Are you searching for a laser marking machine that you can use for this year? Well, you don’t have to search anymore since we are finally here! In this post, we are going to give you a thorough review of the top ten best laser marking machines available on the market. 

So, if you want to know more about it, then let’s get started!

What Are Laser Marking Machines

It cannot be denied that the number of users of subtractive manufacturing technologies is continuously increasing. The laser marking machines that we will be reviewing below will enable you to engrave or integrate your preferred graphics on a worksheet that is made with wood, metal, or even plastic. 

Some of you might think that the laser marking machines and the subtractive technologies are the same when it comes to the surface. But the laser marking can provide you with unique functionalities compared with the methods you know. With laser marking machines, you can perform laser cutting and laser engraving.

For those who don’t know, laser marking is a method that helps you to label or mark a worksheet surface with the use of a laser beam. That beam is not strong enough to penetrate the sheet but still allows machinists to alter the surface of materials. The said method is popular for making QR codes, logos, barcodes, and any other identification types. Most industries that are using laser marking machines use titanium and stainless steel as their worksheets.

Recommended Machines

Since laser marking machines are popular and on-demand, there are lots of manufacturers and companies that create different models and brands of the said item. In connection with that, you may have a hard time picking the best. 

With an overwhelming amount of products on the market, it’s easy to get confused. So, we have reviewed the top ten best laser marking machines that are worth buying. We go through the different laser-based marking machines that are affordable and can still bring you quality work.

The following is our thorough review of the top ten best laser marking machines on the market.

Rofin EasyMark

This is a laser-marking machine that is made in Germany. It will provide you with superb work. Since it is very portable, you can store it in your workplace without taking too much space. Its size is 180 x 180 mm and also comes with an intriguing design.

It features five different machines. Each machine comes with a lifting door that is made with glass. Opening the lifting door will enable you to have full access to its marking chamber. You can also ensure that this machine is protected by closing the door when not in use. 

The main priority of its manufacturer is the modularity. When purchased, you can enjoy its camera and optics solution features. When it comes to the laser source, the said machine comes with 10 to 50 watts of power. It also features an air-cooling system ensuring the best performance. You can also use it with Z-axis, but it is only optional. 

This is a laser marking that uses a laser source with minimal range. This will allow you to create a smooth mark. This is perfect to be used for creating lines and other graphics on a stainless steel surface.

Epilog FiberMark S2

The FiberMark 24 released its newest and enhanced version, which is the Epilog FiberMark S2. It will provide you with 305 x 61 mm of engraving space. Aside from that, it also offers a wide range of key features and industrial-grade components. 

According to its manufacturer, this is their initial laser marking machine that will provide you with a flying-optic fiber laser system. This is the application wherein the worksheet is maintained on its place while the mirrors are moving through the Y and X axes. 

This is a beginner-friendly laser marking machine since it has a fixed mass of motors enabling you to control and predict the laser system.

It is also used by starting manufacturers and businesses. It is loaded with many features that you will love. These include its vector/raster color mapping feature, emergency stop button feature, adjustable power, and speed feature, and many others. 

Another reason why this laser-marking machine is popular is that it can be used easily and conveniently. You can also stabilize its fiber laser source easily. You can use it in encrypting graphics on plastic and metal materials,

Control Laser InstaMark

When it comes to versatility, there are only a few laser marking machines that will provide you with adaptability. Well, the Control Laser InstaMark is a laser marking system that will provide you with a top-notch versatility.

Its size is similar to your desktop. There are two varieties of laser marking approaches you can use; the MOPA fiber laser and the Q-switched fiber laser. In connection with that, it would be easier for you to switch to the Class IV laser system from the Class I and II laser systems. 

This is being used by many to label a workpiece material with barcodes, graphics, and alpha-numeric for about 1,250 characters written every second.

You can use it to engrave graphics on plastic, ceramic, titanium, aluminum, and stainless steel materials. If you are managing a small manufacturing service and business but still want to have a high-end marking system, then this Control Laser InstaMark is perfect for you. It has a good size you can store easily. You can ensure that your needs and requirements will be met by this machine.

FiberCube 3802 Series

Are you looking for a laser marking machine that will provide you with versatility and portability? Well, FiberCube 3802 Series is the answer. The said system will provide you with manageable pulse rates. Since it is manageable, you can adjust it to your preferred pulse. As a result, you can use it for cutting, engraving, and marking works.

Its manufacturer stated that you could use it for various laser marking works, such as coordinated rotary motion, step-and-repeat laser marking, and flat surfaces. You will also be amazed by its marking speed. It can engrave 200 of maximum characters each second. 

In general, if you want to a multi-faceted professional laser marking machine that can be used easily, then you may consider trying the FiberCube 3802 Series.

Maiman 50W Fiber Laser Machine

One of the things you will love about this laser-marking machine is that it comes with 150 x 150 mm of marking area and 50 watts of Raycus laser. It has a portable size. This will enable you to mark both the plastic and metal workpieces. You can also use it for making file formats. It is also compatible with well-known app programs, including Photoshop, AutoCAD, and CorelDRAW that also licensed with EZCAD software.

Its creator stated that this is a machine you can use for kitchenware, electronic components, auto parts, jewelry, and many others. Generally, if you are looking for a laser-marking machine that can provide you with precise marks to your products, which include barcode, date, or serial number, then consider using this Maiman 50W Fiber Laser Machine.

DIHORSE Desktop Fiber Laser Marking Machine

This is one of the laser marking machine that is considered to be comprehensive. It will provide you with a working area of 200 mm x 200 mm. Another thing that you will love about this product is that it has a long-lasting life of laser module. You can etch or mark your preferred workpiece faster with the help of its 30W galvanometer fiber laser. 

People who own this machine use it in marking different workpieces, which include metal, stainless steel, plastic materials, and many others. You can use it to write serial numbers, barcodes, and designs on jewelry. Make sure that the material is metal-based or polymer-based.

Another thing that made us amazed by this product is that it has excellent customer support and service. When you purchase this product, you can now have a lifetime technical support. Aside from that, when the machine shows defects on its performance, you can change it or request a refund. But you can only do this within one year. 

If you are going to read the customer opinions about this laser-marking machine on Amazon, you can conclude that most of them are positive. If this is your first time using this laser-marking system, you can watch its free tutorial video on YouTube.

Triumph Fiber Laser Marking Machine

If you want to have a laser-marking machine that is not just robust but also intuitive, then Triumph Fiber Laser Marking Machine could be the right system for you. Most of the manufacturing companies and small businesses are using this machine. It will provide you with a wide range of comprehensive features, such as the efficient control system and touch interface.

One of the things you will love about this system is that you can set your preferred marking area to 210 mm x 210 mm or 110 mm x 110 mm with its separated laser lifter and generator. This is always true since it has a modular design.

You can use this Triumph Fiber Laser Marking Machine in marking different workpieces. These include silver, gold, copper, and aluminum. 

If you want to perform cylinder engraving, you can do it with Triumph Fiber Laser Marking Machine easily. This is possible because there is a component that is able to rotate. The only drawback that we notice about this product is that it will not allow you to engrave graphics on plastic material. It is used more on Polycarb, Ultem, PEEK, stainless steel, and anodized aluminum. You can perform the laser marking job with this laser marking system.

TEN-HIGH Portable Fiber Laser Marking Machine

Do you want to use a laser marking machine that has a little flair in a compact and high-quality size? Well if so, we highly recommend you to try using this TEN-HIGH Portable Fiber Laser Marking Machine. It offers different nice colors that you can choose from. Aside from that, it is known for providing high-quality features that will enable you to create top-notch marks. B

The manufacturer of this product claims that it has a speed, which is 5x faster compared with a regular DP and YAG semiconductor marking systems.

It can provide you with a great beam quality because of its high-end filed mirror. Aside from its portability, its features also make sure that you can perform a more precise marking. This machine is controllable that allows users to have a manageable marking depth. 

Similar to the laser-marking machine we reviewed above, it also has a longer service life, enabling you to use it for about 100,000 hours. Aside from that, you can also set it up easily and conveniently. You don’t need the help of an expert to install it. 

As we read some of its reviews on Amazon, we conclude that it is good to mark metal materials and stainless steel workpieces.

VEVOR 20W Fiber Laser Machine

Are you looking for a laser marking machine that is budget-friendly but can still provide you with a high-quality performance? If yes, then this laser marking machine is perfect for you. The VEVOR 20W Fiber Laser Machine is a type of fiber laser system. It provides you with a marking size of 110 mm x 110 mm. Aside from that, it has a laser power source of 20 watts. It is rich with high-quality features that greatly affect the results of the laser marking process. It comes with a controllable marking depth that is ranging from 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm. Not only that, but it can also mark your workpiece with your preferred graphics easily and quickly because of its 8000 mm per second marking speed.

In the laser-marking machine market, you can notice that most of them are expensive. Well, this one will only cost you 4700 US dollars. In connection with that, this is a perfect laser marking machine available on the market at an affordable price. So, if you want to create a high-quality marking on your preferred workpiece without making a dent on your bank, then this is perfect for you.

Similar to the other machines we have reviewed above, this machine is also compatible with working on different worksheets, such as plastic and metal materials. With the help of this, you can now engrave your components and products with production dates, barcodes, serial numbers, and many others at a very low cost!

SFX Laser Fiber Marker 20W

This is the SFX Laser Fiber Marker 20W, which is one of the laser marking machines that has a very affordable price. This is very versatile and portable in spite of its cheapness. 

The said laser marking machine comes with a modular design. This only means that it features a lifter and a laser generator separately. Since then, you can use it to work with bigger workpieces and create a more complicated graphic or line.

Its manufacturer stated that this is one of the fastest working engraving machines on the market. This is because it features a more advanced digital high-speed scanning galvanometer. Aside from its fast marking speed, the said feature will also provide you with great stability.

You can purchase it for less than 4000 US Dollars. It is very cheap and will not break your bank. In spite of being cheap, it can still provide you with high-quality features that will offer full control and versatility to the users. These features include a touchscreen interface and a powerful control system.

On the other hand, one of the drawbacks we notice while using it and reading its reviews on Amazon, we concluded that it has an instructional manual that is hard to understand and is quite lackluster. So, beginners might have a hard time using this one. 

But let us look at its bright side, when you already know how to use this machine, you can notice that this marker provides you with a great performance. As mentioned, you can use it in marking different materials, which include silver, gold, copper, aluminum steel, and many others. It also works with non-metal materials like PES, PVC, ABS, light button, nylon, and more. 

The SFX Laser Fiber Marker 20W will also provide you with 70 percent of Electrical-Optical conversion. Its imported laser scanning system will enable you to mark the said working materials at the fastest speed. 

When it comes to technical and customer support, the manufacturer will provide you with a two-year warranty. This is also true with the machine. You can make a refund for this product within two years after buying it. If you are a starter and don’t understand how to use it with its instructional manual, you can watch its VCD training video. It teaches you how to install and operate it.

The SFX Laser Fiber Marker 20W uses software, which includes BMP, DXF, PCX, PLT, Photoshop, AutoCAD, CorelDRAW, and many others. These applications are capable of running the laser across the Y-axis and the X-axis.

Since its marking speed is 7m per second, you can expect that the graphic engraving process will be easy and fast. 

How Do Laser Marking Machines Work

All of the mentioned laser marking machines above work the same way. They use a focused beam of light. The light is important during the marking process on the surface of your preferred workpiece. Even though they have the same process of marking, take note that they are compatible with different engraving materials.

For instance, one can work with stainless steel while the other one cannot. So when choosing a laser marking machine, you should consider the materials you are going to use for marking. 

When the light of the beam connects with the surface of your worksheet, it will change the appearance as well as the properties of the material. The concentrated beam only works with a particular area. This will help you to create a high-contrast and high-quality laser marking result.

There are lots of manufacturers and businesses that start using this kind of machine to mark their products. You can use it for engraving bar codes, QR codes, or any graphic on a surface. Since these machines help you to create a more precise marking, you can make sure that the graphics or the letters were written can be scanned or read easily. 

In connection with that, the key features of a laser marking machine are important and will greatly affect the overall result of the mark. If you want permanency and accuracy marks on your product, then choosing a high-end laser marking machine is very crucial.

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Laser Marking Machine

As we have mentioned earlier, choosing a laser marking machine can greatly affect the results of the engraving process. Thus, there are lots of things you need to consider to pick the best one. 

Since there are lots of laser marking machines on the market, with different brands and models, it would be hard for you to pick the best. Well, there is nothing for you to worry about! In this section, you will know some of the factors that should be taken into consideration when choosing a laser marking equipment. Read on to know further.

If you own a company that is more on electronics, medical sectors, or even manufacturing, there is a high chance that you will need a laser marking machine. This tool will help you to mark the components and products you produce.

The laser marking machines are popular in many business owners and manufacturers because it provides lots of benefits. These include the application to the different materials, resistance to high temperature, readability, durability, and it does not require any acids, solvents, or toxic inks.

But knowing and understanding the possible benefits of using a laser marking machine is not enough for you to pick the best. Thus, there are some factors you need to consider.

The following are the specific parameters you should know first before buying a laser marking machine. These factors will drastically affect your decision making. When taken into consideration, there is a higher chance that you will purchase the one that can provide you with the work you need.

Do you want to know more about it? If yes, then keep on reading.

Application

Similar to the other tools you need for your day-to-day life, you also need to purchase a machine that is user- and beginner-friendly. The application should come with the entire features needed ad has a simple navigation. 

When you are choosing a laser machine, one of the things you need to keep in mind is its compatible software. There are some laser marking software that is capable of importing images. Aside from that, you also need to determine if the software can support raster files, including .jpg, .png, or .bmp and vector files, like .eps, .ai, or .dxf. 

Another feature that is vital to look for software for a laser marking machine is the capability of creating different barcode types and texts. Aside from that, they should be capable of changing the date codes and the serial numbers automatically. Consider choosing a software that can create simple shapes or any graphics you prefer. On the other hand, there are some applications that are capable of editing vector files. This only means that you don’t need to use an image editor separately.

Beam Steering

There are two methods that can be used by a laser marking system for laser beam steering. The method used will always depend upon the needed marks. The two-beam steering methods are the galvanometer and the gantry.

When we say galvanometer based laser beam steering, it is a method that uses two mirrors. These mirrors oscillate quickly that will result in the laser beam moving forward and backward. This has some similarities to the laser light show systems. 

Varying upon the preferred focusing lens, the laser marking machine is capable of engraving the areas with as 12 inches by 12 inches or as small as 2 inches by 2 inches graphics. This is a beam steering method that runs fast. But in general, it has a focal length that is quite larger than the gantry. As a result, larger spot size is expected. 

Aside from that, it will also enable you to create contours easily on the areas you place a mark. You can achieve this by using another lens. This lens will alter the focal length while performing the marking process.

The second beam steering method is the gantry-based. This technique steers the beam through the use of the mirrors that are attached to the linear axes. This is quite the same as what you notice with the 3D printers. 

In this method, you choose any size of linear access. This only means that you can configure the size of your needed marking area. When it comes to its speed, this beam steering method is quite slower compared with the first method. This is because the axes tend to come through across the wider distance. Aside from that, it also requires more weight to perform its work.

On the other hand, when it comes to the focal length, this type has a shorter focal length compared with the galvanometer. This only means that you can create small sizes of spots. In general, we recommend this type of beam steering system on flat and large workpieces, including the panels or the signs.

Mark Resolution

Another factor you need to take into consideration is its marking resolution features. You need to make sure that the laser marking system is capable of providing you with the right quality and size of the mark. You need to determine the mark resolution you need for your product.

Service

In the laser industry, competition is becoming fiercer as time goes by. You, as a customer, should not only focus on the company’s qualifications as well as their product quality. But it is also important for you to determine the services you can get while using the laser marking machine. 

You also need to keep in mind the services offered by its manufacturer. You can determine if the company is good when they send you their staff to install the machine if you don’t know how to do so. They should also make sure that their staffs have the knowledge to install the machine properly. Also, choose a company that will provide you with a longer warranty and lifetime customer support.

Qualifications

Most individuals who are purchasing a laser marking machine focus their attention on the machine’s price and contracts. Thus, some of the company titles are being disregarded. In connection with that, there is a higher possibility that problems with the machines may occur in the future. 

When it comes to the laser industry, you will be provided with a wide array of laser marking machine tool types, which include the CO2 laser marking machine, the fiber laser marking machine, the UV laser marking machine, and many others. 

To make sure that your laser marking machine can provide you with quality work, check if the company has a relevant license, if the manufacturer gains a qualification certificate and if the machine comes with a certificate of conformity.

Size

You also need to choose the right machine format in accordance with the size of the workpiece you want to process. When it comes to the size of a laser marking machine, we highly recommend you choose the larger one. This is because it allows the laser to create an excellent marking. Aside from that, you should know that equipment with a larger format is more expensive than those with a small one. 

On the other hand, laser marking machines that are in poor quality comes with unstable laser output, which is not good at creating a mark on your product. In this manner, it is important to choose a machine that has the right size of format.

Product Features

You need to know the product you will be doing when purchasing a laser marking machine. As you all know, a laser marking machine comes with three different types, the cutting, marking, and engraving in different ways. In general, there are some machines that are considered to be special or popular. In spite of their popularity, you still need to consider the product you want to get marked when buying a piece of laser equipment. You need to depend on your decision on your needs and requirements.

Your Money

The amount of money you are willing to spend will also affect the type of laser marking machine you need to purchase. Even though this is the least factor you need to consider and does not dictate the machine’s quality, it is always important to allot an amount you can spend for a laser marking equipment without making a dent on your bank.

If you want to purchase a machine that is capable of marking a wide range of materials, it is expected that the price is quite high. On the one hand, you can see lots of a more inexpensive option, but they may consume more energy and power. It may cost you a lot as you use it over time. These factors need to be taken into consideration when setting a budget.

When you are on the market, you can see a wide brand and model of laser marking machine that has a price ranging from 70 US Dollars to 20 000 US Dollars. Some factors that can affect the price rate are the laser type, the engraving metal, the engraving area, and the laser power.

Maintenance

One of the most important things you need to keep in mind while choosing the best laser marking machine is the maintenance. You need to determine the time that the machine needs to went through a maintenance process and whether you need to hire an expert or do the process with yourself.

We do not recommend you to choose a laser marking machine that is not easy to repair or maintain. You may experience problems later on. If you cannot repair or maintain your purchased machine and needs to hire a technician to do so, it might result in higher payments. This only means that you need to purchase a machine that can be repaired or maintained easily.

Replacement Parts

Another important factor you need to take into consideration is the laser marking machine’s replacement parts. Know if these parts are always available on the market so that your machine can be repaired easily. Eventually, in spite of the brand or model of machine you purchase, it can get damaged over time.

The time will come that you need to replace some parts of your purchased machine. This is always true even though you use it with care. Thus, it is always important if the replacement parts of the machine can be purchased on the market in no time. This will enable you to repair it with ease and convenience. If it is not readily available, you need to wait for several weeks before you get them. 

Accuracy

There are lots of factors that will enable you to know the marking accuracy of a laser marking machine. But we have chosen the four most important factors you need to keep in mind. These are the following.

1. A laser marking machine uses two types of transmission techniques. The first one is the rack gear, and the other one is the lead screw drive. The drive method has a great impact on the accuracy of the marking process. Generally, the rack gear needs to have a lower level of precision compared with the lead screw drive.
2. The second factor that determines the accuracy of the laser marking machine is the proficiency and the technique being used by the experts during the assembly process. When the machine works better, the higher the level of accuracy you can get.
3. When the laser marking machine has a higher spindle power, you can expect that it can provide you with a higher level of marking accuracy.
4. Generally, the compass marking machine has a lower level of accuracy compared with the square one.

Conclusion

Laser marking is a process of putting a label or a mark to a surface of a material with the help of a focused laser beam. When the laser is already connected with the material’s surface, it can now change the appearance and the properties of it and give you a pre-determined graphic.

Every laser marking machine provides you with different works. But in general, the processes on how they work are similar. As you can notice with the machines we reviewed above, they are compatible with different materials. Some only work with metals while some works with plastic materials.

In connection with that, knowing the materials and the kind of graphic you need to mark on your product is important. The discoloration is the process known for integrating your preferred designs into the worksheets. Dissimilar with the laser cutting processes, discoloration is capable of making marks with higher contrast without changing the real look and size of the material.

The laser will give the material the heat that can cause the surface oxidation, which may turn it into a black-colored material. If you are using metals, you need to use a low temperature. There are lots of methods used by the manufacturers to perform the marking processes. Foaming, annealing, removing, staining, and engraving are the most common techniques. 

As being said, each technique can provide you with both pros and cons that will always depend upon the task and the materials you will be using.

Now, you are done reading this post. We hope you get an insight into the best laser marking machine and the factors you need to consider to get the best.