Bare steel, brass and aluminum reflect most blue diode and CO2 light, so those lasers can only mark metal through a coating or marking spray. To engrave metal itself you need light at 1064 nm: a fiber laser, a MOPA fiber, or a small infrared module. Power decides depth. A 2-5 W infrared module makes surface marks; a 20-60 W fiber engraves deep and can cut thin sheet.
Side by side
| Model | Lasers | Bed | Max speed | Wood cut | Safety | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| xTool F2 Ultra | 60 W MOPA fiber40 W Blue diode | 220 x 220 mm | 15000 mm/s | 23 mm | Class 4 | $4,299 |
| xTool F1 Ultra | 20 W Fiber20 W Blue diode | 220 x 220 mm | 10000 mm/s | 15 mm | Enclosed cover | $2,999 |
| xTool F2 | 15 W Blue diode5 W Infrared | 115 x 115 mm | 6000 mm/s | — | Enclosed cover | $1,499 |
| xTool F1 | 10 W Blue diode2 W Infrared | 115 x 115 mm | 4000 mm/s | 8 mm | Enclosed cover | $1,499 |
Why these picks
Best overall for metal: xTool F2 Ultra
60 W MOPA engraves deep, cuts 2 mm stainless and brass, and does color marking. The metal machine in this list. The 60 W MOPA fiber engraves deep, cuts 2 mm stainless and brass, and does color marking on stainless steel, which plain fiber lasers cannot do well. The 40 W diode covers wood and leather. Note it is rated Class 4 despite the enclosure.
60 W MOPA fiber40 W Blue diode 220 x 220 mm · $4,299
Best value fiber: xTool F1 Ultra
A 20 W fiber that engraves metal properly, plus a 20 W diode for wood. The cheapest way into a real fiber laser from xTool, with a diode in the same box for wood and leather. The fiber marks and engraves metal properly and cuts very thin sheet. If metal is most of your work, the F2 Ultra's 60 W MOPA is the step up.
20 W Fiber20 W Blue diode 220 x 220 mm · $2,999
Best for light marking: xTool F2
5 W infrared for names and logos on tumblers, tags and pens. Same compact idea as the F1 with more power on both lasers: 15 W blue instead of 10 W, and 5 W infrared instead of 2 W. The bigger infrared is the reason to pick it, because it marks metal and plastics faster and can do some color marking. xTool gives no maximum cutting thickness, so treat it as an engraver.
15 W Blue diode5 W Infrared 115 x 115 mm · $1,499
Cheapest metal marking: xTool F1
2 W infrared in a small portable body. The F1 is the small, fast option for personalizing finished objects: names on tumblers, logos on keychains, photos on leather patches. The 115 mm square galvo field is the limit. It is not a sheet cutter.
10 W Blue diode2 W Infrared 115 x 115 mm · $1,499
Have a specific material and thickness in mind? The laser finder filters every model we cover.
FAQ
Can a diode laser engrave metal?
Only coated or anodized metal, or bare metal treated with marking spray. The blue 455 nm beam reflects off bare steel and aluminum. For direct engraving use a fiber or infrared (1064 nm) laser.
What is a MOPA laser?
A MOPA fiber laser lets you change the pulse length. That control produces oxide colors on stainless steel and cleaner black marks on anodized aluminum. Standard fiber lasers mark metal well but can't do reliable color.
Can these lasers cut metal?
Only thin sheet. The F2 Ultra cuts about 2 mm stainless and brass and 1 mm aluminum; the F1 Ultra cuts 0.2-0.4 mm. Thicker metal needs an industrial fiber cutter.
Sources
Specs and prices checked November 4, 2026. Prices change often; confirm before you buy.