In late 2025, portable galvo laser engravers have made high-precision metal marking accessible for hobbyists, jewelers, and small businesses. The xTool F1 and ComMarker B4 (the flagship portable model) are two popular compact options, but they use different laser technologies tailored to metal work differently.
The xTool F1 is a dual-laser (10W diode + 2W infrared) machine great for versatility and portability. The ComMarker B4 is a dedicated fiber laser (20W–60W options) optimized purely for metals and plastics.
If your primary focus is metal engraving—especially deep marks, high contrast on bare metals, or color effects—the ComMarker B4 is the clear winner. Here's a detailed breakdown.
Key Specs Comparison
| Feature | xTool F1 | ComMarker B4 (20W base) |
|---|---|---|
| Laser Type | Dual: 10W Diode + 2W Infrared (galvo-style IR, not true fiber) | True Fiber (20W–60W, optional MOPA for color) |
| Metal Capabilities | Good surface marking on coated/painted metals, jewelry (gold/silver), stainless; permanent but shallower depth | Excellent deep engraving, annealing, color marking (with MOPA), bare metals without prep; cuts thin sheets |
| Engraving Speed | Up to 4000mm/s | Up to 10,000–15,000mm/s (faster on metal) |
| Work Area | 115x115mm (expandable to ~400mm) | 110x110mm or 200x200mm (dual lenses) |
| Portability | Highly portable (~4.6kg, handle, battery option) | Portable (split design, ~15–20kg total, handheld head) |
| Software | xTool Creative Space (beginner-friendly) + LightBurn | LightBurn/EZCAD (professional) |
| Price (approx. 2025) | $1,199–$1,500 | $1,500–$3,000 (higher for 50W/MOPA) |
| Best For | Mixed materials, onsite events, beginners | Dedicated metal work, jewelry, industrial tags |
Metal Engraving Performance
- xTool F1: The 2W IR laser handles metals well for surface engraving—think custom jewelry, dog tags, or business cards. Results are crisp and fast, but depth is limited compared to true fiber sources. Reviews note it's "permanent but not as deep" as fiber lasers.
- ComMarker B4: Built for metal. The true fiber source delivers deeper etches, higher contrast on bare stainless/aluminum/brass, and (with MOPA upgrade) vibrant colors on titanium/stainless. It excels at 3D relief, rust removal, and even thin metal cutting. Users praise its precision and speed for professional-grade marks.
xTool F1 metal results (high-contrast surface marks)
ComMarker deep/3D metal engraving examples
Pros & Cons
xTool F1 Pros:
- More versatile (engraves wood, leather, acrylic via diode).
- Extremely portable and user-friendly software.
- Great for craft fairs or mixed projects.
xTool F1 Cons:
- Shallower metal depth; struggles with uncoated/raw metals without prep.
- Lower IR power limits advanced effects.
ComMarker B4 Pros:
- Superior metal performance: deeper, faster, more durable marks.
- Industrial-grade reliability; optional upgrades for color/deep work.
- Handheld mode for large/irregular objects.
ComMarker B4 Cons:
- Limited to metals/plastics (no wood/organics).
- Steeper learning curve with pro software.
- Slightly heavier, higher price for top configs.
Final Recommendation
For pure metal engraving—jewelry, tags, tools, or industrial marking—the ComMarker B4 is the best portable choice. Its true fiber laser outperforms the xTool F1's IR module in depth, speed, and versatility on bare metals.
Choose the xTool F1 if you need a do-it-all portable machine for events, mixed materials, or lighter metal work (e.g., coated items or jewelry).
Both require safety gear (goggles, ventilation). Check current prices on official sites, as deals fluctuate. Happy engraving!
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