Best Diode Laser Engravers In 2024
Lasers are commonly classified based on their active gain medium—the source that excites electrons to form a laser. A prevalent type, that utilizes a semiconductor diode as a gain medium, is known as a diode laser machine.
Diode laser engravers are compact, affordable, and primarily designed for small use cases. If you’re a hobbyist, DIYer, or small business aiming to get into the crafting market, a diode laser engraver is something you need.
This article highlights the top diode laser engravers available in the market and crucial factors you need to consider before making a purchase.
Top Diode Laser Engraver Picks for 2024
Before we get into the details of each machine, here’s a quick introduction to all three picks on our list:
| Specification | xTool S1 (Best Overall) | xTool M1 (Best for Beginners) | xTool F1 (Best for Small Businesses) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,299 | $1,099 | $1,599 |
| Optical Power | 40W, 20W, 10W | 10W | 10W |
| Max. Engraving Speed | 600 mm/s | 250 mm/s | 4000 mm/s |
| Working Area | 498*319mm | 385 * 300mm | 115*115mm |
| Positioning Mode | Pin-Point Positioning System | 16MP Camera Positioning | Auto Focus |
| Passthrough Slot | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Curved Surface Engraving | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Rotary Engraving | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Batch Engraving | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ |
| Software | XCS, Lightburn | XCS, Lightburn | XCS, Lightburn |
Best Overall Diode Laser Engraver: xTool S1
The xTool S1 is the latest addition to the xTool laser engraving lineup. It is offered in three variants: 40W, 20W, and 10W, each targeting a distinct segment of users.
S1’s flagship variant (40W) is the most powerful enclosed laser module currently available in diode engravers. Additionally, a 2W infrared (IR) switchable diode module is available, ideal for engraving metals and plastics. The S1 provides xTool’s benchmark 600mm/s engraving speed, surpassing that of its competitors.
Featuring a generous bed size of 23.93*15.16 inches, the xTool S1 outpaces most competitors, which average around 15*13 inches. This ample space can be expanded further with an auto-passthrough slot that allows you to work on lengths up to 118 inches.
A significant feature of the S1 is its capability to engrave on curved and cylindrical surfaces—be it a bowl, a hydro flask tumbler, or any irregularly shaped object.
Innovatively, the S1 eschews cameras in favor of a more advanced, precise pinpoint positioning system. Users can mark various points along the edges of the object to get an outline of the material in the laser engraver software, where the design can be mapped.
The S1 is designed with safety as a priority. It is a class 1 laser product with an array of built-in safety features. It is fully enclosed with a laser filtering lid to ensure no gases or laser emissions escape. Moreover, it includes a lid-open safety stop button and 5-directional safety sensors to prevent mishaps.
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