The Best Laser Engravers to Up Your Small Business Game (2024)

The Best Laser Engravers to Up Your Small Business Game (2024)

Maybe we’ve been watching too many episodes of The Bachelor, but it’s got us thinking…

Finding the right laser engraver for your business is a lot like finding “the one.” 💍

You’re not gonna get hitched just because you saw one good photo of a person or asked them about their job. You want to really KNOW them—like their favorite coffee order or the movie that always makes them cry—before you say “I do.” 

Purchasing a laser engraver is a lot like that. You want to really KNOW the machine—by reading all the specs, watching reviews, and brainstorming what you want to make—before you buy.

That’s why in today’s article, we’re giving you a full breakdown of 5 of the best laser engravers for small business (in our humble opinion), complete with specs and all the details you want to know.

Heads up: This article discusses laser types, including diode lasers, glass tube CO2 lasers, and RF-type lasers. If this is all Greek to you, check out our beginner’s guide to laser engraving, where we explain each type in detail.

Notice something we missed? Leave us a comment and we’ll be happy to add it to the article!

Now let’s get into the list 👇

What’s the Best Laser Engraver for a Small Business?

Best Laser Engravers for Small Business

#1 - xTool F1 Portable Laser Engraver

Best Starter Machine

The xTool F1 is a solid entry-level portable laser engraver that packs a ton of value into a compact machine. It reaches speeds unheard of for other, bigger lasers, and all this for under $2K.

The downsides are that it’s less powerful than the CO2 lasers on this list, and the working space is limited to 4.53” x 4.53”.

Here’s what you get with the F1:

  • A powerful and versatile laser engraver for an extremely affordable price
  • Houses two lasers (diode and infrared), so you can engrave on more materials
  • Lightning-fast engraving with speeds up to 4000mm/s
  • It’s compact and portable, which makes it easy to take with you
  • Comes with an easy-to-use free laser engraving software called xTool Creative Space

Specs

  • Size: 7” x 9.25” x 13.1”
  • Weight: 1 lbs
  • Laser Type: Diode & Infrared
  • Power: Diode: 10W, Infrared: 2W
  • Autofocus: Yes
  • Working Area: 53” x 4.53” square with rounded corners (Can expand to 15.75” x 4.53” with slide extension)
  • Max Material Height: 4”
  • Max Speed: 4000mm/s
  • Laser Spot Size: Diode: 0.08mm x 0.06mm, Infrared: .03mm x .03mm
  • OS Support: iPhone, Android, iPad, Windows, Mac
  • Software: Comes with xTool Creative Space, Supports Lightburn
  • Warranty: 1-year warranty for main parts including laser, 3 months for other parts
  • Can Engrave: Diode Laser: Paper, Wood, Leather, MDF, Stainless Steel, Dark Acrylic, Bamboo, Fabric, Dark Glass, Ceramic, Jade, Marble, Shale, Cement, Brick, Plated Metal, Painted Metal; Infrared Laser: Metal, Plastic, Black Acrylic
  • Can Cut: Diode Laser: Paper, Wood, Leather, MDF, Felt, Dark Acrylic
  • Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi
  • Lenses: Built-in all-purpose lens

Optional Accessories

  • Slide Extension to extend the working space
  • Desktop Air Purifier
  • RA2 Pro Rotary Attachment for tumblers

Pricing

Grab the F1 for $1599 at MakerFlo.

Final Verdict

If you’re purchasing your first laser engraving machine and aren’t ready to invest $5K or more, the F1 is an excellent choice.

Buy the xTool F1 at MakerFlo

Pro Tip: If you want to take the stress out of engraving, check out wood made just for laser cutting that's flat, pre-finished, and comes in many color variations!

[product=wood-for-laser-cutting]The best wood for laser cutting!.[/product]

#2 - xTool P2 Desktop Laser Engraver

Best Desktop Laser Cutter

xTool P2 Desktop Laser Engraver

The xTool P2 Desktop Laser Engraver takes things up a notch from the entry-level F1. This DIY laser cutter uses a more powerful CO2 laser, which means more cutting and engraving power and more materials to choose from. Yet it still fits neatly on your desk.

The downside of this machine is that it doesn’t engrave as quickly as the others.

Here’s where the P2 shines:

  • Contains a powerful CO2 laser with 55W of power that can engrave and cut the most popular materials
  • Compact and still fits on a regular desk or workspace
  • The built-in CurveAce™ technology makes it possible to engrave on irregular curves
  • Comes in two colors: Pearl White and Space Gray

Specs

  • Size: 3” x 25.1” x 10.5”
  • Weight: 99 lbs.
  • Laser Type: CO2 (Glass Laser Tube)
  • Power: 55W
  • Autofocus: Yes
  • Working Area: 6” x 12”
  • Max Material Height: 7 inches (can be extended to 8.4 inches with a riser base, sold separately)
  • Max Speed: 600mm/s
  • Laser Spot Size: 15mm x 0.2mm
  • OS Support: Windows, Mac, iPad
  • Software: Comes with xTool Creative Space, Supports Lightburn
  • Warranty: 1-year warranty for main parts, 6 months for laser, 3 months for other parts
  • Can Engrave: Paper, Wood, Acrylic, Leather, Cardboard, MDF, Felt, Rubber, Bamboo, Fabric, Glass, Ceramic, Jade, Marble, Shale, Cement, Brick, Plated metal, Painted Metal
  • Can Cut: Paper, Wood, Acrylic, Leather, Cardboard, MDF, Felt, Rubber, Bamboo, Fabric, Glass, Ceramic, Jade, Marble, Shale, Cement, Brick, Plated Metal, Painted Metal
  • Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
  • Lenses: Built-in all-purpose lens

Optional Accessories

  • Riser Base to accommodate higher blanks
  • Honeycomb Panel to avoid warping
  • Duct Fan
  • RA2 Pro Rotary Attachment for tumblers

Pricing

Available for $4299 at MakerFlo.

Final Verdict

For a long-lasting, versatile machine that can support your business as you grow (yet still fit neatly on your desktop), look no further than the xTool P2.

Buy the xTool P2 at MakerFlo

#3 - Thunder Laser Bolt

For Growing Businesses

Thunder Laser Bolt

Meet Thunder Laser’s entry-level cutting machine, the Thunder Laser Bolt. This is a large-and-in-charge, heavy-duty engraver capable of high-precision designs with finer levels of detail.

Weighing in at more than 150 pounds, this heavy-duty machine won’t be easy to move around.

What we like about the Bolt:

  • Thanks to its RF-type CO2 laser, you can engrave in high resolution up to 2000 dpi
  • Includes 1GB of built-in memory to save design files for later
  • Comes with free laser engraving software RDWorks
  • Has an easy-to-use touch panel
  • You can switch out the lens to fine-tune your results (extra lenses sold separately)

Specs

  • Size: 36” x 27” x 18”
  • Weight: 170 lbs.
  • Laser Type: RF-Type CO2 Laser
  • Power: 30W
  • Autofocus: Yes
  • Working Area: 20” x 12”
  • Max Material Height: 3 inches
  • Max Speed: 1000mm/s
  • Laser Spot Size: 07mm is average for an RF-type laser, but this will change depending on the focal length of the lens you choose
  • OS Support: Windows, Mac
  • Software: Comes with RDWorks, Supports Lightburn
  • Warranty: 2-year factory warranty, less for consumable parts
  • Can Engrave: Wood, Acrylic, Leather, Glass, Tumblers, MDF, Rubber, Plastics, Anodized Aluminum, and more
  • Can Cut: Wood, Acrylic, Leather, Fabric, MDF, Rubber
  • Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
  • Lenses: Comes with 1.5”, but can also switch to 2”, 2.5” or 4” (sold separately)

And if you want more, Thunder Laser offers 3 other variations on the Bolt with a bigger workspace and more features.

Optional Accessories

  • Rotary Attachment
  • 0”, 2.5”, and 4.0” lenses

Pricing

This laser goes for $5495 from Thunder Laser.

Final Verdict

This laser gets you plenty of cutting power with a fine point, perfect for designs with extra detail.

Learn more about the Thunder Laser Bolt

#4 - Boss Laser LS-1420

Most Powerful Laser

Boss Laser LS-1420

Want power? Boss Laser has you covered with its entry-level LS-1420 laser, which packs up to 70W. It cuts thicker blanks and works with a larger variety of substrates.

Just make sure you have a way to transport it—this machine weighs a whopping 415 pounds!

The LS-1420’s top features include:

  • The most powerful laser on this list, a CO2 glass tube laser with up to 70W of power
  • Includes a blade attachment that can physically cut the surface for another option
  • Comes with a honeycomb platform, which prevents a blank from warping
  • You can purchase other lenses with different focal lengths for different effects

Specs

  • Size: 5” x 36.6” x 45.3"
  • Weight: 415 lbs.
  • Laser Type: CO2 (Glass Laser Tube)
  • Power: 50W (Can upgrade to 70W)
  • Autofocus: Yes
  • Working Area: 75" x 13.75"
  • Max Material Height: 5 inches
  • Max Speed: 1000mm/s
  • Laser Spot Size: This depends on the focal length of the lens you choose
  • OS Support: Windows, Mac, Linux
  • Software: Comes with RDWorks, supports Lightburn
  • Warranty: 2-year limited warranty, 1 year for laser tube
  • Can Engrave: Acrylic, Wood, Leather, Rubber, Paper, Plastics, Fabric, MDF, Cardboard, Corian, Foam, Fiberglass, Aluminum, Steel, Copper
  • Can Cut: Acrylic, Wood, Leather, Rubber, Paper, Plastics, Fabric, MDF, Cardboard, Corian, Foam, Fiberglass
  • Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
  • Lenses: Choose between 2”, 2.5” and 4”

If you like what you see from this brand but want even more power and features, Boss Laser offers an upgraded model called the LS-1630.

Optional Accessories

  • Camera Attachment
  • PiBurn Roller Rotary Attachment
  • Air Pump
  • Water Chiller
  • Laser Alignment Tool
  • Extra Lenses (2”, 2.5”, 4”)

Pricing

Boss Laser offers the LS-1420 for $4997.

Final Verdict

If you want to cut a variety of materials besides engraving, the Boss Laser LS-1420 is a solid choice.

Learn more about the Boss Laser LS-1420

#5 - Epilog Fusion Maker 12

For Commercial Use

Epilog Fusion Maker 12

Rounding out the list is the Epilog Fusion Maker 12. It’s the most expensive on this list, but it’ll push your productivity over the edge.

It has plenty of space for engraving, works fast, and allows you to customize the machine. That’s why it’s best suited for businesses that plan to engrave and cut a lot of items on a regular basis.

One big downside with this machine is that it doesn’t support Lightburn, though you can use it with CorelDraw, Illustrator, or other vector-based design programs.

Here’s what you get with the Epilog Fusion Maker 12:

  • A large working space of 24” x 12” and max height of 7”
  • 1GB built-in memory to save designs
  • Fast engraving of up to 1500mm/s, same as the Boss LS-1420
  • RF-tube laser means a smaller laser point and finer engravings
  • Includes a honeycomb cutting table to prevent warning
  • Can purchase other lenses with varying focal lengths to fine-tune your results
  • And bonus: it’s not as heavy as the Thunder Laser and Boss lasers

Specs

  • Size: 5” x 26.5” x 17.9”
  • Weight: 138 lbs.
  • Laser Type: CO2 (RF Tube)
  • Power: 30W or 40W
  • Autofocus: Yes
  • Working Area: 24” x 12”
  • Max Material Height: 7”
  • Max Speed: 1500mm/s
  • Laser Spot Size: Depends on the focal length of the laser you choose
  • OS Support: Windows, Mac
  • Software: Supports CorelDraw, Illustrator, AutoCAD, etc., but NOT Lightburn
  • Warranty: 2-year warranty on machine and laser tube
  • Can Engrave: Acrylic, Anodized Aluminum, Ceramic, Cloth, Coated Metals, Corian, Cork, Delrin, Fabric, Fiberglass, Glass, Leather, Marble, Stainless Steel*, Brass* , Matte Board, Melamine, Mother of Pearl, Mylar, Painted Metals, Paper, Plastic, Pressboard, Rubber, Tile, Wood, Wood Veneer, Titanium*, Bare Metals* (*With a marking solution applied.)
  • Can Cut: Acrylic, Cloth, Corian, Cork, Delrin, Fabric, Fiberglass, Leather, Matte Board, Melamine, Mother of Pearl, Mylar, Paper, Plastic, Pressboard, Rubber, Wood, Wood Veneer
  • Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
  • Lenses: Comes with a 2” lens, which can be switched out for a 1.5” or 4” lens (sold separately)

And if you like this machine but want a little bit more, check out the higher-tier models in the series, Fusion Maker 24 and Fusion Maker 36.

Optional Accessories:

  • Rotary Attachments
  • Extra Lenses (1.5” or 4”)
  • Air Assist Pump
  • Pin Table
  • Floor Stand with wheels

Pricing

The Epilog Fusion Maker 12 starts at $9995.

Final Verdict

If you’re ready to commit for the long term and have funds to invest, the Epilog Fusion Maker 12 is a trustworthy machine that can stick with you for the long haul.

Learn more about the Epilog Fusion Maker 12

Best Laser Engravers for Small Businesses: Comparison Table

xTool F1 xTool P2 Thunder Laser Bolt Boss Laser LS-1420 Epilog Fusion Maker 12
Size 7” x 9.25” x 13.1” 39.3” x 25.1” x 10.5” 36” x 27” x 18” 61.5” x 36.6” x 45.3" 39.5” x 26.5” x 17.9”
Weight 10.1 lbs 99 lbs. 170 lbs. 415 lbs. 138 lbs.
Laser Type Diode & Infrared CO2 (Glass Laser Tube) RF-Type CO2 Laser CO2 (Glass Laser Tube) CO2 (RF Tube)
Power Diode: 10W, Infrared: 2W 55W 30W 50W (Up to 70W) 30W or 40W
Working Area 4.53” x 4.53” square with rounded corners (Can expand to 15.75” x 4.53” with slide extension) 23.6” x 12” 20” x 12” 19.75" x 13.75" 24” x 12”
Max Material Height 4.4” 2.7” (can be extended to 8.4”)   4.3” 7.5” 7”
Max Speed 4000mm/s 600mm/s 1000mm/s 1000mm/s 1500mm/s
OS Support iPhone, Android, iPad, Windows, Mac Windows, Mac, iPad Windows, Mac Windows, Mac, Linux Windows, Mac
Software Support xTool Creative Space, Lightburn, etc. xTool Creative Space, Lightburn, etc. RDWorks, Lightburn, etc. RDWorks, Lightburn, etc. CorelDraw, Illustrator, AutoCAD, etc.
Warranty 1 year 1 year 2 years 2 years 2 years
Lens Options 1 built-in lens 1 built-in lens 1.5”, 2”, 2.5”, 4” 2”, 2.5” and 4” 1.5”, 2”, 4”
Price $1599 $4299 $5495 $4997 $9995

 

How to Choose the Best Laser Engraver for Your Business

Each machine has a laundry list of specs to look through. So how do you choose? What should you consider?

The answer: it depends. It comes down to the factors that matter for your business. Bottom line, you want a laser engraver that will make what you want to make and last as long as you need it to. You don’t want to invest a couple thousand dollars into something, only to grow out of it in a year.

So here’s a short list of things to consider as you make your choice:

  • What kind of blanks you want to engrave
  • If you want to cut as well as engrave (you’ll need a higher-powered CO2 laser for that)
  • Your working space and max height (as well as accessories or upgrades that could increase it)
  • Extra features that may be helpful to you
  • Max engraving speed
  • The type of laser, which changes how long the laser lasts and what kind of maintenance you need (learn more in our beginner’s guide to laser engraving)
  • Cost of accessories (if you want to engrave tumblers, for example, you’ll need the rotary attachment)

Final Thoughts

Congratulations—you’ve finished round 1 of speed dating for your next laser engraving machine. Were you able to narrow it down to a couple of main choices?

Now it’s time to dive deeper into each machine, look for honest reviews, and solidify your decision.

 

Along the way, we invite you to join the Official MakerFlo Facebook Community, where you can meet other crafters and ask about their experiences with laser engraving and other crafting methods.

Another great place to look is Reddit: both r/Laserengraving and r/lasercutting can give you advice on machines and their experiences.

Or read more in our round-up of the best laser engravers for tumblers.

But before you go off on your quest, make sure to bookmark this article so you can come back when you’re ready to purchase.

And with that, we wish you a long and happy relationship with the laser engraver of your small business dreams 🥂

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What business can I start with a laser cutter?

Custom laser-engraved gifts are selling like crazy right now. You can create personalized products, keepsakes, and mementos by engraving designs into blanks like cutting boards, tumblers, and more!

How much does a good laser engraver cost?

Expect to pay anywhere from $1.5K to $10K or more for a good machine. It depends on what you want to make. The more you pay, the more options you have for engraving and cutting.

What is the best laser engraver for beginners?

We recommend the xTool F1 for beginners, as it’s the easiest to use and set up, engraves extremely fast, and costs less than $2K.

Is laser engraving profitable?

It can be! As with all business ideas, you need to have customers and create products that people want. But if you can crack that code, save money on your materials (like using the xTool F1 and affordable engraving blanks), you can sell products at a good price and make a profit.

What laser-engraved items sell well?

In our experience, tumblers, cutting boards, whiskey decanters and glasses, and memory boxes seem to do well. A good test is to see what’s selling on Etsy.

How hard is it to learn laser engraving?

Anyone can learn laser engraving! It’s simple but it takes a little bit of practice to find the right settings for your laser. Check out our beginner’s guide to laser engraving to get started.

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