Finding the best 3D laser printer for metal projects can be challenging due to the variety of technologies and features available. Whether you are into industrial-grade scanning, precise laser engraving, or multifunctional 3D printing, this guide covers top options designed for metal and other materials. Below is a summary table of the selected products to help you compare their key features quickly.
| Product | Brand | Main Feature | Build Size / Work Area | Special Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revopoint MetroX 3D Scanner | Revopoint | High-precision blue laser scanning | Handheld scanner, versatile object scanning | Multi-mode scanning for dark/shiny surfaces |
| Snapmaker 2.0 A350T 3-in-1 | Snapmaker | 3D printing, laser engraving, CNC carving | 12.6 x 13.8 x 13 in print size | Modular design with touchscreen control |
| LONGER Laser Engraver Ray5 5W | Longer | High-speed, high-precision laser engraving | 400 x 400 mm | Offline usage and multi-material engraving |
| FLASHFORGE AD5M 3D Printer | Flashforge | All-metal CoreXY structure with auto calibration | 220 x 220 x 220 mm | One-click leveling, high-speed printing |
| xTool F1 Ultra Dual Laser Engraver | xTool | 20W fiber & diode dual lasers for metal & wood | Supports jewelry and metal engraving projects | 16MP camera, 3D embossing capability |
Revopoint MetroX 3D Scanner for Metal and Dark Objects
The Revopoint MetroX offers industrial-grade blue laser scanning to create highly detailed 3D models, achieving accuracy up to 0.02 mm and precision down to 0.01 mm. This handheld scanner is excellent for precise metrology and quality control tasks, especially for dark or shiny metal surfaces. With 4 effective scanning modes including Cross Lines, Parallel Lines, Full-field, and Auto Turntable, it adapts seamlessly to various scanning challenges.
Thanks to its GPU-accelerated 14-crossed blue laser lines and speed of up to 60fps, users can scan complex mechanical parts or molds efficiently without applying scanning sprays. It’s compatible with Windows and macOS systems, making it versatile for industrial and creative applications.
Snapmaker 2.0 A350T 3-in-1 Printer Laser Engraver CNC Carver
The Snapmaker 2.0 A350T is a versatile 3-in-1 machine that combines 3D printing, laser engraving, and CNC carving into one robust device. Its large build volume of 12.6 x 13.8 x 13 inches allows printing large-scale prototypes without splitting files, ideal for metal-related prototyping and creative projects.
Powered by a 1600 mW Class 4 laser, the Snapmaker can engrave and cut various materials including metals and wood. The modular design based on Controller Area Network (CAN bus) technology means components and functions can be quickly swapped or upgraded. It comes equipped with a 5-inch touchscreen for simplified operation.
LONGER Laser Engraver Ray5 5W for Precision Metal Engraving
The LONGER Ray5 5W laser engraver uses an advanced 240MHz ESP32 chipset to achieve up to 10,000 mm/min engraving speed with a laser spot size of just 0.08 mm. This ensures high-precision engraving of intricate details down to 0.01 mm on metal, wood, acrylic, and glass surfaces.
Its generous 400 x 400 mm working area supports large projects, and offline functionality offers convenience without needing to remain tethered to a computer. This laser engraver is an excellent choice for DIY enthusiasts and professionals who require efficiency and accuracy on various metal items.
FLASHFORGE AD5M 3D Printer with Auto Calibration for Metal Prototyping
The FLASHFORGE AD5M is designed to deliver precise 3D printing with an all-metal CoreXY motion structure that supports stable, quiet, and high-speed operations up to 600 mm/s. It features a fully automatic one-click leveling system, eliminating manual calibration to ensure flawless first layers with metals and other filaments.
Its easy-maintenance quick swap nozzle and a print size of 220 x 220 x 220 mm make it suitable for rapid prototyping and detailed metal model production. This printer is well-suited for both beginners and experienced users looking to create reliable metal prototypes.
xTool F1 Ultra 20W Fiber & Diode Dual Laser Engraver for Metal
The xTool F1 Ultra features the world’s first 20W fiber and diode dual lasers, enabling ultra-fast engraving and cutting speeds up to 10,000 mm/s on metals and other materials. The fiber laser powers through metals such as gold, silver, copper, stainless steel, and titanium, making it exceptional for jewelry and industrial metalwork.
Equipped with a 16MP smart camera, it supports 3D embossing and deep engraving, which allows for multi-level detailed designs. This machine’s technologies are tailored for high-value metal customization tasks requiring speed and precision.
Buying Guide for 3D Laser Printers Suitable for Metal
1. Laser Type and Power
For metal 3D printing or engraving, fiber lasers are generally preferred due to their ability to cut and engrave metals with precision. Diode lasers often complement fiber lasers for engraving non-metal materials. Assessing power output (measured in watts) helps determine the materials and thicknesses the device can handle.
2. Accuracy and Resolution
Look for high-precision laser spot sizes (e.g., 0.01 mm point size) and accuracy specs to ensure fine details can be achieved in metal engraving or printing. Precision matters greatly for industrial applications and jewelry making.
3. Build Volume and Work Area
The physical size of objects you can create or scan depends on the build volume or laser’s work area. Larger dimensions are necessary for bigger prototypes or production runs, while compact sizes are sufficient for small metal parts.
4. Multi-Functionality
Devices that combine 3D printing, laser engraving, and CNC carving provide versatility to handle various project types, saving space and budget for users needing multiple fabrication techniques.
5. Software Compatibility and User Interface
Ensure the device supports commonly used 3D printing or engraving software for seamless modeling and slicing. User-friendly interfaces with touchscreens and automatic calibration simplify setup and reduce errors.
6. Speed and Efficiency
High engraving or printing speeds improve throughput, especially for commercial or frequent-use scenarios. However, faster speeds should not compromise precision or quality.
7. Safety Features
Laser printers working with powerful lasers should include safety measures such as protective housing, laser class warnings, and user guidelines to prevent eye injury or accidents during operation.
8. Support and Warranty
Check for manufacturer support, software updates, and warranty coverage to ensure long-term reliability, especially with complex machines combining multiple technologies.