Best Laser Engraving Machine for Metal in 2023

Engraving metal can be fun to add a personal touch to objects. To do that, you need a good laser engraver equipped to add unique designs to your metal-based projects. But how will you know the best laser engraving machine for metal? 

A laser engraver is a tool that helps DIYers, small business owners, tech enthusiasts, etc., to etch designs and logos on metal surfaces. It is used to inscribe names, designs, patterns, logos, etc., on nameplates, jewelry, silverware, logos, and other objects.   

Browsing through a wide range of laser engravers for metal can be tricky, right? How should you pick a suitable device? Today, we’ll answer your questions!

Related: 8 Best Laser Engraving Machines For Wood in 2023

Best Laser Engraving Machine for Metal in 2023: Top 8 Choices

It’s time for you to check out our favorite products in this category. So take a look at the list of our recommendations:

1. Best Beginner/Entry-Level:  Aufero AL2 LU2-2
2. Best Mini Laser Engraver: ORTUR Laser Master
3. Best Portable Laser Engraver: ATOMSTACK P9 M50
4. Best 3D Laser Engraver:  Twotrees TTS-55 3D
5. Best For Metal & Wood: SCULPFUN S9
6. Best For Cups & Mugs:  Makeblock xTool D1 10W+RA1
7. Best For Guns: SFX Raycus JPT
8. Best Overall/Editor’s Choice: Triumph Fiber Laser Marking Machine

How to Choose the Best Laser Engraver for Metal

Finding a suitable laser engraver can become more manageable if you know what to look for in a device. We have researched various aspects and come up with the following guide to help you choose the right tool:

a) Type of Laser Engraver For Metal

1. CO2 Laser Engraver

The most common engraver available at the lowest cost, this tool uses Co2 mixed with nitrogen. The mix may have helium. It turns to plasma and passes through the engraver’s nozzle as a laser beam. You can use it to engrave art, branding, and sign boards. 

2. Fiber Laser Engraver

This device produces laser beams with a fiber optic cable made of thousands of glass fibers. It is pretty powerful and can engrave any metal at high speed. Fiber laser engravers are ideal for industrial applications and labels. They also cost higher. 

3. YAG Laser Engraver

YAG engravers create laser beams with the help of electrically-charged yttrium aluminum garnet. The beams have lower visibility. This type of engraver is less popular than the other two categories. It is used primarily for industrial purposes and is the most expensive.   

b) Purpose

Do you want to use the engraver for hobby projects or a business? What types of engravings do you want? CO2 engravers are great for DIY and small business projects, but larger businesses need fiber engravers. YAG engravers are for industrial uses only. 

c) Metal Type 

You may need different types of metal to engrave, like aluminum, stainless steel, etc. And your engraver choice should depend on that. Check the features to know if the engraver you want to buy can handle the metal you’ll work with most often.

d) Size

Depending on the projects you’ll handle, the dimensions of the items you engrave will vary. So will the engraver size. Portable mini-engravers are for small objects only. Machines to tackle more significant pieces are usually larger. 

e) Software Compatibility

Modern laser engravers can be operated with a PC or even a phone. It gives you a chance to better view the image or design. So the engraver must be compatible with your software, like Illustrator or Autocad.

f) Special Features  

If you want to get an engraver that is unique and advanced, you can try machines equipped with special features. These include 3D printing, handling multiple materials, UV filters, the ability to engrave curves, etc.

g) Budget

Laser engravers can vary in price depending on the size, advanced features, quality, etc.. But it’s easy to get tempted to invest a little extra for some extra features. So consider your budget before shopping.  

h) Skill 

Not all metal engravers are built alike. Some can help newbies get the hang of working with metal. Other machines have complex features for experienced users. Check what skills are required for a tool before buying it. 

Best Beginner Laser Engraving Machine For Metal

Aufero AL2 LU2-2 Laser Engraver 

The Aufero AL2 LU2-2 Laser Engraver is an excellent choice for those who have recently started metal engraving. It’s pocket-friendly and easy to use. Plus, it can engrave various materials besides metal for different projects.

What We Love About The Product:

If you’ve recently taken a shine to engraving metal, the Aufero AL2 LU2-2 Laser Engraver is a user-friendly choice. From setting up the tool to engraving metal objects – everything is super-convenient. It is highly accurate, thanks to the advanced 32-bit motherboard. 

With a real luminous power of 1,000-1,600mw, it engraves various coated or non-reflective metals. But that’s not where its versatility ends. The tool can work its magic on bamboo, wood, paper, leather, ceramics, etc. It also has an impressive 10,000mm/min speed. 

Plus, the small focal point and the small luminous civility allow you to achieve high-precision patterns. Its engraving range of 390mm×390mm meets your DIY needs. It has four safety modes – and an eye cover for double protection. 

Pros:

• Sturdy structure for durability
• Easy to install and use
• The pocket-friendly choice for beginners
• Impressive software compatibility
• It comes with an eye protection cover

Cons:

• Lacks clear instructions
• No limit switches 

Check the Aufero AL2 LU2-2’s latest prices on Amazon

Best Mini Laser Engraving Machine For Metal

ORTUR Laser Master Mini Portable Laser Engraver  

The ORTUR Laser Master Mini Portable Laser Engraver is the best option for a laser engraver to handle small-sized metal objects. It is light and easy to use – and is perfect for beginners and semi-experts. 

What We Love About The Product:

As a DIYer, a small and portable engraving device like the ORTUR Laser Master Mini Portable Laser Engraver can make your projects easy. It has a dimension of 18.11″ x 11.22″ x 5.43″ and an engraving area of 150x130mm. It’s light, too, weighing only 5.39lb.

Its advanced firmware and 3000mm/min speed make it a smart engraving device for outstanding accuracy. It has a professional 32-bit motherboard. And for better outcomes, it is also compatible with all the advanced design software available for designers. 

It is a high-quality laser engraver with the quality assurance and goodwill of Ortur, one of the best engraver brands. You can use this tool to engrave stainless steel and other types of metals, except glossy metal. It can handle other materials, as well! 

Pros:

• Light and portable
• User-friendly design
• Pocket-friendly engraver
• Works on various materials
• High accuracy and speed 

Cons:

• It can be a little noisy
• No hard copy of manual

Check the ORTUR Laser Master Mini Portable Laser Engraver’s latest prices on Amazon

Best Portable Laser Engraving Machine For Metal

ATOMSTACK P9 M50 Laser Engraver

The ATOMSTACK P9 M50 Laser Engraver is an excellent device for high-quality performance in reduced spaces. From thick cuts to fine details – it can handle a wide range of designs.

What We Love About The Product:

As you may know, it’s hard to find a laser engraver that serves various purposes – without being too heavy. Hence, we recommend the ATOMSTACK P9 M50 Laser Engraver. It weighs only 8lb. The machine’s dimensions are 19.3″ x 10.6″ x 5.1″.

It’s a Co2 laser engraver working on a diode laser module with a combination of laser focus and compressed spot. It’s compatible with LaserGRBL and LightBurn. You can operate it online and offline. You’ll also love its 11000mm/min speed.

You’ll also love the 3.5-inch touch-screen feature that gives it a user-friendly interface. It has a protective cover to filter UV rays. The movement accuracy of 0.01 mm and 0.02 mm repeat position accuracy make it perfect for tackling various materials, too.  

Pros:

• Light and portable laser engraver
• Ideal for various skill levels
• Highly impressive accuracy and speed
• Panoramic filter glass for eye protection
• Aluminum body for sturdiness

Cons:

• The tricky assembly process for beginners
• The time-consuming software setup process   

Check the ATOMSTACK P9 M50’s latest prices on Amazon

Best 3D Laser Engraving Machine For Metal

Twotrees TTS-55 3D Laser Engraving Machine 

The Twotrees TTS-55 3D Laser Engraving Machine is a pocket-friendly tool for various projects. It’s a high-speed and high-accuracy laser engraving tool that’s great at deep-carving designs on any object. It also makes clean cuts.

What We Love About The Product:

If you’re looking for an engraving tool to etch 3-dimensional designs on metal objects, the Twotrees TTS-55 3D Laser Engraving Machine is a top choice. Its double ultra-dine compressed spot makes it great for hobbyists or people planning to start their small businesses. 

With this engraver, you get high-quality designs – without burning a hole in your pocket. It is compatible with advanced software used by pro and expert designers. It’s almost magical how the tool works on its own to burn the substrate material at different depths. 

Thus, the 3D look you get is realistic – fantastic precision at a 30000 mm/min speed. The scale on the device makes it easier to achieve accuracy. The tool is easy to assemble and comes with an 80W laser module cover to protect your eyes from UV rays.  

Pros:

• Made of high-quality materials
• Easy to use and put together
• Low-cost 3D engraving tool
• Filters UV to protect eyes
• High level of precision 

Cons:

• It may take time for newbies to learn
• Compatibility issues faced by some MAC users 

Check the Twotrees TTS-55 3D’s latest prices on Amazon

Best Laser Engraving Machine For Metal & Wood

SCULPFUN S9 Laser Engraver 

A multi-purpose laser engraver that can handle different materials with equal efficiency, the SCULPFUN S9 Laser Engraver is a versatile device. It is the best laser machine for metal and wood and delivers detailed designs. 

What We Love About The Product:

If your projects involve using both wood and metal, you need an engraver that can produce beautiful designs on both, like the SCULPFUN S9 Laser Engraver. It provides clean and ultra-fine lines due to the 0.1 mm beam and compression focus laser spot of 0.06 mm.    

This engraver is designed with a sliding design and a fixed focus lens. This lets you make detailed designs and cuts on stainless steel, ceramics, acrylic, and wood. This device is a popular choice among jewelry makers because of its accuracy. 

While using this engraver, you can manipulate the laser shaping technology and lock the focus for more accuracy. Plus, its precision graduation lines allow you to tackle objects of different sizes. It is designed with an eye-protective cover and a metal pad.  

Pros:

• Compatible with multiple software and formats
• Equipped with various safety features
• Built-in fan for improved efficiency
• All-metal design for durability
• Engraves on different materials

Cons:

• Tricky software setup for beginners
• Insufficient instructions in the manual

Check the SCULPFUN S9’s latest prices on Amazon

Best Laser Engraving Machine For Cups & Mugs

Makeblock xTool D1 10W+RA1 Laser Engraver 

The Makeblock xTool D1 10W+RA1 Laser Engraver is designed for engraving curved and flat surfaces. It’s ideal for cylindrical items and opens opportunities for many DIY projects and sellable objects. 

What We Love About The Product:

Do you love experimenting with and engraving various objects, surfaces, and materials? The Makeblock xTool D1 10W+RA1 Laser Engraver is an excellent choice. It has a rotary attachment and uses raisers to hold and engrave glasses, cups, mugs, etc.

The device can provide anything from thick cuts to ultra-fine lines for this. But it’s not just for curved surfaces. Since it can also engrave on flat surfaces, you can do anything with this device. It is the best machine for teaching purposes and small businesses. 

This machine has a robust structure for long-term use. You can choose various design software options to engrave your favorite design on various materials. It also offers excellent connectivity through a USB cable, TF card, and Wi-Fi. 

Pros:

• Combines thin and thick lines for details
• Ideal for curved and flat surfaces
• Sturdy and high-quality material
• Excellent for professional use
• Engraves various materials  

Cons:

• Downloading issues noticed by some users
• No limit switch, thus risking damage

Check the Makeblock xTool D1 10W+RA1’s latest prices on Amazon

Best Laser Engraving Machine For Guns

SFX Raycus JPT Fiber Laser Engraver 

SFX Raycus JPT Fiber Laser Engraver is a good choice for professional uses in the hands of experts. This fiber laser machine engraves and marks guns and pistols for branding and personalization.   

What We Love About The Product:

If your engraving business has taken off, it’s time to move on to a high-end machine. The SFX Raycus JPT Fiber Laser Engraver can be an excellent option. It is designed to engrave all types of metals, like stainless steel, copper, brass, etc.     

It can also handle non-metal materials. The machine is compatible with all types of advanced software for designing – be it Coreldraw, Autocad, or PhotoShop. Thus, it can be used in various applications in hardware, jewelry, and other large-scale industries. 

The device is designed with a rotary fixture that rotates at high speed for precision and ease. It handles small items like pens, boxes, rings, etc. If you receive requests to engrave guns or pistols, use this tool to etch designs, logos, names, etc., on them. 

Pros:

• Engineered for pro/expert-level use
• Quick and easy mounting/dismounting
• Engraves all types of metal surfaces
• Designed for low-noise performance
• It comes with detailed instructions

Cons:

• Expensive due to high-end features
• Not for newbies or DIY projects  

Check the SFX Raycus JPT Fiber Laser Engraver’s latest prices on Amazon

Best Overall Laser Engraving Machine For Metal

Triumph Fiber Laser Marking and Engraving Machine

The Triumph Fiber Laser Marking and Engraving Machine can be an excellent fit for every small business that deals with engraving and marking metal and non-metal objects. It provides remarkably detailed designs and high-speed delivery. 

What We Love About The Product:

Turn your hobby or small store into a full-fledged business to engrave and mark objects – with the Triumph Fiber Laser Marking and Engraving Machine. It may cost a fortune but offers top-notch features – starting with two lenses for 110x110mm and 200x200mm engraving areas. 

It engraves at 9000 mm/sec. – with a line width of 0.02 mm and a 0.01 mm repetition precision. It is designed mainly for metals like copper, silver, aluminum, gold, stainless steel, etc., and can work on many non-metal materials and with curved and flat items. 

The machine has a computerized system with a 19″ LCD and Windows 10 OS for industrial use. It is compatible with all software. It handles the minutest details in designs and provides pro-level efficiency, making it our favorite.            

Pros:

• Designed to handle professional projects
• High-quality and long-lasting machine
• Equipped for cylindrical and flat surfaces
• Delivers remarkable precision and details
• It comes with complete instructions

Cons:

• Expensive due to cutting-edge features
• Not for hobbyists without experience

Check the Triumph Fiber Laser Engraving Machine’s latest prices on Amazon

Related: How to Engrave with Cricut Maker? Acrylic, Wood, Metal

Laser Engraving Machine for Metal FAQs

Can you laser engrave on metal?

There are different laser engravers, many of which are designed for metal. CO2 and Fiber laser engravers are the most common for metal, while YAG engravers are less commonly used. When purchasing, find out if it can work with metals.

How much does a laser metal engraver cost?

The price of laser engravers for metal can vary broadly, depending on the machine’s features. If you are looking for a tool to help you learn or get started with DIY projects, you’ll find engravers within $200. But pro-quality engravers cost thousands of dollars.

Final Words

Choosing the best laser engraving machine for metal may initially seem challenging. But don’t let the varied features and prices confuse you. If you know what you want to do with the device and follow our advice, picking the right tool will be easy.