Best Laser Engraver for Metal (2026): Dual-Laser and Fiber Picks
Which laser engravers can mark metal, and what they cost: dual diode-plus-infrared machines from Sculpfun, Creality and WeCreat, and fiber-equipped models from Sculpfun, WeCreat and LaserPecker.
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Prices were checked on each brand’s US store on October 29, 2026. We haven’t tested these machines; picks are based on published laser types, prices and each maker’s own descriptions.
Which laser can mark metal?
| Laser | Bare metal | Coated metal (e.g. powder-coated tumblers) |
|---|---|---|
| Blue diode (about 450 nm) | Weak; needs marking spray | Yes – removes the coating |
| Infrared module (about 1,064 nm) | Yes – fine marks | Yes |
| Fiber (1.064 µm) | Yes – fast, deeper, permanent | Yes |
| CO2 (10.6 µm) | No, without spray | Yes |
Swipe to see the full table →
Fiber’s near-infrared wavelength is absorbed by metals, which is why it dominates metal marking (Trotec). More in diode vs CO2 vs fiber.
Metal-capable machines compared
| Machine | Laser | Price checked |
|---|---|---|
| Sculpfun G9 (portable) | 2W IR + 10W diode | $829.99 (clearance) |
| Sculpfun E1 Pro (enclosed) | 21W diode + 3W IR | $799 (reg. $949) |
| Creality Falcon A1 Pro Dual Laser Kit | 20W diode + 2W IR | $1,039 (reg. $1,548) |
| Sculpfun A9 Ultra | 20W fiber, or 20W fiber + 40W diode | $899–$1,699 |
| WeCreat Lumos (portable) | 3W IR + 10W diode | $940 |
| LaserPecker LP3 | Infrared | From $1,199 |
| LaserPecker LP4 | Dual laser | From $1,599 |
| WeCreat Lumos Flex (portable) | 15W fiber + 15W diode | $1,940 |
| LaserPecker LP5 | 20W fiber + diode | From $2,999 |
| Sculpfun V5 | UV | $3,199 |
| WeCreat Lumos Ultra | 6W UV + MOPA | $3,699 |
Swipe to see the full table →
MOPA and UV machines are specialist tools: MOPA for color marking on stainless steel, UV for glass and heat-sensitive materials.
1. Sculpfun E1 Pro – best value dual laser
An enclosed machine (Sculpfun calls it a Class 1 enclosed laser system) with a 21W diode for wood and a 3W infrared laser that Sculpfun lists for stainless steel, aluminum, silver, gold, platinum and plastics. Working area is 400 × 320 mm, with a built-in camera and exhaust airflow. $799 on sale (regular $949).
Sculpfun E1 Pro
Best valueBest for: Hobbyists who mostly do wood but want to mark metal sometimes, indoors
- Diode and IR both included
- Enclosed, Class 1
- $799 on sale
- 3W IR is for marking, not deep engraving
- Sale price may not last
Alternative: the Creality Falcon A1 Pro is also enclosed (FDA Class 1) and Creality says its 2W IR module handles metals and plastics – but the module is sold separately. The A1 Pro alone is $879; the Dual Laser Kit with the IR module is $1,039 (regular $1,548).
See Falcon A1 Pro2. Sculpfun A9 Ultra – cheapest fiber
A 20W fiber laser from $899; the dual version adds a 40W diode for wood, with prices up to $1,699 depending on configuration. The most metal capability per dollar among the brands we checked. It’s an open-frame Class 4 machine, so you’ll need wavelength-rated safety glasses.
See Sculpfun A9 Ultra3. WeCreat Lumos Flex – best portable fiber
A 15W fiber plus 15W diode in a portable design, $1,940. WeCreat positions the Lumos line for on-the-go work and color marking on metal. The cheaper Lumos ($940) uses a 3W IR instead of fiber.
See WeCreat Lumos Flex4. LaserPecker LP5 – premium compact fiber
LaserPecker’s top model pairs a 20W fiber laser with a diode, from $2,999 (regular $3,299), with an optional $599 enclosure and $349 rotary.
See LaserPecker LP5Tumblers: you may not need fiber
If you mainly make powder-coated tumblers, a diode laser with a rotary is enough, because the laser removes the coating. Buy a fiber machine when you need marks directly on bare stainless steel, or for jewelry and tags. Current prices for every machine are on our laser engraver prices page.
Key takeaways
- To mark bare metal you need an infrared or fiber laser; a blue diode alone can only engrave coated metal such as powder-coated tumblers.
- Dual-laser machines combine a diode (for wood) with an infrared source (for metal): Sculpfun's enclosed E1 Pro costs $799 on sale and WeCreat's portable Lumos $940.
- Fiber lasers are the standard for deep, permanent marks on steel, brass, titanium and aluminum; hobby models with fiber start at $899 (Sculpfun A9 Ultra, fiber-only version).
- Powder-coated tumblers don't need fiber: a diode laser with a rotary removes the coating.
Frequently asked questions
Can a diode laser engrave metal?
A diode laser can engrave coated or painted metal by removing the coating, and can mark some bare metals slowly with marking spray. For direct, permanent marks on bare metal, you need an infrared or fiber laser.
Fiber or infrared diode for metal?
Infrared modules in dual-laser hobby machines (such as 2W–3W IR) are good for fine marking on metal and jewelry. Fiber lasers (15W–20W in these picks) are faster and better for deeper marks and production.
What's the cheapest laser engraver that marks metal?
Among the brands we checked, the Sculpfun G9 portable (2W IR + 10W diode) and the enclosed Sculpfun E1 Pro (21W diode + 3W IR) were the cheapest, at $799–$829.99 on sale.