xTool MetalFab and Metal-Ready Lasers: Which Fits Your Build?

Best for
Color, deep and 3D metal work

The xTool F2 Ultra 60W MOPA & 40W Diode Dual Laser Engraver is the most capable metal engraver on this list. Its 60W MOPA fiber laser handles 3D embossing, deep engraving, color engraving and cutting 2mm metal, and the listing adds black marking on aluminum, laser cleaning and thin metal welding. The 40W diode laser covers wood, acrylic, leather and other non-metals.

Color work is the headline for makers: xTool says it produces over 100 consistent colors on metal, with preset color files to engrave a color matrix in one click. Dual 48MP AI cameras raise positioning accuracy to 0.2mm, auto-detect materials and enable one-click focus. Speed reaches 15,000mm/s, and xTool claims 3D embossing up to 80 percent faster than 20W fiber lasers. The working area is 8.7 x 8.7 inches, and the machine weighs 67.9 pounds.

This suits cosplayers and prop makers who want vivid colored metal badges, deep-engraved emblems or thin metal cutouts. It is a Class 4 laser, so plan for proper eye protection and ventilation. For heavy steel cutting, it gives way to the MetalFab.

• 60W MOPA fiber plus 40W diode lasers
• Over 100 colors on metal
• Cuts 2mm metal
• Dual 48MP AI cameras

Best for
Portable metal marking at pop-ups and fairs

The xTool F2 5W IR & 15W Diode Dual Laser Engraver is the portable option. The 5W infrared laser produces deep, dark and colored marking on metal, while the 15W diode handles 3D embossing and cutting on other materials, with support for over 300 materials in total. A built-in 50MP camera gives up to 0.1mm alignment on small pieces.

It runs up to 6000mm/s, and xTool says a card engraving takes about 3 seconds. The fully enclosed, leak-proof design and built-in fan make it suitable for workshops or stores, with an optional purifier. At 4.6 kg according to the features (the spec sheet lists 10 pounds), it is easy to carry to fairs and pop-ups. It arrives fully assembled with a base plate and base material kit, and batch work expands with the Slide Extension and RA3 accessories, sold separately. The listing gives a 1-year warranty.

The F2 suits makers who sell personalized pieces on site or want a compact metal marker for controller plates and tags. The listing does not claim it can cut metal, so for metal cutting, the F2 Ultra or MetalFab is the better choice.

Best for
Large wood and acrylic armor panels

The xTool S1 40W Laser Cutter is a large enclosed diode machine with a 23.93 x 15.16 inch bed, and this listing is the Rotary Bundle for tumblers and curved items. xTool says the 40W laser cuts 18mm cherry wood in a single pass, and engraving runs up to 600mm/s. Pin-point Positioning and auto-focus help with precision, and xTool Creative Space software includes presets for over 400 pre-tested materials.

Safety is strong: it is Class 1, the cover filters 99 percent of laser light so goggles are not needed, and five flame sensors halt operation if fire is detected. The frame uses 3mm aerospace-grade aluminum. The title mentions metal, but the listing does not specify which metals it handles or how, and it has no fiber or infrared source. Treat it as a wood and acrylic machine first.

The S1 fits makers building large armor bases, foam templates in wood, or acrylic display panels. For metal detail work, pair it with or choose one of the F-series engravers.

Best for
Engraving metal and wood in one machine

The xTool F1 Ultra 20W Fiber & Diode Dual Laser Engraver pairs a 20W fiber laser with a 20W diode laser and reaches speeds up to 10,000mm/s. The fiber laser engraves metals including gold, silver, copper, stainless steel, brass and titanium, while the diode laser handles wood, acrylic and more. Both support 3D embossing and deep engraving.

Cutting is limited on metal: the fiber laser handles thin stainless steel at 0.3mm, brass at 0.4mm and aluminum at 0.2mm, while the diode cuts up to 15mm wood and 12mm black acrylic. The working area is 220 x 220mm, expandable to 220 x 500mm with the Auto Conveyor, sold separately. A 16MP smart camera supports batch recognition, and safety features include a fully enclosed cover, smoke extraction, a fire alarm and an emergency stop. It weighs 43.8 pounds with a 1-year warranty.

This suits makers who engrave lots of metal detail and want a single machine for wood too. For color engraving or thicker metal cutting, the F2 Ultra steps ahead. For more workshop kit to finish metal parts, see our metal model tool kit guide.

Best for
D1 Pro owners adding metal engraving

The xTool 1064nm Infrared Laser Module is an upgrade for the xTool D1 Pro, not a standalone machine. It adds the ability to engrave all metals, including gold, silver, copper, aluminum and zinc, which the D1 Pro’s blue diode cannot do, and it also works on plastic, acrylic and leather.

It is a 2W module with a 0.03 x 0.03mm spot, 15KW peak power and speeds up to 400mm/s on the D1 Pro. Swapping it in takes seconds: pull the existing module and insert this one. The listing gives a 1-year warranty. It is the budget-friendly path for D1 Pro owners who want fine metal engraving on jewelry, badges or small props. If you do not own a D1 Pro, it does not apply, and the F2 or F1 Ultra is the full-machine alternative.

Best for
Shops cutting thick steel sheet

The xTool MetalFab CNC Cutter listing is the cutter component of the MetalFab system, and its title says a welder is needed. The MetalFab system combines a 1200W fiber laser welder, a CNC laser cutter, a laser cleaner and an engraver. This listing’s included component is the CNC cutter, so plan on the MetalFab welder unit as the laser source.

With the system, xTool says you can cut up to 10mm carbon steel and 5mm stainless steel on a 610 x 610mm bed, with smart dual cameras for positioning and VibeFreeCut technology for clean cuts. The welding side claims seams 8 times faster than TIG, 5mm welding depth in stainless and carbon steel, and SaveGas airflow optimization to cut gas use by up to 50 percent. It is rated for 10,000+ hours of operation, includes a contact-activated safety system and comes with a free 1-on-1 commissioning session.

The shipping weight is 544 pounds, so this is a shop machine. It suits makers and small fabrication shops cutting steel armor plates, brackets and frames. For engraving detail, the F-series machines are far easier to live with. If you are weighing other ways to cut steel, see our guide to a plasma cutter for a different approach.