Complete Beautiful Projects With the Best Laser Engravers

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Finding Your Next Laser Engraver: A Buyer’s Guide

If you like channeling your creativity in different ways and are looking for a new tool to make some beautiful pieces, try using a laser engraver. You can use these machines to engrave personalized designs into different surfaces like wood and glass. Once strictly a space for industrial manufacturers, laser engraving has become increasingly common among crafters and hobbyist DIYers. It’s a great way to make gorgeous presents for birthdays and weddings, too. Whether you’re buying something for your business or you just want to let your creative side loose, there’s an option for almost everyone. So take a look at some of the top laser engravers for 2023 and help take your creativity to a whole new level.

If you like DIY projects, you’ll love this option from Makeblock. It uses a strong dual laser, helping you cut through wood and acrylic easily. There’s also different software for engraving customized patterns into almost any surface — this feature is super cool since you can control it using an app or even via USB. You can even engrave images on wood and metal offline, too. With its amazing engraving power and precision, this product is great for making signs and presents for loved ones.

Unlike other models with plastic wheels, this pick has steel wheels with greater accuracy — and you can even adjust the height of this machine for thicker surfaces, giving you clean results without any burn marks. With all these features, this laser engraver has earned the best overall spot on this list.

Pros

• Synchronous belt for motion accuracy
• Offers better eye protection
• Easy-to-adjust, fixed-focus laser

Cons

• Might be difficult for beginners

The Ortur Laser Engraver is a super handy machine that’s great for channeling creative energy and allowing you to create beautiful art at home. Not only is this tool easy to install, but it also offers higher precision for more intricate designs. And it also comes with a laser protective cover for better eye safety during use. 

With a powerful 32-bit motherboard, which is faster and more accurate, you can engrave almost any surface using ultra-fine focus and up to 1.6 watts of output power. This laser engraver also comes with a G-sensor, which automatically stops the laser if the object or engraving machine gets displaced — helping you get more precise results.

Pros

• Disconnects immediately during overloads
• Includes a rotary roller for engraving cylinders
• Effectively filters 97% of UV rays

Cons

• The instruction manual could be improved

Make beautiful art in plywood or acrylic with the OMTech 60W CO2 Laser Engraver. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, this laser engraver is simple and intuitive to use and brings your ideas to life! Cutting up to 1.4 inches of plywood or acrylic, this laser comes with a control panel and bundled Windows-compatible editions of RDWorks V8 and CoreLaser so you can read up on how to properly send your drawings to the engraver. 

The automated 20×28-inch workbed provides 3.8 square feet of room to engrave almost any small project. If you’re using it in a work environment, the key protection allows only you access to your laser engraver. The ethernet and USB ports allow the engraver to easily receive files from your computer or another device. The expected 2,000-hour service life will never let you down in the middle of a design; but if it does, the two-year warranty on the engraver should help a bit to keep you satisfied with your purchase. 

Pros

• Safe and easy to use
• Super precise
• Long battery life

Cons

• Not easy to move

Unlike most larger laser engravers, this mini version by Laserpecker is a portable machine that’s easy to carry. It’s lightweight, compact design takes up less space too, and it offers amazing engraving results. What’s even cooler is that you can use the app to engrave your favorite pictures on different surfaces.

This product comes in a gorgeous gold color and it includes a sturdy stand, too. Plus, this machine also has a password lock system, letting you control who uses it. With a high-quality 1.6-watt laser head, this engraver offers durability, stability, and precision — and it’s even equipped with a warning alert that automatically stops the engraving if the machine overheats.

Pros

• Comes with blue-light filter goggles
• The power bank can be used almost anywhere 
• Compact size weighing only six ounces

Cons

• Can only engrave smaller surfaces

Unlike most laser engravers with more dangerous beams, this pick from Atomstack features an eye-protection design, so you don’t have to wear goggles. It uses a powerful 0.009-inch laser that burns precise patterns onto almost any surface. Whether you’re printing on bamboo or stone, this laser can produce amazing results. You can also get free replacements for this product for a year after purchase.

Another reason you’ll like this machine is its built-in cooling system that helps cool down the laser when it starts to overheat. This can make your engraver last longer and also function better. It also comes with all the tools required for assembly too, allowing you to use it right out of the box.

Pros

• 180-degree, panoramic-viewing design
• Thin laser focus for intricate patterns
• Compatible with a range of engraving software

Cons

• No instructions included

The product from Neje is another great option for engraving designs on almost any surface. The app is really simple too, allowing you to draw designs using your phone, iPad, or laptop — plus it’s also compatible with different software. You can even use the app without a Wi-Fi connection, so you can design things on the go. There’s also a fast and powerful laser that offers amazing precision. And unlike other laser engravers that are noisy, this model includes a silent fan.

This product also uses super-cooling technology, so you won’t have to worry about it overheating. And you won’t have to worry about excess smoke either, making this machine safer to use. This engraver also comes with safety goggles and some tools for assembly.

Pros

• Includes an instruction manual
• Cuts through thicker wood and acrylic 
• Extremely easy to install and use

Cons

• Pretty small in size

What materials should I not engrave?

It’s better if you don’t try to engrave plastics such as polycarbonate. This is because this process might melt the material, making a mess of or ruining your products. It can also emit harmful gasses, so it’s best to avoid it.

How long will my laser engraver work?

A good-quality laser engraver will generally last for up to eight years if it’s properly maintained. If it breaks down, you can usually find replacement parts pretty easily.

What precautions should I take while using my laser engraver?

Remember to not touch the laser while using it because it can burn you. Some laser engravers also require you to wear goggles to protect your eyes.