best miniature laser engravers of 2023
Every year more and more people discover the possibilities of laser engraving and cutting. This is not surprising, because the number of models of such devices is constantly increasing. Now the choice is very wide – from large professional models to tiny mini-engravers that can easily fit into a backpack. They are lightweight, compact and allow you to work with a wide range of materials.
Who will be interested in such devices? Firstly, for those who like to do things with their own hands. Secondly, designers, owners of workshops, printing houses, etc. In general, even on business trips or travel, you can set aside time for what you love. A selection of such devices is below the cut.
LaserPecker 1
Output power: 1.6W
Working area: 10 × 10 cm
Weight: 0.9 kg
Warranty: 1 year
Cost: $200
This device takes laser engraving of products to a new level thanks to its ease of operation. Conveniently, the user can engrave at any angle and without a tripod. The only condition is the stability of the laser module during operation.
The manufacturer paid attention to the build quality and design of the device. LaserPecker 1 weighs only 0.9 kg. The absence of moving components improves portability, but limits the working area, its size is 10 × 10 cm. The 1.6 W diode laser with a wavelength of 450 nm is capable of working on surfaces of paper, wood, bamboo, leather, fruit and fabric. It is also possible to engrave on soft plastics, but not on glass, ceramics or metals.
The LaserPecker 1 does not have autofocus. It is replaced by a high-precision wooden ruler (sarcasm, yes). The focal length of the laser is 20 cm. The device can be connected to a mobile phone via Bluetooth. To get started, just install the LaserPecker application. The user imports the image or creates it directly in the program, and then sends the resulting image to the engraver. The built-in memory allows LaserPecker 1 not to be afraid of an unstable connection with the phone. Even if the process is interrupted, the device resumes engraving on its own.
The set includes a laser module, tripod and power supply. Also included in the box are safety glasses and a case. The developers have equipped the device with a built-in exhaust fan, which removes combustion products from the working area and prevents the device from overheating.
LaserPecker 1 is equipped with Type-C and USB connectors. Safety during operation is ensured by a password lock, a motion sensor and a function to turn off the device when it overheats. The sensor stops the laser if it detects instability of the device.
The company has released several more engravers onto the market: LaserPecker Pro and LaserPecker 2, 3 and even 4. The last two cost a lot of money, so we won’t describe them.
As for the LaserPecker Pro, it has higher accuracy and resolution, which generally improves engraving quality, especially when working with grayscale images. LaserPecker 2 is equipped with a more powerful laser that can cut plywood up to 3mm thick. Compared to these advanced models, the LaserPecker 1 is cheaper and easier to use.
Snapmaker 2.0
Output power: 1.6W
Working area: up to 32 × 35 cm
Weight: 9 kg
Warranty: 1 year
Cost: from $1,468
Snapmaker 2.0 is a multifunctional device, not only an engraver, but also a 3D printer and a CNC machine. It is, of course, larger than its “younger brother” mentioned above. The laser module with a power of 1.6 W and a wavelength of 450 nm allows you to work with materials such as paper, bamboo, wood, leather, plastic and fabrics. Unfortunately, the device cannot be used to work with metals and ceramics. However, engraving on an opaque acrylic sheet is possible, although the result is not ideal. The CNC module works on wood, acrylic, PCB, carbon fiber sheets and even jade.
The manufacturer has released three laser models: A150, A250 and A350; they differ only in size. The A150 is the most portable version with a size of 30 x 31.5 cm and a laser engraving area of 16 x 16 cm.
Complete assembly of Snapmaker 2.0 will take no more than 40 minutes if you follow the instructions. Transformation into an engraver, 3D printer or CNC takes no more than 10 minutes, as the company claims.
The device is equipped with a touch screen controller and is controlled in the Android OS environment. The model can be sent for processing from a USB drive or directly via a USB cable.
Snapmaker 2.0 does not have autofocus, but it does come with a card that helps you set up the laser by matching the beam to a point on the map. There is software for laptops and PCs – this is Snapmaker Luban, the software supports the most common file formats, such as SVG, JPEG, PNG, CDR, etc.
The package includes safety glasses, as well as aluminum and acrylic protection.
Neje Master 2 mini
Output power: 2.5W
Working area: 11 × 12 cm
Weight: 1.8 kg
Warranty: 2 years
Cost: $203
This small laser engraver has overall dimensions of 21.5 x 26.6 x 11 cm and a working area of 11 x 12 cm. The device weighs only about 1.8 kg. A diode laser with a power of 2.5 W and a wavelength of 450 nm allows you to engrave on MDF, wood, fabrics, leather, plastic, foam, paper, and also cut paper. If desired, you can purchase a compatible 5 W laser module and use it to cut and engrave workpieces made of different types of wood.
There is manual adjustment and focus adjustment, as well as a security system – when movement of the installation is detected, the device turns off the head. 42 mm stepper motors and the lightness of the laser module itself ensure rapid movement of the beam along the axes.
You can connect to the device via Bluetooth or via a USB cable. The software is intuitive and has a guest mode function. Unfortunately, the engraver is not compatible with LightBurn or LaserGRBL.
Neje Master 2 mini does not require assembly. All you need to do after opening the box is connect the device and install the application on your phone or PC. The set additionally includes safety glasses.
Comgrow Mini
Output power: 5W
Working area: 9.8 × 8.8 cm
Weight: 0.9 kg
Warranty: 1 year
Cost: $159
The compact, low-power laser is one of the most inexpensive and easiest to use, making it suitable for beginners. The working area measures 9.6 × 8.8 cm. The kit includes a 12V/2A adapter and a USB Type-C to 5V/2A cable. Comgrow Mini connects both to a computer via a cord and to a smartphone via Bluetooth. The special Blue Laser application allows the user to create images and inscriptions themselves or import ready-made ones.
The laser module on lead screws is driven by stepper motors. The Comgrow Mini body is made of plastic. Green acrylic legs act as both support and eye protection. The 1.5 W laser module with a wavelength of 445 nm ensures high-quality image engraving. The device does not have autofocus, but there is a knob on the head for adjusting the beam.
The engraver can be used to work with paper, leather, wood, fabric, cardboard. Comgrow Mini also allows you to engrave on glass and anodized aluminum, but the surface must first be coated with a layer of dark paint. Usually all this is simply painted over with a water-based marker – it can be easily erased later.
The device is supplied semi-assembled, but assembly is very simple. The user can only attach the legs to the top of the case and scan the QR code to receive a link to install the application. The kit also includes samples of materials to test the functionality of the engraver and a locking plate that protects the machine from the laser and marks the working area. The built-in motion sensor turns off the cutting or engraving process if the device changes position by 30° or more.
Well, that’s all for today. If you know other models of miniature laser engravers, write in the comments.
