with EzCad 2 which is compatible with CorelDraw, AutoCad, Photoshop and the best part is the included computer so all bases are covered.
This laser engraving machine can provide you with high-speed marking while maintaining exceptional stability and optical performance. The wavelength is 1064nm, and the beam quality is excellent, allowing for precise ultra-fine processing. The laser marker has a small focus spot, a quick processing speed, and a small heat-affected area on your material for excellent results.
It combines fast marking speeds of up to 9m/s with cutting-edge capabilities with a repetition Rate Frequency of 1-600kHZ. The machine has a depth of 1mm and a precision of 0.002mm in repositioning. It is effective on both metallic and non-metallic surfaces. PLT, BMP, DXF, and other file formats are also supported by the 50W Triumph Fiber Laser. From its impressive design and sturdy construction to its efficient customer and technical support, this machine is unrivaled in every way.
Materials The Triumph 50W Fiber Laser Engraver Can Engrave
All metals including gold, silver, platinum, copper, aluminum, zinc, titanium, iron, stainless steel, metal oxides, Anodized Aluminum, Electroplated Metals and Coated Metals. Leather, stone, PCB and Plastics such as PLT, PS, ABS, PBT, Silicon, PS, and others.
Things We Like:
- It can engrave a huge variety of materials, including metals and non-metals.
- It comes with a very state-of-the-art rotary axis of 80 mm, allowing for a very high-quality view.
- Comes with two lenses: 110x110mm & 200x200mm for increased productivity.
- Stock available in the USA for quick delivery.
- Has a Two Year Warranty
Things We Don’t Like:
- Its power consumption is very high at 1000W, so it will cost a decent amount on your electrical bill.
3. ComMarker B4 30W Fiber Laser Engraver
Priced at a highly affordable price, the ComMarker B4 30W Fiber Laser Engraver is our first and only relatively cost effective fiber laser engraver on this list and is also a portable laser engraver. Hence, it is relatively light, easy to work with, and requires less power.
The ComMarker B4 Fiber Laser Engraver is supplied with two lenses. The 110mm x 110mm, making the laser spot very small and powerful, ideal for smaller and more precise engravings. You also get a larger lens – 200 x 200mm, which allows you to make large engravings. At this price point, a large laser marking field like this is extremely rare!
The ComMarker B4 Fiber Laser Engraver is supplied with EzCad 2 software, which comes on a USB stick. It is capable software that allows you to maximize the performance of your fiber laser. It is also compatible with Lightburn. It’s only 14.5 kg (9.92 pounds) which makes this the ideal portable fiber laser engraver. It comes with a 80mm rotary device perfect for jewelry engraving.
Materials The ComMarker B4 30W Fiber Laser Engraver Can Engrave
All metals including gold, silver, platinum, copper, aluminum, zinc, titanium, iron, stainless steel, metal oxides, Anodized Aluminum, Electroplated Metals and Coated Metals. Leather, stone, PCB and Plastics such as PLT, PS, ABS, PBT, Silicon, PS, and others.
Things We Like:
- It is the most cost effective option on the market and equally efficient for its price point.
- The weight of the engraver is a huge plus!
- Portable and hand-held, works on all metals and some non-metal materials such as leather, industrial plastics, and more.
- It comes complete with a 80mm Rotary Device.
- 100x100mm & 200x200mm Marking Area
- 2 Year Warranty
Things We Don’t Like:
- Might not be suitable for heavy-duty projects.
Things You Should Know About a Fiber Laser Engraver
It wouldn’t make sense for us to tell you about the fiber laser engravers we like without giving more information about this equipment. Here’s what you need to know.
What Should I Look For in a Fiber Laser?
Some things you must consider before purchasing a fiber laser engraver include:
- The engraving speed (how fast you can engrave the materials).
- Its price point and if it suits your needs.
- Its durability or portability – whichever is more important for you.
- The features it comes with (a wide range of features is best).
Ask yourself: how do all these features apply to your potential usage of your Fiber Laser Engraving Machine?
It’s best to make an informed purchase decision, and if you have a clear understanding of your requirements, the process is more manageable.
What Can I Do With a Fiber Laser Engraver?
You can accomplish a wide variety of tasks and different types of engravings with laser engravers, such as printing barcodes, your company or brand’s logo, jewelry personalization, gun engraving and so much more.
From numbers, texts, or even simple clip art, if you can think of it, you can get it marked permanently on any item or material you have available or want, thanks to this new laser technology.
How Does a Fiber Laser Engraver Work?
Laser engraving machine technology works by concentrating a high-powered laser beam made of light into fiber optic cables. This beam is so strong that it can make a permanent mark on a wide variety of materials.
This process is similar to how a magnifying glass can focus sunlight onto a single point. After that, it produces such a strong and tightly-packed laser wavelength that can easily leave deep burn markings onto a surface, just like a permanent engraving.
What Materials Can You Engrave with a Fiber Laser?
Fiber laser engraver machines and laser cutters are technologically advanced, top-of-the-line machinery that can now engrave images and text onto almost any material.
For organic materials like metals, engraving onto stainless steel, copper, brass, aluminum, iron, and even on precious metals like gold and silver is possible.
Also Read: Can You Laser Engrave Copper? Everything You Need to Know
For non-organic material, engraving onto leather, PVC, and resin is possible, among other choices. Its wide application and practically endless material capabilities make this technology a virtually unstoppable force for profitable businesses.
Here is the list of materials that you can engrave with a Fiber Laser:
Metals:
- Aluminum
- Gold
- Platinum
- Silver
- Titanium
- Brass
- Tungsten
- Carbide
- Nickel
- Stainless steel
- Chrome
- Copper
Plastics:
- Polycarbonate
- ABS
- Polyethylene
- Polypropylene
- PLA
- PBT
- PVC (Please ensure you have a good fume extraction system as PVC fumes are toxic and corrosive)
Fiberglass, Synthetic Leathers, Carbon fiber
What’s the Difference Between Laser Marking and Laser Engraving?
Laser marking happens when the surface of the material is barely penetrated and removed by the force of the laser, it is only slightly discolored to give the effect that there has been a marking done. Marking has a superficial quality to it.
Meanwhile, in laser engraving, the surface area and depth that the laser burns through are actually destroyed. This process produces depth and a high contrast engraving that is permanent and authentic.
What’s the Difference Between a CO2 Laser and a Fiber Laser?
A CO2 laser and a fiber laser have several differences, including the range of materials they can engrave on best. Specifically, for more organic materials such as wood, plastic, and textiles, CO2 lasers are the better choice. Meanwhile, fiber lasers are the right fit for non-organic materials like metals.
The laser wavelength produced by each option is quite different, with a fiber laser machine having wavelengths of around 1,060 nanometers. In comparison, CO2 Lasers have wavelengths of about 10,600 nanometers, which is at least ten times higher.
This difference has a significant impact on the way each technology works.
CO2 lasers are larger than fiber lasers and are less expensive, so the engraving quality is a bit less. However, markings with fiber laser engravers are very high-contrast and deeper.
Fiber laser marking machines also have much lower maintenance costs and are generally a more cost-effective technology due to their high electrical efficiency compared to CO2 lasers. This means that fiber laser engraver technology is less expensive overall.
However, CO2 lasers are the best option by far if you are looking to mark thicker objects like wood or plastic and can engrave smoothly as deep as 5 millimeters. They have a lower equipment price than fiber lasers but are ultimately an old technology with diminishing usefulness, in addition to their high maintenance cost.
Maintenance and Care Tips for Your Fiber Laser Engraver
Investing in a fiber laser engraver is not only a commitment to precision but also a commitment to its proper care. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and extends the lifespan of your machine. In this guide, we’ll explore essential tips to keep your fiber laser engraver in top-notch condition.
- Install the fiber laser engraver in the ideal location:
- Install the fiber laser engraver in an area with no magnetic or electric objects.
- Clean the Optics Regularly:
- Dust and debris can accumulate on the laser optics, affecting the quality of engravings. Use a clean cotton swab or lens paper and some acetone or denatured alcohol to wipe the lens. Be cautious not to scratch or damage the delicate surface. Have a look at this YouTube video for detailed instructions.
- Check and Clean the Exhaust System or the fume extractor:
- The exhaust system or fume extractor is crucial for removing fumes and debris generated during engraving. Regularly inspect and clean the exhaust fan, ducts, and filters to maintain efficient ventilation. If your fiber laser engraver does not include an exhaust system or fume extractor this can be added on. More information can be found in these articles I wrote: Top 5 Laser Engraver Exhaust Fan Options and Best Fume Extractors for Laser Engravers.
- Keep the Work Area Clean:
- Ensure the work area around the laser engraver remains clutter-free. Excess material, dust, or debris can interfere with the machine’s operation. Regularly vacuum or sweep the area to prevent buildup.
- Monitor, Clean and lubricate the moving parts:
- If your fiber laser engraver has any moving parts then check for any signs of dirt or debris, and clean them using a soft brush or cloth. Lubricate as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Wipe the other areas of the fiber laser engraver with a clean cloth.
- Inspect the Laser Source:
- The laser source is the heart of your engraving machine. Regularly inspect it for any signs of wear or damage. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and maintenance.
- Calibrate the Machine Regularly:
- Calibration ensures accurate and precise engravings. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for calibration procedures and schedule regular checks to maintain optimal performance.
- Check and Tighten Hardware:
- Periodically inspect all nuts, bolts, and screws on your laser engraver. Vibrations during operation can cause them to loosen over time. Ensure they are tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Protect Against Power Surges:
- Install a surge protector to shield your laser engraver from power surges or fluctuations. Sudden power changes can damage sensitive electronic components.
- Update Software and Firmware:
- Keep your engraving machine’s software and firmware up to date. Manufacturers often release updates that improve performance, fix bugs, and introduce new features.
- Follow Manufacturer Guidelines:
- Always refer to the manufacturer’s user manual for specific maintenance instructions and guidelines. Adhering to their recommendations ensures that you’re caring for your machine in a way that aligns with its design and specifications.
FAQs
Can a Fiber Laser Engrave Wood?
Fiber lasers create poor marks on wood and is a potential fire hazard. We recommend a CO2 Laser.
Can a Fiber Laser Engrave Glass?
Not recommended for clear glass, however it is possible with a laser marking spray like Cermark.
For the best results we would recommend a CO2 Laser for glass engraving.
Can You Engrave Plastic With a Fiber Laser?
Yes, fiber lasers can engrave many types of industrial plastics and PVC.
Can Fiber Laser Cut Steel?
To cut steel effectively but you will need a fiber laser cutter of at least 1000W. A 50W Fiber Laser Engraver can only cut very thin metals of around 0.3 – 0.7mm Gold, Silver and Brass but it will require multiple passes and a long time.
How Deep Can a Fiber Laser Engrave?
It depends on the brand and model of the fiber laser engraving machine but here are some average results. With a 20-30 watt laser power level the engraving depth is typically between 0.3 and 0.5mm. With a 50-100 watt fiber laser engraving machine, the engraving depth can be between 0.6 and 1.5mm.
The Bottom Line
Laser engraving cutting machine technology has come a long way and has seen significant improvements in quality. These include the types of laser marking (CO2 versus fiber) to the wide variety of uses these engravers can have in various industries.
If you need perfect engraving done individually or in bulk, this is the machinery most worth investing in. Each option, however, has its pros and cons in engraving speed, price point, size, and design, so it is important to decide what would make the best fiber laser engraver for you.
The right engraver should meet all your needs, so make an informed buying decision based on that. Our reviews above should make it easier for you to understand the various features each Laser Engraver offers. So, what are you waiting for? Go and make that laser engraver purchase today!
Also Read: Can a laser engraver engrave silver? Can You Laser Engrave Copper? Everything You Need to Know Can You Laser Engrave Gold? Everything You Should Know