5 Best Budget-Friendly Metal Laser Cutters for Startups (2025)

Starting a metal fabrication, jewelry, or engraving business? You don’t need a $50K industrial laser—these budget-friendly metal laser cutters deliver precision without breaking the bank.

Here are the top 5 affordable metal laser cutters perfect for startups and small businesses:

1. OmTech FiberMark 50W – Best Entry-Level Fiber Laser

✅ Type: Fiber Laser (MOPA)
✅ Power: 50W
✅ Cutting Capacity:

• Stainless Steel: Up to 2mm
• Aluminum: Up to 1.5mm (engraving up to 3mm)
  ✅ Price: ~$8,000
  ✅ Best For: Jewelry, thin metal engraving, serial numbers

Why Buy?
✔ Cheapest true fiber laser for metals
✔ MOPA technology = better engraving control
✔ Compact & low maintenance

2. Monport 60W Fiber Laser – Best Under $10K

✅ Type: Fiber Laser
✅ Power: 60W
✅ Cutting Capacity:

• Mild Steel: Up to 3mm
• Aluminum/Copper: Up to 2mm
  ✅ Price: ~$9,500
  ✅ Best For: Small metal parts, tool markings, DIY fabrication

Why Buy?
✔ 20% faster than 50W lasers
✔ Raycus source (reliable Chinese laser)
✔ Includes rotary attachment for cylindrical engraving

3. xTool F1 – Best Portable Diode Laser for Thin Metals

✅ Type: Diode Laser (Infrared)
✅ Power: 10W (1064nm IR)
✅ Cutting Capacity:

• Stainless Steel: 0.5mm
• Anodized Aluminum: Engraving only
  ✅ Price: ~$1,500
  ✅ Best For: Etching logos, lightweight metal crafts

Why Buy?
✔ Ultra-affordable (cheapest on this list)
✔ Portable & plug-and-play
✔ Works on wood/acrylic too

4. NEJE DK-8-KZ – Best Ultra-Budget Engraver

✅ Type: Diode Laser (IR)
✅ Power: 8W (455nm + 1064nm dual-laser)
✅ Metal Capability: Engraving only (no cutting)
✅ Price: ~$600
✅ Best For: Personalizing metal tags, knives, light engraving

Why Buy?
✔ Cheapest way to engrave metals
✔ Dual-laser = works on wood & plastic too
✔ Good for hobbyists testing the waters

5. Sculpfun S30 Pro – Best Diode for Hybrid Use

✅ Type: Diode Laser (10W)
✅ Power: 10W (450nm, not IR – limited metal use)
✅ Metal Capability: Only engraves coated/painted metals
✅ Price: ~$800
✅ Best For: Engraving painted metal, hobbyists

Why Buy?
✔ Multi-material use (wood, leather, acrylic)
✔ Open-frame design for large projects
✔ Great for custom gifts, not industrial work

Buying Guide: What to Consider

1. Laser Type:
   • Fiber Lasers = Best for cutting & deep engraving ($$$)
   • IR Diode Lasers = Budget engraving only ($)
   • Standard Diode Lasers = Only works on painted/coated metal
2. Material Thickness:
   • Under 1mm: Diode lasers (xTool F1)
   • 1-3mm: Fiber lasers (OmTech 50W)
3. Budget:
   • Under $1K: NEJE DK-8-KZ (engraving only)
   • $1K-$5K: xTool F1 (thin metal cutting)
   • $5K-$10K: OmTech/Monport (real metal cutting)

Final Verdict

• Best Overall Budget Cutter: OmTech FiberMark 50W (~$8K)
• Best Ultra-Cheap Engraver: NEJE DK-8-KZ (~$600)
• Best Portable Option: xTool F1 (~$1,500)

Need a recommendation? Ask yourself:

• Do I need to CUT metal? → Go fiber laser (OmTech/Monport)
• Just engraving? → Diode laser (xTool F1 or NEJE)