LASER ENGRAVING MACHINE TYPES

Laser Engraving Machine Types

If you are new to laser engraving and want to choose a machine that will suit your needs, you may not know where to start when faced with so many options.Let’s take a closer look at the types of laser engraving systems and share some practical tips to help you make an informed choice.

Understanding the 3 Main Laser Engraving Technologies

When discussing varieties of laser etching machines, the core differentiator is the laser source. Here’s a quick comparison:

LaserType	BestFor	PowerRange	MaterialCompatibility	Cost(USD)
CO2 Lasers	Wood, acrylic, leather	30W–150W	Non-metals (wood, glass)	$3,000–$15k
Fiber Lasers	Metals, plastics	20W–100W	Metals (aluminum, steel)	$8k–$50k
Crystal (Nd:YAG)	Metals, ceramics	50W–300W	Hard materials (steel, stone)	$15k–$100k

Data sourced from 2023 industry reports by Grand View Research.

CO2  lasers dominate hobbyist markets—they’re affordable and versatile.Three years ago, I purchased a 60-watt CO2 laser for custom wood signs. While cleaning the smoke residue can be a hassle, it’s easy enough for a beginner to use, and it’s been working for me ever since. Meanwhile, fiber lasers are faster for metal engraving but cost three times as much.

Categories Based on Application

Let’s explore laser engraver categories based on use cases:

Desktop Models

Ideal for small businesses or home use.The market price of a CO2 engraving machine is about $4,500. It is mainly used for engraving customized gifts, jewelry and thin materials.

Industrial Systems

Industrial applications mainly involve high-speed, heavy-duty machines that often require pneumatic assistance systems and dual-lens devices to ensure precise operation. However, due to noise and smoke issues, we need to equip dedicated work areas to avoid these shortcomings.

Portable Units

This device is a battery-friendly option that is great for workshops and is convenient for making some lightweight materials, but the power consumption is limited (usually ≤10W).

Emerging Trends in 2025

Increased Use of Automation and AI in Laser Cutting

With the widespread application of artificial intelligence, our laser cutting technology has also achieved the integration of automation and artificial intelligence, integrating artificial intelligence into the laser cutting process. It not only replaces a large number of tedious and repetitive manual operations, but also builds a more intelligent system that can continuously learn, adapt and improve.

Diversification of laser cutting materials

Another exciting trend in 2025 is the continued expansion of the range of materials that can be laser cut. In addition to common metals such as stainless steel and aluminum, laser engraving machines can now also play an important role in processing high-performance materials such as titanium alloys, carbon fiber composites and even ceramics.

This will be particularly beneficial for industries like aerospace and medical devices, which require advanced materials to meet stringent performance standards.

How to Choose the Right Machine

When evaluating classifications of laser engraving equipment, prioritize:

• Budget: A basic CO2 laser has a market price of around $3,000, while a fiber-optic system costs more than $8,000.
• Materials: Need metal engraving? Skip CO2 and go fiber.
• Software Compatibility: LightBurn is a crowd favorite—intuitive and supports both CO2 and fiber.

Software compatibility is also important.I made the same mistake 5 years ago when I bought a refurbished machine. I neglected to check the software requirements, and it failed to meet my engraving needs. I ended up spending an extra $500 to upgrade the software before it could work properly.

Whether you’re engraving wedding rings or industrial parts, choosing the right type of laser engraving system for your needs is crucial. Regardless of which device you need, be sure to test the machine’s software beforehand, and always consider maintenance costs!