Perhaps you’d like to add a beautiful touch to your wooden items or make a bespoke cutting to fabrics. Maybe you want to cut leather patterns and create delicate paper designs and logos. With this super-powerful machine, nearly any material can be processed in any fashion you like.
Summary
As we tested the various products, we found that the best laser cutter for small businesses & homes was the AtomStack A5. However, here are our category winners:
- Best laser cutters for small businesses & homes: AtomStack A5
- Best compact laser cutter: LaserPecker
- Best cheap laser cutter: ORTUR
- Best high-end laser cutter: Genmitsu
Why you can trust us & how we picked
You can trust us because we bought and tried all the laser cutters we’ve included on this list. We tried evaluating them on the basis of the same principles. We tried finding different laser cutters with various levels of functionality and budgets to meet the needs of all the readers.
7 Best Laser Cutters For Small Businesses & Homes, For the Money
Here is a list of the best laser cutters for small businesses & homes.
1. ORTUR Laser Master 2 – Best Budget-friendly
It offers exceptional performance at a knocked-down price.
It is one of the most affordable laser engraving kits on the market, offering outstanding performance at a low cost. The extra power supplied by the 20w model opens up a whole new world of possibilities for artisans and enthusiasts. It’s definitely worth the money!
The broad material compatibility of this powerful machine allows you to engrave designs into paper and wood. It can also handle plastic and other materials. The cutter’s rugged aluminum and acrylic frame includes safety features such as Active Position Protection and Laser Beam Safety Guard. It has Exposure Limitations, too.
LaserGRBL is a free download for Windows. It’s a must use, this equipment. You’ll be able to lay out your designs. You can manage the power of the laser while switching between engraving and cutting modes using LaserGRBL. LaserGRBL transforms laser-ready cutting paths from drawings made in popular image and CAD software like Photoshop and Inkscape. The program recognizes various file types, including NC and PNG. It allows you to download drawings on the Internet.
Check out all the cool artwork that the reviewers have created. There are a lot of great pictures that have been included! As we tested the Ortur, we loved the functionality it provided at the price point.
| Name | Laser Master 2 |
| Weight | 8.03 pounds |
| Engraving area | 390*410mm |
Pros
- It felt very user-friendly as we used it.
- Great price
- Great engraver
Cons
- It does have a learning curve to get started.
- It wasn’t the fasted machine we tested.
2. LaserPecker Pro Desktop Etcher – Best Compact Design
It’s small but mighty. It’s effortless to make stunning designs with LaserPecker Pro because of its powerful build and specs. The app offers a range of fascinating designs to pick from. You may also design your own by uploading an image or creative pattern design. It may be utilized in various materials, including paperboard and fabric. It’s great for wood and leather. You can also use it for felt and plastic. And there’s more. Because of its incredible versatility, it can manage your engraving demands without breaking a sweat.
This machine has been improved with a dynamic support stand that quickly sets up and focuses. No hassle, place the engraving target on the desired location. It automatically does the rest of the job. The stand’s built-in sensors will measure the distance between the laser generator and the target. It instantly changes the height to ensure that the focus point is the proper distance from the object’s surface.
The LaserPecker felt like a step up from the ORTUR.
| Name | LaserPecker |
| Weight | 4.07 pounds |
| Engraving area | 3.9″ * 3.9″ |
Pros
- We got really good results with the machine.
- Support felt great.
- The LaserPecker arrived really fast.
Cons
- The price was higher.
Check out the reviews to see the immaculate level of detail that this machine can get!
3. GanGou 3000mW Upgrade Version – Best High-Speed
It’s a pro-DIY logo engraver with the latest control system.
Are you in search of a 3000mw engraving machine? Get a Gangou engraving machine with a laser head and LED display. They’re great for flawless operations and a cutting mechanism with precise angle control.
The color and wavelength of the beam are exact and high-precision engraving. It’s thanks to its exceptional 3000 milliwatts laser class. Its high speed offers a great way for DIY or product customization. This high-speed machine has a thick foundation and artistry that achieves high-quality acrylic with a more refined touch. It ensures the most dependable built. Another advantage is the latest control system, which varies from the prior. The previous was an outdated control system.
One reviewer loves how he can use this without the need for a computer!
| Name | GANGOU |
| Weight | 8.68 pounds |
| Engraving area | 17.5*15.5CM |
Pros
- Decent introductory machine.
Cons
- We didn’t feel it was the highest-quality engraving.
- The machine feels of lower quality.
4. AtomStack A5 – Best Overall Value
High-performance laser head. AtomStack A5 can turn anything into a work of art. The most fantastic hobby etcher machine on a tight budget.
This features a strong metal frame as well as a powerful diode laser. It is effortless to put together and comes with multi-language instructions. It’s inexpensive, but it’s well-made! It is compatible with LaserGRBL and LightBurn software. It supports the engraving of JPEG images and text fonts. Do you have DXF or SVG vector files? That’s no problem! It can handle many more formats. It makes it very simple to use and requires no specific knowledge.
A high-performance head provides 9m hours of continuous work per day. It may last for many years, with an improved auto-focus function that caters to all of your creative possibilities. Its modular design makes it simple to assemble and upgrade machine parts.
If you’re a beginner and still learning the ropes, the Mathrose-built wonder is where you should be looking! We loved how the AtomStack felt to use.
| Name | ATOMSTACK |
| Weight | 9.47 pounds |
| Engraving area | 17″x16″ |
Pros
- It’s a great engraver.
- Solid machine for the price
Cons
- It has a higher price tag.
- Some learning curve
- The instructions could be a bit better.
5. Genmitsu CNC – Best High-end
It’s a vigorous and advanced home-based version.
It is often regarded as the trendiest and most powerful CNC machine on the planet. It is unquestionably up there amongst the best. This machine provides many choices for novices and specialists. The frame software allows you to plan projects in minutes with minimal CNC expertise. An offline-enabled instrument with a storage capacity of 2GB is adequate to log most of your woodworking jobs.
It is an advanced version of the first CNC router. This home router continues to provide impressive extra sizes of 24″ x 24″ and up to 40″ x 40″. Outfit your device with a free rotary 4th plane or axis and high power-driven modules capable of producing up to 16W of actual power. Improve your CNC, and modify it as you need it. Go big and start generating more.
People rave about how this has allowed them to upgrade their shop setup!
| Name | Genmitsu |
| Weight | 69.9 pounds |
| Engraving area | 15.7”x11.8”x4.3” |
Pros
- Great customer support
- It was easy to assemble
- Good manual
Cons
- A bit loud
- Fairly expensive
6. GOREFEI mini – Best User-friendly
It’s a small and practical beginner’s engraving tool. You may use it for good carving because it is small and easy to carry. The machine doesn’t take up much room and is ideal for handicrafts. Other than that, it is excellent for carving beautiful stuff. It is perfect for beginners and casual DIY enthusiasts. The provided USB cord makes it simple to connect to a PC. Your first etching on wood will indeed turn out fantastic!
We’ve also got a range of recommendations for split king beds and wire gauges!
7. NEJE Master 2S Max
It’s simpler and more professional. It comes with a 7.5-watt output power that is well-designed and simple to operate. The NEJE app is easy to use and a good start. The Lightburn program gives the user exact control and versatility for more complex features and applications at a meager cost. The NEJE.app and Lightburn both perform well on a Mac, which is a massive plus for Mac users!
The 7.5-watt output power is more than suitable for most basic engraving and cutting jobs. It’s except for cutting and engraving metals and translucent materials. It needs significantly more power and expenditure.
As a precautionary measure, use the included safety eyewear. Build a DIY enclosure around the engraver to keep beam reflections minimum.
| Name | NEJE Master 2 |
| Weight | 6 ounces |
| Engraving area | 110 x 120 mm |
Pros
- The price
- Easy to set up
Cons
- It is not an option for everyone.
- Not a fast machine
Factors to consider
Let’s talk about the machine itself and the aspects to evaluate when selecting the best one for your home or small business. Here are the factors to consider as you’re looking to buy a laser cutter for your small business or home.
Machine size & strength
The sizes range from large-scale industrial levels to the smallest desktop-sized ones. Industrial-scale ones include ones as those used by aviation or shipping firms. Smaller versions are unquestionably required if you purchase one for home or private use in a Techshop.
Watts are units of measurement for power. It is necessary for cutting. Power outputs ranging from 25 to 80 watts are adequate for most basic home applications. A device with a power rating of more than 80 watts is excellent for really intensive applications. Adding a powerful unit allows you to cut quicker and more consistently.
The instrument’s cutter
To choose a suitable model for your job, first establish what material you will be cutting or engraving.
Co2 is for lacerating or engraving thin organic non-metallic materials such as wood and plastic with improved edge quality.
Fiber is suitable for all types of metal, including steel and copper. Do you have aluminum and similar materials? It’s great since it provides a higher beam quality and a smooth cutting edge.
On the other hand, Vanadate may label a wide variety of materials. It includes nearly all metals and polymers.
Power consumption
Before buying, you should be aware of its power consumption. Some of us have no clue how much power it will need to operate the machine. On the other hand, the power requirements are typically lower than those of a heating furnace or an AC system.
The number of watts required is directly proportional to the machine’s optics. Its matching range of fluctuation changes substantially based on its wattage and how long it is used every day.
Take note of the following factors that affect power:
- The time it takes the machine to conduct the engraving or cutting procedure. Loading and unloading materials estimate for around 20 to 50 percent of total working time. Most models feature an energy-saving feature when in standby mode.
- The maximum power varies depending on the machine. The higher the wattage, the longer it will run. Besides, the total energy is only for a segment of all laser applications.
- The need for an exhaust system or a cooling fan also has a relevant impact on power consumption. Models with an energy-saving feature control the unit and exhaust system to conserve electricity. It can significantly save electricity.
Bed size
The bed size determines the material you can feed into the machine. The bigger the bed means bigger jobs you can work and cut multiple pieces at once. Beds can be fixed or adjustable that go up and down for a more convenient job.
Reliable beam marks
The marking happens in the quantity of the material rather than just on the surface. Laser markings are frequently quite resilient. In contrast to printed images, logos or codes are abrasion and discolor resistant.
Fluids or intense heat have little effect on the marking. It is a reason laser marking systems are more vital than ever for the security labeling of products and the prevention of imitation.
CNC versus Laser Cutting Device
CNC stands for Computer Numeric Control devices. It uses specialized tools to produce products fast and accurately. An artist develops a design using a software tool such as CorelDRAW or AutoCAD. A metal or another material is inserted on the cutting surface when satisfied with the pattern.
In the same way, a CNC system guides the laser metal cutting machine in laser cutting. The distinction lies in the manner in which the cutting takes place. A laser uses heat to generate the desired form of the object. Unlike typical CNC cutting, laser cutting uses a high-energy light beam to burn through the metal substrate.
System components
The entire system comprises mechanical pieces and a laser generator. It also has a path reflector and a CNC controller.
Optic lens
Lenses are vital for applications that need little or no image distortion. Each lens comes with a comprehensive data package that contains an interference pattern. It has measured values for diameter and radius. They also contain core depth and centration. The functions of full-reflex, semi-reverse, and single-focusing lenses differ. And their quality directly impacts the output power and the machine’s performance.
CNC
The control system is the central operating system of the machine that regulates the realization of its movement (XYZ axes), including output power regulation.
Power regulator drivers
It’s the connectivity between the generator and cutter. It also connects to the power supply system that regulates and prevents external network disturbances.
Frame
The mechanical component dictates the movement in the X, Y, and Z axes. It includes the work surface.
Generator
It is the source of power and generates a laser light source. Technically, it is the most prized part of the machine.
Cutting head
A nozzle, focusing lens, and tracking system are all part of the cutting head. It executes cutting movements in a specific axis in line with the designed program. It is also made up of a servo motor and a screw rod. It also comprises gearing and other components.
Motor (servo motor and stepping motor)
It’s the hub of the motion system.
Liquid cooling
It serves to remove internal and external excess heat from the machine. It allows it to function correctly.
Overview of the Various Instruments
Laser technology is a big game-changer in the modern world. It’s pretty helpful in cutting and edging, and engraving various materials.
What is it? A computer numerical control (CNC) cutting system allows you to run different materials and cut to extremely specified thicknesses to complete the patterned item. To describe it, it is a prototype and fabrication equipment for creating patterns that employ a laser beam to cut its material. It forms patterns and designs with ease.
The commands that drive them are derived from the illustrations formulated in the compatible computer illustrator app. When you bring up the drawing you want to execute, press the print button you select the type of material you want to cut. The machine will perform the rest of the job.
Designs may be customized or engraved on various materials, including metal and wood. It also works on glass and acrylic. It even works on plastic and vinyl. When it comes to laser cutting, most business owners prefer the machine since it is helpful for rapid prototyping.
Variation
Co2, fiber, and vanadate lasers are the three most popular types available. Please look at the table below to learn more about their key differences.
| Laser type | Nature | Performance | Works with | |
| Co2 | An electricity-stimulated carbon dioxide mixture was used. A laser that is widely utilized. | High-efficient beam quality | It’s for plastic and non-metallic materials such as wood & acrylic. It also works on glass and textiles. | |
| Fiber | It’s a fiber-optic version that falls into solid-state models. Its beam is produced by unique glass fiber. | It has 100 times the intensity with the same average power. | Metals, coated metals, and plasticVanadate (crystal laser)It uses a crystal to generate a .beamIt has the same wavelength as the fiber class but with a shorter life and higher cost. | All types of metals and plastics, even organic materials |
Dremel versus Glowforge
The Dremel is often regarded as the world’s first real laser instrument. With the Dremel, you can swiftly generate a range of materials with accurate features and colors that the device cannot match. It is UL certified, allowing for quick tube replacement. It features a full-color touchscreen that operates offline.
In contrast, a Glowforge is not a 3D printer. It may be able to etch characters in the shape of letters on a piece of material. Still, it falls under the category of subtractive manufacturing. All these devices are subtractive. It means they remove stuff in very small increments. It’s the same as a router and sandpaper.
The control method and the cutter type are the only valid distinctions between a Dremel and a drill press. CNC routers utilize a computer program to manage a spinning metal blade to remove material. In contrast, Glowforges use a computer program to control where it is going perfectly. The router swiftly eliminates a large quantity of material. The Glowforge accurately removes a tiny amount of material.4
How much do laser cutters cost?
As we tested the various products, we found that the laser cutters for small businesses and homes usually cost between $250 and $1,000. While you can pay more, you typically won’t have to.
Are you Prepared to Buy One?
Maintenance is the most complex issue with this machine. Ensuring all optics are clean and mirrors aligned may be a time-consuming, technical task. The greater the distance between each mirror on the cutting bed, the more difficult it is to align the mirrors that send the beam from the tube to the cutting region.
For the best performance, it must be oriented such that the laser strikes precisely in the middle of all mirrors.
Address the following questions before buying:
- What exactly is the use of?
- Is it for small businesses?
- Are you a hobbyist at home?
- Are you looking for a design studio?
- Are you working on a school project?
- Are you starting up a TechShop?
Tip: Go for industrial models with liquid cooling for applications that require the unit to run all day.
- Ventilation is a choice. Are you going to vent to the outside? If so, are there any HVAC air intakes nearby that will suck in the device’s exhaust fumes and smoke? If you don’t have the means to vent outside, will you have to use an in-room air cleaner?
- What materials do you intend to cut or engrave?
Thicker materials need a higher wattage. A 100-150w could cut 1/4′′-1/2′′ thick wood. Smaller wattage of 40-60W may only be engraved. It is ideal for homes and small businesses.
Safety Tips & Tricks
When you expose your skin to the laser, this equipment can be harmful to those who don’t know how to use them. On the other hand, many of these instruments are well-designed for learners and come with thorough instructions.
Materials such as wood and glass may be readily etched with a laser device cutter. They pose no threat as long as you run the machine appropriately. Avoid gazing at the laser while it is working.
They are hazardous equipment that must be treated and handled with extreme caution. Proper shielding is required, and the solution will vary depending on the wavelength you are using. As an added layer of protection, it should be used with the lid of the machine closed and safety goggles on. However, glasses are not necessarily needed if the machine is adequately shielded.
It’s no different from making sure you get the right size wire for your electrical projects!
