The best laser cutters are a great piece of equipment to add to your crafting collection if you’re looking to create new and unique pieces of artwork for your home or business. They come in a range of different sizes and with varying levels of power to suit the needs of everyone from hobbyists to businesses.
We've tested and reviewed a wide range of laser cutting machines, and we've found that many recent products are easier and cleaner to use, and can be as convenient as digital craft cutters like the best Cricut machines. In this guide, we've picked out the best options based on our tests, including the best laser engravers and the best laser cutter for a small business.
We've included options for large and small projects, for the studio and the home and for materials including metal, plastic, wood and glass. Overall, we rate the xTool P2 as the best option for most people since it's powerful, fast and accurate, and ideal for professional projects and high-end crafting. However, there are more affordable options for beginners.
For more background, read our guides to the best xTool machines and the best Glowforge machines. If you want more equipment for your office, then you may also like our best laminator guide.
Quick list
We start with a brief overview of top picks of the best laser cutters. Scroll down to browse our full selection.
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The best laser cutter overall
(Image credit: Future / xTool)
The most power laser cutter for home use
Our expert review:
Materials:
Wood, acrylic, aluminium, leather and more
Engraving/cutting area:
600 x 308 mm
Power:
55W CO2 laser
View at xToolCheck Amazon+
Powerful and fast laser
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Expandable workspace
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Can do everything you need
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Spend extra to get more from the P2
Our top pick as the best laser cutter overall is the xTool P2. It has a 55 watt CO2 laser, which makes it the most powerful laser cutter for home use available today and helps overcome some of the limitations of the xTool M1 laser cutter and engraver (see below) offering both more precision and speed. It also features an automated passthrough slot, two 16MP cameras for high definition accuracy, the ability to engrave curved materials as well as rotary engraving.
In my xTool P2 review, I found this to be very accurate and reliable. There's always some trial and error when using a laser cutter and engraver, but the accuracy of the cameras ensured I was able to rework the same project, going over lines that may not have been cut cleanly or redoing a project with tweaked settings.
Like the Glowforge Pro a number 3 in our list, it has a metal casing with a glass lid and inbuilt extractor fa, but its workspace is larger than its rival (600 x 308mm to the Glowforge Pro's 495 mm by 279 mm). It's designed to be clean and easy to use, and it's speedy too: running at 600 mm/s, it cuts 18mm basswood in one pass with ease.
On the downside, Glowforge Pro has a passthrough that works out of the box while P2 requires an add-on, the Automatic Conveyor Feeder, to really make use of its expandable size (3,000 x 500 mm). However, that's also a strength since it fits into xTool's wider ecosystem of add-ons, and you can increase the size of the workspace height using a Riser Base (see my guide to the best xTool accessories).
Overall, this laser cutter can do pretty much anything, including rotary engraving (purchased separately). After nine months of use, I've found it to be reliable and adaptable. It's large, heavy, and a little more complex than a Glowforge, and I find Glowforge's app easier to use, but the P2 costs less for the amount of power, so overall it just pips ahead.
The best laser cutter for beginners
(Image credit: Glowforge)
An accessible laser cutter and engraver for beginners
Our expert review:
Materials:
Various (not vinyl)
Engraving/cutting area:
30 x 30 cm
Power:
6W 450nm Diode
View at HobbycraftCheck Amazon+
Accessible and easy to use
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Small enough for home use
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Excellent design app
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Can't engrave transparent acrylic
Glowforge Aura is one of a new breed of laser machines targeted at crafters and home users rather than studios and small businesses. The aim of the Aura is to offer a small, clean and accurate laser cutter and engraver to use in the home, which is why this is my recommendation as the best laser cutter for beginners.
While the xTool M1 below is a neat laser solution for crafters, as it uses a blade and laser which means you can use vinyl (lasers can cut or engrave vinyl as it releases toxins), the Glowforge Aura focuses on a laser, but a low-powered 6W diode for cleaner use and less fumes, as well as offering eco-friendly vinyl alternatives.
We found that the lower powered laser does mean this is a cleaner machine to use, though it still need regular cleaning for best results. It also makes it a safer laser cutter for the home, and the Aura is smaller squarer and shorter than the xTool S1, for example.
Another aspect of the Aura I love is its software; the Glowforge Print web app is free and incredibly stable and easy to use. It offers free guides and projects, connects to a wider community and is the closest laser app I've used to Cricut Design Space, and includes easy layers, design tools and more. It even includes a generative AI now for quick image creation (these are rendered as laser-ready files not simply flat images).
The cons against the Aura can come down to personal taste and use. You may need a more powerful laser (the 6W diode here can't, for example, score or engrave transparent or reflective materials), in which case the xTool M1 or S1 would be preferable. A further caveat is that you will need the Glowforge Air Filter, which costs extra, but this would be a recommendation for every encased laser cutter on my list.
The best laser cutter for small studios
(Image credit: Future)
Accessible, precise and supports a lot of materials
Our expert review:
Materials:
Various
Engraving/cutting area:
27.9 x 49.5 cm
Power:
45W
View at HobbycraftCheck Amazon+
Fast laser cutter and engraver
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Supports many material types
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Effortless to use and good app
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Ideally needs the Air Filter accessory
Glowforge Pro does for laser cutters what Cricut has done for craft cutters. It's a beautifully designed 'laser printer' that removes the mess and fuss and packages with a clean and approachable device. This is the top model from Glowforge laser, which also has a medium Plus edition and a slightly less powerful Basic model.
It does the same cutting and engraving as many of the best laser cutters on my list, but its design keeps any mess inside the machine (a filter sucks away any dust and debris into an external air filter). Designs are sent to the machine via a bespoke app, and the Glowforge machines support Windows, Mac and tablet devices.
The Glowforge Pro uses a high-spec Class 4, 45 watt laser which is the most powerful you can get outside of an industrial use. (The Plus and Basic use a 40 watt, Class 1 laser, which is still more powerful than most on this list.) When I tested this for my Glowforge Pro review, I was impressed with the machine's speed, ease of use and an excellent design app. It does, however, ideally need to be used with the Glowforge Air Filter accessory.
It's this ease of use and clean approach to laser cutting and engraving that ensures the Glowforge makes it to No.1 on my list. It looks like a standard printer but can engrave everything from metal to wood and tiles to paper and leather – it's perfectly suited to every task that requires accurate cutting too, from costume creation to model work. This Pro model comes with a 'passthrough' slot for large lengths of material, making it an ideal wood laser cutter – you can even make furniture.
I found the results are always great with the Glowforge Pro, and, again, the app is easy to use. The xTool P2 is cheaper and more powerful (meaning slightly faster), but the ease of use of the Glowforge Pro means it's a great machine for everyone, including small studios or schools.
The best mid-range laser cutter
(Image credit: xTool)
A fast and accurate mid-range laser cutter
Our expert review:
Materials:
Various
Engraving/cutting area:
49.8 x 31.9 cm
Power:
20W / 40W
View at xToolView at xToolCheck Amazon+
A 40W encased laser on a budget
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Fast and accurate results
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Can be used in the home
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Lack of cameras not for everyone
The xTool S1 sits between the xTool P2 and Glowforge Aura, as it's a smaller laser cutter and engraver aimed at crafters and home uses. The 40W diode laser means this trumps the Aura for speed and power, but still can't cut or score transparent acrylic, though it can cut and engrave 3mm opaque acrylic.
That extra power does mean it's larger, about 20cm wider than the Aura, and more powerful lasers scorch and burn more, and release more fumes, so it's also a 'dirtier' machine. Unlike the larger xTool P2 or the Glowforge machines that use cameras for live autofocus, this uses an algorithm.
If you're a newcomer to these craft machines a camera autofocus and material setup system is definitely more accessible, but lack of cameras is one way in which xTool is able to keep the cost down: the S1 is $1,799 / £1,799 while the Glowforge Basic is around $5,045 / £3,495. Again, I do prefer Glowforge's app and accessibility, but the lower cost is hard to argue with if you're looking for a mid-range option.
See our full xTool S1 review for more details.
The best small desktop laser cutter
(Image credit: xTool)
A fast, small and desktop laser cutter
Our expert review:
Materials:
Over 300 materials
Engraving/cutting area:
11.5 x 11.5 cm
Power:
10W diode laser, 2W infrared laser
View at AmazonView at xToolView at xTool+
4000 mm/s engraving speed
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Good app, supports many file formats
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Incredible 0.00199mm accuracy
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Small workspace, expandable with add-on
The xTool F1 is a smart little laser engraver and cutter that can sit on your desk, enabling you to create engraved tags, signs and coasters or gifts with ease. This is xTool's answer to the portable laser machines pioneered by LaserPecker. The xTool F1 is a good choice for beginner engravers but it's also an excellent portable, handheld device for experienced laser engraver users who want the flexibility of a smaller desktop / handheld device.
There are some eye-catching specs, including 0.00199mm accuracy, a 4000 mm/s engraving speed (more than enough for small projects) and its 115 x 115 mm workspace can be upgraded to a 400 x 115 mm with a tray accessory (purchased separately).
In comparison to the larger xTool P2, Glowforge Pro and Gweike laser cutters the F1 is small and somwhat limited, but it is a great device for beginners (though I would say the xTool M1 or Glowforge Aura are the ideal starter machines).
The big advantage of the F1 for me is how little space it takes up (I have a Glowforge Pro, xTool P2 and xTool M1 and let me say, space is getting tight). The F1 can sit on your desk next to your Mac or PC and it doesn't look out of place. If you're looking to get into laser engraving and want to make small gifts for friends, to be sold on Etsy or tags for your craft products, the F1 is a handy addition to have.
Its closest rival is the LaserPecker 4 (below) and its a close call on which is the best in terms of tech; they bother include dual-lasers but the F1 has a super-quick engraving speed of 4000 mm/s while the LaserPecker 4 is 2000 mm/s and it can cut to a 6mm depth as opposed to LaserPecker 4's 5mm. In practice this is marginal but the F1 does feature better, more stable design software and a fuller protective casing which makes it more of an encased but portable laser cutter.
The best laser cutter for crafters
(Image credit: Future)
The xTool M1 laser cutter is something quite different to the other machines on my list as it features both laser and a blade cutting technology inside its curved, neatly designed box of tricks. No wonder it's a Red Dot Award-winning design. The combination of tools plus a compact design means the xTool M1 really stands out. That makes it the best laser cutter for crafter we've used to date.
Essentially, the M1 allows you to do what the best Cricut machines can, and make use of a laser to engrave, cut and score. The blade can cut cleaner than some lasers, with no scorching, and means you needn't spend time masking materials ahead of cutting. When I tested it for my xTool M1 review, I found that you need the enclosed metal risers and ideally you'll the Air Filter too (see my guide to the best xTool accessories).
The downside is that the laser in the xTool M1 has been surpassed in terms of size, easy of use and design by the new Glowforge Aura, which is a cleaner and simpler machine. Also, I find the Glowforge design app much easier to use and create in than the xTool software, so if you're new to laser machines the Aura is a slightly better choice. Also the blade, while a nice feature and means you can do more with this machine that the Aura, isn't a rotary blade as you'd find in a Cricut Maker 3, but is similar to that found in the best Silhouette machines and it's prone to 'snagging'.
If you don't have a craft machine already, the xTool M1 is a good option as it blends the abilities of a Cricut with those of a decent laser cutter and engraver, and you can extend the height and attach rotary device. You can find out more in my guide to the best xTool machines.
The best handheld laser engraver
(Image credit: Future / LaserPecker)
A large handheld laser engraver and cutter
Our expert review:
Materials:
Wood, leather, paper, acrylic
Engraving area:
16 cm x 12 cm
Power:
10W Blue Diode Laser, 2W Infrared Laser
View at Amazon+
Very fast and clean machine
+
Excellent engraving results
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Cuts plenty of materials
-
Takes a lot of trial and error
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Unstable design software
The LaserPecker 4 is an eye-catching handheld laser engraver and cutter that has a lot of similarities to the xTool F1 (above) but differs in some ways that mean if you're considering which to get, I can help. Fundamentally the LP4 and F1 share the same dual-laser approach, offering both a 10W Blue Diode Laser and 2W Infrared Laser for cutting and engraving. As mentioned above the LP4 is slower and cuts 1mm less deep, but for many uses you won't notice. But the LP4 also has an excellent automatic mode for raising and lowering its laser head.
In my LaserPecker 4 review this device breezed through engraving a complex illustration into wood, was clean and left little of the smoke and debris you get from larger laser machines. Importantly, the built-in extractor fan worked perfectly and the device is very quiet. One issue I found in my review is with the LP4's design software; it can be a little unstable and hard to use, particularly on iPad and Android phones.
So, those real world differences – the LaserPecker 4 has a slightly larger workspace than the F1 (16 x 12 cm as opposed to the xTool's squarer 11.5 x. 11.5 cm) and is more of a portable handheld device even with this larger size. The LP4 is designed to be used as a handheld, with protective googles included so it's easier to use.
If you're looking for a handheld the LaserPecker 4 is the best device on my list, and your choice is really between this and and the older but cheaper LaserPecker 2, as in my view xTool F1 is best used a compact desktop device.
The best open-frame laser engraver
(Image credit: Future / IKIER)
A fast open-frame laser engraver
Our expert review:
Materials:
Wood, metal, acrylic, leather
Engraving area:
41 x 41cm
Power:
48W
Check AmazonVisit Site+
900mm/s engraving
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Easily switch between modes
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Auto-sinking feature
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Flakey software
If you're looking to do a lot of engraving in a short space of time, the iKier K1 Pro has much to offer. The engraving speed of IKIER K1 Pro Max can reach up to 900mm/s, which is significant faster than other machines on the market.
It's versatile, too, thanks to the 48W to 24W Gear Switching Module. When you need to cut, you can use the 48W gear, and the laser power is fully turned on. This allows you to cut 25mm wood, 19mm black acrylic, and 0.3mm stainless steel sheet with one pass. When you need to engrave, switch to the 24W laser gear, and the engraving is more precise. It can directly carve colored patterns on mirror stainless steel, ceramics and opaque glass.
Usefully, IKIER’s intelligent Z-axis features helps you achieve autofocus by automatically measuring the distance to the object and automatically adjusting the focus. An automatic sinking feature helps you to cut thicker materials. And the K1 Pro Max also boasts an advanced automatic power failure recovery system that remembers the engraving position. When the power comes back on, it uses an algorithm to quickly continue engraving from where it left off.
The best value laser cutter
(Image credit: Gweike)
The best affordable, powerful laser cutter
Our expert review:
Materials:
Acrylic, wood, rubber, leather, select metals
Engraving/cutting area:
30 x 51 cm
Power:
50W
Check AmazonVisit Site+
A 50W CO2 laser at an affordable price
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Fast and accurate
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Lots of power
-
Steep learning curve
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A poor app
The Gweike Cloud Pro II (50W) is a cheap(er) but powerful encased laser cutter and engraver that, on paper, is a match for both the xTool P2 and the Glowforge Pro. This 50W CO2 laser cutter from Gweike offers exceptional value, but there are a few catches that push it down my list.
The Gweike Cloud Pro II features a powerful 50W CO2 laser boasts an engraving speed of up to 600mm/s on the X axis, but in tests this is only for single line speed, more complex engraving is slower. However, it lacks the ease of use of Glowforge Pro or Aura or xTool P2 or S1 or the other laser machines at the top of my list. For example there's no autofocus which is a pain after using the likes of the xTool P2 (a more expensive 55W model does include autofocus, and for the $300 more I'd opt for this model.)
This comes with cloud-based laser software but it's not particularly good, for example respected craft machine reviewer Samcraft really didn't rate the app and had issues connecting to his laptop. YouTuber James Dean Designs also found issues connecting the Gweike Cloud software and both advise to use Lightburn instead, which is okay but it's a less approachable design software that either Glowforge or xTool's bespoke apps, and it's not free.
There's a pre-configured and fully editable material settings library on board, and a built-in 5MP camera for positioning your material precisely (though it loses connection when you begin engraving and then needs reseting afterwards, and many people on the Gweike user-group have similar issues).
Along with this laser cutter, you get a material pack, including laser plywood, acrylic and corrugated card, an extractor fan and a tool kit, including lens cleaning cotton swabs, Allen key set and laser alignment targets to assist with routine maintenance.
The lack of an autofocus is an issue, as well as the camera problems and lack of a good bespoke app is a major problem. There's also a lack of instructions or guidance for how to use the Gweike Cloud Pro II, which means there's quite a steep learning curve. If you can spend the extra time getting used to its quirks, and costing $3,499, this is a good value CO2 laser machine.
How to choose the best laser cutter
The best laser cutter for you will depend on what you want to use it for. You'll need to decide if you want a diode, CO2 or fiber cutter, as each of these types of laser cutters work on different materials to different degrees. Diode lasers are more affordable, but the cheapest can only engrave organic material like wood and paper. CO2 lasers can etch any organic material and all acrylics, including clear acrylic, but they're more costly, and fiber lasers are more expensive still and used for metal.
Another thing to consider is speed and accuracy, especially if your aim is to mass produce a product to sell within a limited time. And you'll need to consider how much physical space you have for a machine. Open-frame laser cutters can often be placed on top of large items, while fully enclosed lasers usually demand a dedicated space. You'll also need to consider if the enclosed laser you opt for has a pass through door for working on larger projects.
Also bear safety in mind. A laser that can burn wood can burn your skin and damage your sight. Open-frame laser cutters can be cheaper, but an encased machine is safer. Often safety devices, such as ventilation, are sold as optional extras to keep prices down. There are some accessories that can be shared between tools and some can be picked up at hardware store or solved with DIY.
Finally, software is another selling point. Cheaper laser cutters often require free or paid 3rd party software like LaserGRBL, which is quite basic, or LightBurn, which costs $60 for an annual licence. Brands like xTool and Glowforge have their own software.
You'll also need to consider you budget. If you're going to be monetising this skill, then pushing your budget as high as possible makes sense to get the best end product in the fastest time, and with the lowest usage costs. It is vital to consider the cost of replacement parts – you don't want to find yourself unable to keep the machine running.
How we tested the best laser cutters
To choose our picks of the best laser cutters and engravers, we tested and reviewed the products just like you'd use them. First we surveyed the market and the specs of of the various laser cutters available from reputable brands. We then brought in the best machines for hands-on testing.
For our tests, we used the machines to cut, engrave and score a variety of materials over a number of days, testing out all of the capabilities promised by manufacturers to make sure there are no false promises. We evaluated the machines for accuracy, speed and support for materials. We also considered ease of use, size and value for money in order to provide options for different needs, including more economical laser cutters and options that can fit on a desk.
For more details of our processes, see our guide to how we test and review at Creative Bloq.
FAQs
A laser cutter is a device that creates patterns, shapes and designs in materials such as wood, glass, paper, metal and plastic, by cutting into them with a high-power laser. The precision of a laser makes for a clean cut and smooth finish. Laser cutting has been used for many decades in large-scale manufacturing, but more recently laser cutters have become more affordable and are increasingly used by hobbyists, schools and small businesses.
There are three main types of laser cutter. CO2 laser cutters use electrically-stimulated CO2, and are typically used for cutting, boring and engraving. This is the most common laser cutter to be used by hobbyists and makers. Crystal laser cutters use nd:YVO and nd:YAG, and are high powered, so they can cut through thicker materials. Fibre Laser Cutters use fibreglass and can work with both metal and non-metal materials.
Not so much any more. The new Glowforge Aura is regularly below $1,000 on the Glowforge website; while the rival, xTool M1 is also often around $999. Both are excellent machines, aimed at home crafters.
One thing of note too, is xTool has a new machine trade-in system so you can replace your old xTool laser cutter and engraver and upgrade to a new one for up to $500 / £500 less. You needn't send back your old diode laser machine either, just proof of ownership.
There are certain materials that you should never cut with a laser cutter. These include PVC vinyl, pleather or faux leather, and ABS polymer, which is commonly used in 3D pens and 3D printers. Both emit chlorine gas when cut. You should also not laser-cut polystyrene foam, polyprylene foam or HDPE (a plastic used to make milk bottles), as these will all catch fire. There are many other materials that should not be laser-cut, so always read the instructions carefully. You might also want to see our pick of the best vinyl cutter machines.
This article breaks down the confusing world of fabric laser cutters into easy-to-understand bite-sized pieces. Continue reading and find out how to choose the best laser cutter for your fabric projects!
Fabric laser cutters are automatic cutting machines that use a low-power laser beam to cut through fabrics and other materials without burning the edges.
You will typically see a 10-40W laser in fabric laser cutting machines compared to the 500-3000W lasers in metal cutters.
Lasers output large amounts of energy into a micrometer-sized point on the fabric, all in a fraction of a second. This results in the fabric material burning at the point of laser contact and creating a nice, cleanly cut edge.
Since fabric cutters use low-power lasers and the laser only makes contact with the material for less than a second, the resultant heat doesn’t radiate to the rest of the material. Hence, there is a negligible chance of fabric damage.
Fabric laser cutters are compatible with several common materials like cotton, felt, denim, lace, silk, and more. Some fabric laser cutting machines also offer material compatibility with paperboard, plywood, acrylic, and other thin sheets of softer materials.
Laser cutters offer several features and benefits over traditional fabric-cutting solutions. Following is a short list of the most prominent benefits of using fabric laser-cutting machines.
Traditional fabric-cutting machines are very large, expensive, and require special training to use. Contrarily, laser cutters are affordable, small, easy-to-use, and user-friendly.
Any small business owner can get an entry-level fabric laser cutter and be up and running in a matter of hours.
Lasers are highly accurate cutting devices with very tight tolerances. A cutting job that would take a person an hour to complete can be done in a matter of minutes and with higher accuracy using laser cutting.
Any type of mass-production clothing work demands all fabrics be cut with extreme precision. As fabric cutters are computer controlled, they can consistently repeat cuts with practically zero variance.
Small to medium-sized custom businesses often lack the personnel to handle large orders. Tedious tasks like pattern making and design engraving take up too much time. As a result, the overall productivity of the business takes a nosedive.
With automatic fabric laser cutting machines, all the repetitive and tedious tasks can be offloaded to the machine while the employees work on finishing the clothes.
Some materials are more difficult to cut than others. Loose threads and burs can end up ruining the overall look and aesthetic of your clothes.
Laser cutters gently melt the edges as they cut through the fabric, creating an even and clean look.
Lasers are particularly effective at handling complex patterns. Most fabric laser cutting machines have an accuracy of up to 0.005 in. Laser-cutting machines provide businesses with more versatility and flexibility in their designs.
Intricate designs greatly benefit from the fabric laser cutter’s computer-controlled laser head.
Choosing the ideal laser-cutting machine can be a real challenge. Even veterans can get overwhelmed by so many brands, configurations, and price points.
So we have taken the time to highlight the best laser cutters available right now, from budget options to allrounders to top-tier laser cutting machines.
xTool is a supplier of small-scale laser cutting machines focused on the hobbyist and small business market. Their M1 is a compact laser and blade-cutting machine that comes in 5W and 10W models.
At a sub $1000 price, this tiny machine is a productivity beast. Between the laser cutter and the blade option, the M1 can cut through hundreds of different non-metal materials.
xTool’s biggest benefit might be its accessories bundle. You can get additional items like a rotary attachment for engraving cylinders, raisers to improve material compatibility, replacement blades, and more.
If you’re not interested in the blade-cutting solution, go for the xTool D1 Pro laser engraver and cutter. This is a pure laser machine with up to a 20W laser option.
For beginners, the M1 is one of the best laser cutters in the market, especially at this price point.
Flux is selling one of the most powerful and versatile laser cutters available right now. It manages to fit a massive 30W CO2 laser inside a compact body. It can cut through fabrics of up to 9mm thickness with ease.
Additionally, it supports common image formats that will help beginners make their masterpieces without any hassle. Just load up your JPG, PNG, SVG, or DXF file into the machine, and it will take care of the rest.
At a price of roughly $2200, it is a little expensive, especially for its work area of 300x210mm. At best, you are looking at cutting/engraving an A4 fabric sheet.
To Flux’s credit, it does offer larger Beambox and Beambox Pro models that can handle much larger projects. But they also come with a higher price tag.
The Flux Beamo is a fine balance between performance and functionality. It is an enthusiast-level machine that is bound to make you happy. If price is not an issue, this might be the best laser cutter for you.
If you’re looking for something powerful and versatile but within your budget, OMTech’s got you covered. Their DF K40 has a massive 40W laser, capable of cutting and engraving a wide range of materials at a reasonably high cutting speed.
All of this at the very low, low price of $600. At nearly half the price of the M1, it has four times as much power. However, OMTech has had to make several compromises to hit this low price point.
To put things bluntly, it’s not a very attractive or well-designed machine. It has a very industrial 80s look compared to its competitors’ modern and sleek designs.
The DF K40 is a very versatile laser cutter with excellent laser engraving offerings. This is a great budget option for businesses involved in fabric, wood, and acrylic designs.
Let’s move on from reasonable budgets and power outputs to top-tier machines. Glowforge laser cutter options are premium, sleek, and versatile. Their Glowforge Plus starts at $50000, with the air filter attachment costing another $1300.
For this price, you do get the best laser fabric cutter available on the market. It has one of the largest work areas and supports a wide range of laser engraving and cutting materials.
Thanks to its active cooling system, glowforge laser machines are designed to run all day long. Whether it’s cutting fabric, multiple layers, synthetic fabric, solid wood, or even engraving metals and ceramics, this machine can do it all.
It’s not only one of the best laser cutters but also one of the best laser engravers commercially available. Glowforge is the ideal solution for business owners who need laser-cut and engraved fabrics, woods, acrylics, and more.
Our final pick is the Ortur Laser Master 2, a budget laser cutting and engraving machine with an impressive 10W diode laser. Ortur offers all this and more at just $450.
This is more of a DIY (do it yourself) option for buyers who don’t mind getting their hands dirty setting up a laser cutting (fabric, wood, and acrylic) machine. Ortur ships you a kit that you have to assemble yourself.
The benefit of DIY is that you can swap out the laser head (laser tube) for a different one, according to your needs. Not everyone needs this type of laser machine, but those who can take full advantage of it are bound to be satisfied by the price and performance.
When choosing a fabric laser-cutting machine, you should be aware of a few metrics that can make or break your business.
Here is a quick list of factors you should consider before selecting a fabric laser cutter.
Fabric lasers aren’t known for their laser power. 10-40W is a standard range for most commercially available fabric lasers. While higher-power laser cutters are more appealing, you should always choose one that best suits your business needs.
Low-wattage lasers are less versatile as they cannot cut through thicker materials like leather. But if your clothing business doesn’t have leather products, you don’t have to forgo the extra cash for a higher-wattage laser cutter.
Instead, it would be more practical to get two low-power laser cutters and improve your overall production volume.
Fabric laser cutting machines all operate on the same computer-controlled model. However, the quality of the parts used to make up the laser cutter can significantly impact the performance of the laser cutter.
Low-quality gears, belts, and motors can reduce machine accuracy. Always check the manufacturer-provided specifications before you buy a laser cutter.
On average, you pay more for precise and accurate cutting because high-quality laser cutters use high-quality and expensive parts.
Your employees already have a lot on their plate. The last thing they should be doing is worrying about their laser cutter.
A fabric laser cutter is a tool to help make your work easier and more efficient. Getting an easy-to-use machine will reduce training overhead. Your employees will only require a quick overview before starting their work.
Look for laser cutters with simple touch interfaces, minimum maintenance needs, and easy fabric removal mechanisms.
For smaller businesses, the size of a machine is much more concerning than the cost. Any business can save up the funds to get one or two laser cutters. But the spatial cost of incorporating them into your existing floor space is a major hurdle.
Smaller compact machines can only process small pieces of cloth at a time. But you have the benefit of buying and setting up multiple machines in a small space.
Additionally, if your factory has space constraints, you want a lightweight machine that can be easily moved around after use.
Consider the price-to-value proposition of a fabric laser cutter. These machines are generally not expensive, but the return on investment is subject to your business’s needs.
A cheaper machine seems attractive until you realize it doesn’t cut fabrics fast enough. In such a situation, the value you get from the machine is not worth the small price you paid.
On the other hand, if you get an expensive state-of-the-art laser-cutting machine but don’t use it regularly. Then you have simply overspent.
Find a healthy balance between price and productivity to ensure you’re getting the best laser cutter.
Fabric laser machines are generally very safe since they use low-power lasers and are hidden behind a protective glass door.
But there are still some safety considerations that everyone should consider before getting a laser cutting machine.
Fumes are the most dangerous part of a laser system. Natural fabrics are fairly safe to laser-cut, but synthetic fabrics can produce harmful fumes.
Ensure that you have a well-ventilated and spacious workspace. An air pump or similar air assist device is crucial for more confined spaces.
All laser fabric cutters mentioned above come with an air-assist device to prevent hazardous situations.
Even at low power, Lasers can damage the eyes if stared at directly. Safety goggles should always be worn when dealing with lasers, especially if you’re using open-concept laser cutters like the Ortur.
Using a higher-power laser on a thin and flammable material like paper or wood can quickly result in a fire. However, many laser-cutting machines have safety measures designed to prevent such situations.
An emergency shutoff system like turning off the main power supply is the responsibility of a business owner.
Fabric cutting solutions have seen a major uplift with the introduction of user-friendly compact laser-cutting systems. Before, you had to invest in a massive die-stamping process to get fabric cutouts and patterns, but now you can get a modest laser cutter and get similar results at home.
Choosing between the several hundred commercially available options can be daunting. The key to choosing the best laser cutter is outlining your project needs and selecting one accordingly.
The second biggest selection criteria are the ease of use and feature set. Finally, remember that the laser wattage and material compatibility mostly determines machine cost.
Baison Laser is a lead manufacturer and supplier of fiber laser solution systems. For the past two decades, we have shipped high-quality metal laser cutters to over 100 countries and regions.
Our fiber lasers are best in class and go through rigorous testing before being shipped to you. Browse our diverse catalog to find the right laser cutting machine for your project. Take advantage of our FREE customer training and application evaluation programs.
So don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity, and Contact us Now!
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