The xTool D1 Pro is one of the most popular diode laser engravers for hobbyists, crafters, and small businesses. With its powerful diode laser (available in 5W, 10W, and 20W models), the D1 Pro excels at engraving wood, leather, acrylic, and coated metals. But when it comes to engraving metals, there are some important limitations and tricks you need to know.
This guide will explain exactly what metals the xTool D1 Pro can engrave, how it performs compared to fiber lasers, and tips to achieve the best results.
Table of Contents
What Metals Can the xTool D1 Pro Engrave?
The xTool D1 Pro can mark or engrave coated and treated metals. Here’s what works:
Anodized Aluminum
- The D1 Pro can engrave anodized aluminum surfaces, such as water bottles, phone cases, or business cards.
- The laser removes the anodized coating, exposing the lighter aluminum underneath.
- This results in high-contrast, permanent markings—great for personalization and branding.
Painted or Powder-Coated Metals
- Any metal with a painted or powder-coated finish can be engraved.
- The laser burns away the coating to reveal the raw metal below.
- Common applications: stainless steel tumblers (like Yeti cups), coated knives, or metal tags.
Metal with Laser Marking Spray (e.g., Brilliance Laser Inks)
- If you want to mark bare metal with the D1 Pro, you can apply a laser marking spray or paste.
- The laser bonds the spray to the metal surface, creating a durable black marking.
- Works on stainless steel, brass, copper, and even titanium.
Electroplated Metals
- Some electroplated surfaces (such as gold- or chrome-plated items) can be lightly marked.
- The laser often removes or darkens the plating rather than cutting into the metal.
Can the xTool D1 Pro Engrave Bare Metal?
The short answer is no—at least not effectively.
- Diode lasers (455 nm wavelength) like the D1 Pro are not strong enough to etch into the surface of raw metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, or brass.
- The laser beam is mostly reflected by bare metals, meaning you won’t achieve permanent deep engravings like you would with a fiber laser.
If you want to engrave bare metals directly with the xTool D1 Pro, the 1064nm 2W Infrared Laser Module is required.
The xTool D1 Pro Can Mark Bare Metal With The 2W Infrared Module
So what is the xTool 1064nm infrared laser module attachment? Infrared lasers produce infrared laser beams. The wavelength falls within the infrared range. The wavelength of such laser modules is typically 1064nm which is the same wavelength as a Fiber Laser Engraver. This 1064nm infrared laser developed by xTool is quite powerful and can easily engrave metal materials that the xTool diode laser cannot.
It can perfectly engrave all types of metals, plastics, and other materials. It is simple to install the infrared module on your xTool D1 Pro. It is simply a matter of disconnecting the laser head connector, removing the laser head, inserting the infrared laser head, and connecting the cable and the power supply that is supplied with the IR laser.
Pro Tip: The xTool 1064nm infrared laser module is slow due to its low power and setting the focus distance is difficult. However, once you have mastered the focus setting this is an excellent accessory for low-volume metal engraving.
What Metals Can The xTool D1 Pro Mark With The 1064nm Infrared Laser Module Attachment?
The 2W infrared module emits light at 1064 nm which is the same wavelength used in fiber laser engravers. Because different materials absorb light at different wavelengths, the wavelength makes a significant difference. This means that the infrared laser can engrave materials that the blue diode laser cannot, and vice versa.
Metals that the xTool 1064nm Infrared Laser Module can mark:
- Gold
- Silver
- Platinum
- Aluminum
- Copper
- Zinc
- Titanium
- Iron
- Stainless Steel
- Metal Oxides
- Alloy Metals
Other Materials that the xTool 1064nm 2W Infrared Laser Module can engrave:
- Leather
- Opaque Plastics
- Acrylics
- Stone
- Circuit Boards
Check The xTool 1064nm 2W Infrared Module Price Here
Can The xTool D1 Pro Mark Aluminum?
The xTool D1 Pro can laser mark anodized aluminum and powder-coated aluminum. For direct aluminum engraving, you will need the xTool 1064nm infrared laser module attachment. The xTool 1064nm infrared laser module is a low-cost option for those who want to engrave a variety of metals with their xTool D1 Pro laser engraver.
Despite the fact that its metal engraving can be slow due to its low power and that setting the focus distance is difficult, it is an excellent accessory for low-volume metal engraving and jewelry engraving. Because the IR module has a smaller 0.03 x 0.03 mm spot size, you can engrave finer details that would be impossible to do with blue diode lasers.
Can The xTool D1 Pro Mark Stainless Steel?
With the xTool D1 Pro 10W and 20W Versions, you can directly laser mark 304 mirror stainless steel. For Stainless Steel Engraving you will need the xTool 1064nm infrared laser module attachment. The xTool 1064nm infrared laser module is a low-cost option for those who want to engrave a variety of metals with their xTool D1 Pro laser engraver.
Can The xTool D1 Pro Mark Copper?
The xTool D1 Pro is not able to engrave or mark bare copper. For Copper Engraving you will need the xTool 1064nm infrared laser module attachment. The xTool 1064nm infrared laser module is an affordable option for those who want to engrave a variety of metals with their xTool D1 Pro laser engraver.
xTool D1 Pro + 1064nm Infrared Module vs. Fiber Laser (ComMarker B4)
Here is a side-by-side comparison table of the D1 Pro + 1064nm module versus a dedicated fiber laser, allowing you to quickly determine whether upgrading is worthwhile.
Feature | xTool 1064nm Module | ComMarker B4 Fiber Laser (20W) |
|---|---|---|
Price | ~$600–$700 | ~$1,500–$2,000 |
Laser Type | 1064nm infrared diode | 1064nm pulsed fiber |
Engraving Capability | Engraves bare metals, coated metals, and plastics | Specializes in bare metals (stainless steel, titanium, brass, gold, silver) and some plastics |
Engraving Depth | Shallow (surface marking, logos, text, patterns) | Can engrave deeper and faster into metal |
Speed | ~4,000–10,000 mm/min | Up to 7,000 mm/s (much faster) |
Work Area | 430 x 390mm (large) | ~100 x 100mm & 200 x 200mm (small, precision-focused) |
Ease of Use | Beginner-friendly, plug-and-play, works with xTool Creative Space | Requires learning LightBurn or EzCad (steeper learning curve) |
Portability | Lightweight, can be moved easily | Heavier and more industrial |
Best For | Hobbyists, small businesses, personalization (jewelry, tags, gifts, watches) | Professional metal marking, industrial use, deep engraving, bulk production |
Key Takeaway:
- If you’re a hobbyist or small business wanting versatility (wood, acrylic, leather + metals), the xTool D1 Pro with 1064nm module is the best budget-friendly choice.
- If your focus is dedicated metal engraving (deep, fast, industrial), then a fiber laser like the ComMarker B4 is the better long-term investment.
ComMarker B4 20W Fiber Laser Engraver
Best Budget Fiber Laser for Metal Marking
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 1064nm infrared laser module do that the standard diode module can’t?
The 1064nm infrared module is designed specifically for metal and plastic engraving. Unlike the standard 455nm diode laser, which can only engrave anodized or coated metals, the infrared laser can directly engrave bare metals like stainless steel, brass, titanium, and gold, as well as mark certain plastics with higher precision.
How easy is it to install the 1064nm module on the xTool D1 Pro?
The infrared module is designed as a plug-and-play accessory. You simply detach your existing diode laser head and attach the 1064nm module using the same mount and connection port. No complex wiring or setup is required, and it works seamlessly with xTool’s software (xTool Creative Space).
Is the 1064nm infrared laser module worth it for hobbyists and small businesses?
Yes—if you plan to engrave jewelry, watches, stainless steel tags, coins, knives, or other bare metals, this module is a cost-effective alternative. It’s especially valuable for personalization businesses, as it unlocks new product categories beyond wood and coated metal.
Final Thoughts
The xTool 1064nm Infrared Laser Module is an excellent solution for people who already own the xTool D1 Pro laser engraver and want an option for low-volume metal marking without purchasing a separate fiber laser engraver. At around $600, it’s a reasonably priced way to start engraving stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, bronze, gold, and silver.