Laser engravers/cutters use subtractive manufacturing techniques (as opposed to 3D printing, i.e. additive manufacturing). Their laser burns or melts materials in a selective manner according to specific instructions. With laser cutters and engravers, you can add a personal touch to almost any item or make your own custom items. However, with the large number of laser cutters and engravers on the market, it can be very challenging to choose the best laser engraver/cutter for your needs. Our roundup features entry-level home laser engravers and benchtop laser cutters as well as professional laser cutters/engravers to meet the needs of all types of users. What is the difference between a laser engraver and a laser cutter? Both terms are used more or less synonymously, as laser cutters are usually capable of laser engraving. However, there is a difference between the two, and it lies in the laser power. Laser cutter: These require a high power laser in order to cut a wide range of materials. Laser engravers: The laser uses less power so it can create light marks on the material without cutting it completely. If you want both, choose a laser cutter/engraver that has high and adjustable laser power. Laser engravers and laser cutters: what’s the difference? Many people find it confusing to make a difference between these two machines, but here we will teach you why a laser engraver and a laser cutter are not the same kind of equipment. What is a laser engraving machine? A laser engraving machine is a tool used to engrave images, logos and other designs on any object. These machines can use different methods to leave light marks on the material. The engraving process uses a low-powered laser beam to burn away part of the material’s surface. As a result, you can not only see the marks clearly, but you can also feel them by touching the surface. As for depth, laser engravers are capable of engraving to different depths, ranging from a few microns to a few millimeters. However, the maximum depth depends greatly on the specifics of the particular unit. What is a laser cutter? A laser cutter produces hollow or deep cuts when used on the right material. This machine uses a laser beam to cut the material according to a specified design. The process is simple – a high power laser beam passes through the material to cut it. It uses computer numerical control (CNC) and laser optics to ensure that the cut is accurate and meets the user’s needs. The laser beam first passes through the material and then produces a burn or melt, leaving a fine surface finish. Commercial-grade cutting is commonly used in a variety of industries, such as when cutting structural materials, pipes or flat panels. At the consumer level, you can use laser cutters for your DIY projects. Laser cutting projects can include making coasters, furniture, decorative items, accessories and more.