12 Best Laser Cutters for Small Businesses

Small businesses frequently use laser cutters for a range of tasks; they’re great for jewelry, signage, and prototyping. Factors such as size, power, and price are important considerations for a small business owner who is looking to buy a laser cutter. To help you make an educated choice, we’ve assembled the following list of the top 12 laser cutters for small businesses: 

1. xTool M1

The xTool M1 has distinguished itself as the first desktop hybrid laser and blade-cutting machine. It doubles as a laser cutting and engraving machine as well as a blade cutting machine. Depending on the materials you wish to cut or engrave, you can choose between two models: the 5W and 10W versions. The xTool M1 can be applied to a wide variety of materials including metal, glass, and wood. For materials such as vinyl, its laser may not be the best option because burnt vinyl releases toxic fumes. This is where the blade becomes valuable. In one pass, the xTool M1 is powerful enough to cut through 8 mm of basswood. Some hardware specifications for this hybrid machine include a carving precision of 0.01 mm, a laser spot of 0.08×0.08 mm, and a work area of 385×300 mm. The xTool M1 has a laser cutting speed and a blade cutting speed of 30,000 mm/min and 10,000 mm/min respectively. A 10W costs about $999 while the 5W model costs around $899. 

2. Glowforge® Plus 3D Laser Printer

The Glowforge® Plus 3D laser device contains a 40W CO2 laser that utilizes a focused beam of light to cut or engrave many types of materials including: acrylic, wood, anodized aluminum, fabric, cardboard, leather, and glass. It is an upgraded version of the Glowforge® Basic and is highly valuable in the academic space because of its versatility. However, it should be operated in a well-ventilated environment or run in conjunction with the Glowforge® air filter. The Glowforge® Plus provides a precision of up to 0.025 mm and retails for $4,995. This desktop device was designed in-house and is suitable for both home and office use. It can cut through 12.7 mm of hardwood and has a build area of 292×508 mm. The cutting speed is 24,000 mm/min. 

3. Orion Motor Tech Laser Cutter

The 50W Orion Motor Tech laser comes in handy when cutting and engraving non-metallic materials such as: acrylic, rubber, cardboard, bamboo, and fabric. This device is known for its high-resolution standard optics and high-precision stepper motor. These hardware features give it the ability to engrave or cut materials with relative precision. It boasts a cutting speed of up to 23,927 mm/min. When the object to be engraved is cylindrical (such as a plastic cup), the cylinder rotary attachment makes it possible for an operator to engrave around the circumference. The Orion Motor Tech, which sells for $1,799, has a build area of 305×508 mm. For safety purposes, it also comes with an emergency stop button. 

4. Epilog Zing 24 

The Zing 24 is intended for high-quality engraving and cutting on a variety of materials, including: glass, leather, acrylic, and wood. With a 610×305 mm engraving area, the Epilog Zing 24 is appropriate for a range of projects. The Zing 24 is available in 30W, 40W, 50W, and 60W laser power options. The cost of the device ranges from approximately $11,000-$16,000. It is renowned for both its flexible capabilities and high-quality output. Some of its special features include air assist, a red dot pointer, and autofocus. The device is highly accurate and can engrave or cut intricate designs with precision. Though it is a versatile cutting and engraving machine, it is not suitable for metal-cutting applications.

5. xTool D1 Pro

xTool D1 Pro is a diode laser device. It is an upgraded version of the xTool D1 and is available in 5W, 10W, and 20W laser power options. The laser spot (0.08×0.1 mm) in the 20W model is finer than that on the 5W and 10W modules which come with compressed laser spots of 0.08×0.06 mm. It is available at a price range of $629.99-1,099.99. The xTool D1 Pro machine's high-resolution capability makes it possible to achieve deep cuts and engravings on a variety of materials. For instance, the 20W model can cut 8 mm acrylic or 10 mm basswood in a single pass. The 5W and 20W models have work areas of 430×390 mm while the 10W model has a work area of 430×400 mm. The maximum speed of the xTool D1 Pro is 24,000 mm/min.

6.  Spirit GLS X252

The Spirit GLS LaserPro X252 is an industrial-grade laser engraving and cutting device. It has a work area of 635×458 mm and a resolution of 125-1000 DPI. With a maximum power of 100 watts, the laser is perfect for engraving and cutting a wide range of materials, including: ceramic, composite, anodized metal, leather, wood, acrylic, and plastic. Very high positional accuracy lets this machine make precise and intricate cuts and engravings. The smartPIN auto-focus feature of the GLS LaserPro X252 is one of its unique features. This feature makes it simple and quick to focus on materials of various thicknesses. It also enables plug-and-play functionality. The Spirit GLS X252 costs approximately $9,399.62. Also included among its features is the smart center technology which makes it easier to find the center points of irregular shapes.

7. Morphon 130W Laser Cutter

The powerful and effective Morphon 130W Laser Cutter is made for professionals. With a 130-watt laser, it can pierce a variety of materials, including: metal, leather, wood, and acrylic. This machine's cutting speed is also impressive, reaching a top speed of 30,000 mm/min to enable quick and accurate cuts. High accuracy is one of this device’s most notable characteristics. The Morphon 130W Laser Cutter is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality laser cut. It is reasonably priced and has a work area that measures 1397×889 mm. One potential drawback of the Morphon 130W Laser Cutter is its size; it has a relatively large footprint compared to other laser cutters of similar power and capability. 

8. SUNCOO K-40 Laser Cutter

The SUNCOO K-40 Laser Cutter is a multifunctional tool that enables users to cut and engrave a variety of materials. There are only a few minor differences between it and the laser model known as Morphon K-40. With a build area of 305×203 mm, the K-40's 40W CO2 laser can easily cut through materials like leather, acrylic, and wood. The SUNCOO K-40 has incredible speed in addition to power. Users can complete projects quickly and effectively thanks to its cutting speed of up to 21,030 mm/min. The SUNCOO K-40 is also affordable — at $1,929, it’s priced very competitively compared to other laser cutters with similar capabilities.

9. Bobs CNC Evolution 3 Laser Cutter

BobsCNC offers DIY kits that enable the BobsCNC router to serve also as a cutter and engraver. The appropriate mountable laser will depend on whether yours is an E-series, Evolution series, or KL series CNC device. To create a hybrid or all-in-one device, this laser is mounted securely onto the router with wingnuts. Afterward, the laser mode can be activated which enables it to cut and engrave all kinds of materials including leather, wood, and stone. The BobsCNC All-in-One Laser and Mounting Kit Bundle costs $359.99-929.96 while the CNC router itself costs $1,876.32. When combined, the setup amounts to a total cost of $2,236.31-2,806.28. 

10. Dremel LC40 03 Digilab Laser Cutter

The Dremel LC40 03 Digilab Laser Cutter is a top-tier laser cutter made for precision cutting and engraving of a variety of materials, including: wood, acrylic, glass, leather, and fabric. The Dremel LC40 03 Digilab Laser Cutter has a built-in camera that makes placing materials on the cutting board simple and accurate. It is powered by a 40W laser that consistently produces accurate and precise cuts. While expensive (coming in at $8,299), it is well worth the money due to its high-quality features and capabilities. The build area of the device is 508×305 mm.

11. Vevor Laser Cutter

The Vevor Laser Cutter uses a CO2 laser to produce accurate and timely results on a variety of materials. It can easily cut through materials such as: wood, acrylic, leather, paper, and plastic. The Vevor Laser Cutter can operate at a cutting speed of up to 600 mm/min. It also makes clean, precise cuts every time thanks to a high-precision stepper motor. The device has a 0.01 mm positioning accuracy, costs about $3,062, and has a build area of 310×300 mm.

12. Mophorn K-40 Laser Cutter

The Mophorn K-40 Laser Cutter is intended for hobbyists, small businesses, and educational institutions. This laser cutter's small size means it can easily fit on a workbench or tabletop. It has a 40-W CO2 laser with enough strength to cut through materials like: cardboard, wood, acrylic, and cork. The Mophorn K-40 Laser Cutter has a build area of 300×200 mm and a top engraving speed of 30,000 mm/min. It can be used for both cutting and carving tasks and has a positional accuracy of 0.01 mm. A good Mophorn K-40 typically costs $2,949.

How to Choose the Best Laser Cutter for Small Business?

When choosing a laser cutter for your small business, there are many factors to consider. These considerations are listed below:

1. Cutting and Engraving Capability: Take the wattage of the device into account. Thicker and harder materials demand more power before the material will ablate away. 
2. Material Compatibility: Make sure the machine you select can cut or engrave the materials you intend to use. 
3. Size and Capacity: A machine with a larger working area is necessary if you intend to work on large items. 
4. Maintenance: Evaluate the machine's ease of upkeep and repair. You want to be able to refurbish parts easily or attain replacements at a reasonable price.
5. Price: Consider your budget and choose a laser cutter that meets both your needs and budget.

What Is the Cheapest Best Laser Cutter for Small Business?

The cheapest and best laser cutter for small businesses is typically the xTool D1 Pro Laser Cutter. The xTool D1 Pro is a desktop-sized device that can cut and engrave and runs between $629.99 and $1,099.99 depending on operating power.

What Is the Most Expensive Best Laser Cutter for Small Business?

The Epilog Zing 24 is the most expensive laser cutter for small businesses, priced between $11,000 and $16,000. It includes advanced features like a job management system, an air-cooled laser tube for maximum efficiency, and a high-resolution camera for precise alignment. 

What Is the Advantage of the Best Laser Cutter for Small Businesses?

High-quality laser cutters will be more precise and versatile than cheaper versions. They achieve that precision because they cut through materials with focused beams of light. This enables small businesses to produce high-quality products that live up to their customer's expectations, especially for complex designs or patterns. The versatility of laser cutters is an additional benefit. Wood, acrylic, metal, and even fabric are among the materials that laser cutters can cut. Because of this versatility, small businesses do not need to spend as much money on additional tools and equipment to produce a variety of goods.

What Is the Disadvantage of the Best Laser Cutter for Small Businesses?

High-end laser cutters have their drawbacks, especially for small businesses. The most immediate is the initial cost of the machine. Additionally, complex machines require a significant amount of expertise in order to operate. 

Laser cutters can be significantly more expensive than other cutting tools like saws or drills, particularly for models with high power and precision. For small businesses — especially those that are just getting started or that have tight budgets — this can be a major obstacle. Furthermore, operating a laser cutter requires a certain level of expertise, which can be difficult for small businesses to attract. In contrast to more straightforward cutting tools that require little training, laser cutters have a more involved setup procedure and necessitate familiarity with multiple software applications. This implies that small businesses might have to spend money on employee training or employ specialized personnel to operate the equipment, raising the total cost of ownership.

What Can the Laser Cutter for a Business Cut

The following materials can be cut by a laser cutter (depending on the power output):

1. Wood
2. Acrylic
3. Leather
4. Paper
5. Cardboard
6. Fabric
7. Glass
8. Metal

What Is the Best Laser Cutter for Wood?

The xTool M1, Orion Motor Tech Laser Cutter, Epilog Zing 24, and Glowforge® Plus 3D Laser Printer are among the best laser cutters for wood. A variety of features give these machines a leg up, including: strong laser tubes, expansive bed sizes, and rotary attachments for engraving cylindrical objects. They are appropriate for both hobbyists and small business owners and are perfect for woodworkers who need to make particularly accurate cuts and engravings. 

Are There Safety Precautions to Follow Before Laser Cutting?

Yes, there are safety precautions to follow anytime you use a laser cutter. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, ensure the area is properly ventilated, maintain your machines regularly, and always prep your materials properly. These safety measures can help you prevent accidents and maintain a secure workplace. For more information, see our guide on Laser Cutting Safety Precautions.

Is Safety Gear Needed When Laser Cutting?

Yes, laser cutting requires safety equipment. To safeguard against the laser's radiation and fumes, you need personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety goggles, thick gloves, and a face mask or respirator. For more information, see our guide on Safety Gears When Using a Laser Cutter.

Summary

This article presented the best laser cutters for small businesses, explained what they are, and the features of each one. To learn more about laser cutters for various businesses, contact a Xometry representative.

Xometry provides a wide range of manufacturing capabilities, including sheet cutting and other value-added services for all of your prototyping and production needs. Visit our website to learn more or to request a free, no-obligation quote.

Copyright and Trademark Notices

1. GLOWFORGE® is a trademark of Glowforge Inc.

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