The Top Laser Engravers Available on the Market

A laser engraver is a machine that reproduces a shape (symbol, photo, logo, etc.) on a variety of materials using a heat source – a laser in this case. In concrete terms, the laser heats up wood, metal, leather or glass, and under the effect of the temperature, the material is hollowed out, obtaining the desired shape point by point. Unlike 3D printing processes, this is a subtractive manufacturing method that is combined with additive manufacturing on some machines. In fact, there are more and more hybrid solutions that offer different manufacturing features – engraving, cutting, or milling.

Three types of lasers are generally used on these engravers: gas, fiber optic or crystal. The choice of laser depends on the material that will be engraved. For example, the fiber optic laser is more powerful and will be more suitable for metals and more resistant materials. On the other hand, the gas laser (using CO2 in this case) is used more for standard plastics – it is also the most widespread on the market. Generally speaking, the power of the laser will determine the performance and precision of your laser engraver.

Faced with these various options, which laser engraver should you choose? We have selected a few desktop machines that could help you in your search, as well as hybrid solutions that will also offer the possibility to 3D print your parts. Be sure to follow the safety instructions provided by each manufacturer – wearing protective eyewear, for example, is mandatory.