Snapmaker 2W IR Laser Module and Engraving

2W 1064nm Infrared Laser Engraving: Examples, Settings, and Tools


In the world of precision crafting and manufacturing, laser engraving stands out for its ability to deliver high-resolution markings on a variety of materials. Among the tools available, the 2W 1064nm infrared laser has become a staple for those seeking precision and efficiency. This guide delves into the techniques, tips, and tools needed to master this technology.


Disclaimer: Laser cutting and engraving may be hazardous if improperly operated. Please make sure to follow the safety guidelines such as wearing eye-protective goggles and using the machine enclosure while operating.

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Introduction to 2W 1064nm Infrared Laser

– Difference Between IR and Blue Lasers. Red, infrared (IR), and blue lasers in laser engraving differ in wavelength, precision, and material compatibility. Red lasers operate at a wavelength of 635–670 nm, suitable for marking light or reflective surfaces but lack the power for deep engraving. Infrared lasers, with a wavelength of around 1064 nm, are ideal for engraving metals and dark materials due to their ability to penetrate surfaces more effectively, making them a popular choice for industrial applications. Blue lasers, at 445–450 nm, offer higher precision and energy density, excelling at intricate engraving on materials like wood, acrylic, and leather, but are less effective on reflective metals.

Snapmaker Laser Modules and Wavelength Graph
Snapmaker Laser Modules and Wavelength Graph
Image: Snapmaker

Each type of laser serves specific applications based on its unique properties, with IR lasers dominating industrial use and red and blue lasers being more common for creative and hobbyist projects. Recently, brands manufacturing desktop laser engravers for hobbyists and small businesses have begun offering 2W 1064nm IR lasers in their product lineups.

– Materials. A 2W Infrared (IR) laser operating at 1064 nm is highly effective for engraving and marking a wide range of materials, including metals like stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, gold, silver, and titanium; plastics such as ABS, polycarbonate, acrylic, nylon, and polypropylene; and ceramics, stone (slate, granite, marble), and dark glass. It also performs well on painted or powder-coated surfaces, PCB boards, and rubber. Known for its high precision and versatility, a 2W IR laser is ideal for detailed engraving and marking tasks across both metallic and non-metallic materials, offering non-contact marking without damaging the surface.


What to Engrave? – 2W Infrared Laser Projects


– Metal. While testing the Snapmaker Artisan, one of my favorite materials for testing 2W IR lasers was snap-off blade knife blades. These blades allowed me to experiment with engravings without worrying about wasting material. As a result, I ended up with a collection of blades featuring interesting engravings.

Laser-Engraved Snap-Off Blades Before Cleaning
Laser-Engraved Snap-Off Blades Before Cleaning
©3DWithUs – Laser Job & Photo: Max Funkner
Laser-Engraved Snap-Off Blades After Cleaning
Laser Engraved Snap-Off Blades After Cleaning

If the brown, rust-like dust is cleaned off, the engraving results become more visible, revealing varying levels of detail – some more pronounced than others. Since different settings were used, the results also varied. Apart from the 3DWithUs logo, I was pleased to explore the extensive collection of fonts for text and elements available in the Luban library.



– Black PLA. PLA is one of the most popular materials in the 3D printing community, with dark grey and black filaments widely available. To my delight, a 2W IR laser produces highly precise and visually appealing engravings on this material. For testing, I printed four Flap Vent Blockers – a simple yet functional design that helps reduce drafts and, in turn, lowers energy bills during particularly cold and windy seasons. Here is a short video of the Blocker in action.

Custom Engravings on Black PLA Compilation
Custom Engravings on Black PLA Compilation
©3DWithUs – Laser Job and Photo: Max Funkner

The Shape Library in Snapmaker Luban offers a selection of basic shapes for engraving and alignment. In addition to using custom text and shapes from the library, I incorporated the 3DWithUs logo and even a previous picture I once used as an avatar. The results are truly astonishing.

Four Flap Vent Blockers printed on Snapmaker Artisan
Four Flap Vent Blockers printed on Snapmaker Artisan
3D Model on Cults
©3DWithUs – Print and Photo: Max Funkner

This is a simple yet effective example of how 3D printing and laser engraving can complement each other seamlessly. With the Snapmaker Artisan, projects like this are completed effortlessly, as switching between disciplines takes only seconds. The clean, matte texture on the top and bottom of the prints highlights the machine’s precision and capabilities, showcasing its potential for high-quality results.



– Brass Metal. Will Zoobkoff achieved impressive results by engraving two brass challenge coins on his xTool S1. These coins are ideal for testing the capabilities of an IR laser module, as they showcase both detail and precision. The designs used for the engraving were sourced from laser-pics.com, a platform offering a wide range of high-quality designs for subscribers, along with an extensive collection of free images for engraving projects.

Challenge Coin Skull
Challenge Coin Skull
Design by J. Wagner on Laser Pics
©3DWithUs – Laser Job & Photo: Will Zoobkoff
Challenge Coin Dragon
Challenge Coin Dragon
Design by J. Wagner on Laser Pics
©3DWithUs – Laser Job & Photo: Will Zoobkoff

– Settings. The designs on the coins turned out beautifully when 90% power and 90 mm/s speed were used as recommended. Because of the IR module’s 0.03 x 0.03 mm spot size, which ensures extremely fine engraving, the detail on these coins is truly remarkable. Even the shadows cast by some of the rocks looked amazing, bringing the dragon on the rocks to life.


Other Examples
More examples are coming soon …

Materials, Settings and Supplies

There is a vast collection of materials and supplies for laser engraving and cutting on the xTool website.

xTool F1 Ultra Metal Material Choice
xTool F1 Ultra Metal Material Choice
Settings for Stainless Steel Dog Tag
xTool F1 Ultra Settings for Stainless Steel Dog Tag

Apart from the materials available for purchase, their database includes all the settings, including for the 2W IR laser modules. This library is very handy for investigating materials and settings before planning a project.

LaserPecker Materials and Supplies
LaserPecker Materials and Supplies

Here is another good collection from the LaserPecker website.

Where to Buy 2W 1064nm Infrared Lasers for Laser Engraving

Major hobbyist laser brands offer 2W 1064nm lasers either as an optional add-on module or as part of a 2-in-1 combo build. Here is a list of where you can find 2W IR lasers.

Snapmaker 2W 1064nm Infrared Laser Module

Price: $399 – 449

Snapmaker 2W 1064nm Infrared Laser Module

Official Website

Amazon

The Snapmaker Artisan 3-in-1 is a unique multifunctional fabrication machine. Combining 3D printing, laser engraving, and CNC carving into a single system, it offers versatility that many creators will find invaluable. With its premium metal construction, enhanced and continually upgraded features, and safe, user-friendly design, the Artisan is built to cater to both hobbyists and professionals.

In the Snapmaker video above, seamless switching and combining of disciplines are showcased. The first example involves 3D printing a box in PLA and then laser engraving a logo on it. Next, CNC machining is used to create a dog tag from metal, followed by detailed engraving on it.

Read more:
Snapmaker Artisan Review by Max Funkner


xTool 2W Infrared Lasers – Module and Combo

xTool 2W IR Laser Module
Price: $509 – $699

xTool 2W 1064nm Infrared Laser Module

Amazon

AliExpress

Official Website

The xTool S1 demonstrates its versatility and capability as a laser engraver, performing very well in a range of engraving and cutting applications. Its four distinct laser modules (10W, 20W, 40W diode lasers, and a 2W 1064 IR laser) can be switched out, giving customers the versatility to effectively handle a variety of materials and applications.

Alignment Laser on 2W 1064 IR Module
Alignment Laser on 2W 1064 IR Module
©3DWithUs – Laser Job & Photo: Will Zoobkoff

xTool F1 2W IR and 10W Diode Laser Combo
The xTool F1 is a fast, portable, and versatile laser engraver equipped with both IR and diode lasers.

xTool F1 Laser Engraver

Amazon

Official Website

We must not confuse the xTool F1 with the xTool F1 Ultra. While the previous version combined a 2W IR laser with a 10W diode laser, the xTool F1 Ultra features a 20W diode laser paired with a 20W fiber laser. The fiber laser effectively replaces the IR laser for most projects, delivering significantly more power and efficiency but at a much higher cost. Fiber lasers utilize doped optical fibers to generate efficient, precise beams, making them ideal for industrial applications like thin metal cutting and engraving. While all fiber lasers at 1064 nm fall under the infrared category, not all infrared lasers are fiber-based.

Read more:
Tool S1 Review by Will Zoobkoff
xTool F1 Ultra Review by Will Zoobkoff


Innovations

In 2024, we saw several brands launching devices that combined blue and red lasers in the same system. LaserPecker and xTool introduced models featuring a combination of diode and fiber lasers. ACMER’s P3 also offers an option with both a 2W IR laser and a 10W diode laser in a single module.

Conclusion

The wide variety of lasers that have recently become available on the prosumer and hobbyist market can be overwhelming. Among these, 2W 1064nm infrared laser modules might seem underwhelming at first, as they are often labeled as low-power modules. However, in practice, they deliver impressive performance, offering precise and reliable results across a wide range of materials.

We hope this guide has helped clarify their capabilities and provided valuable insights into how these laser modules can be used effectively for your projects.

Read more: Best Budget Laser Cutters and Engravers

After testing and reviewing various laser cutters and engravers over the years, we are compiling a detailed guide on the best budget laser machines in this category. In response to DIY market demands, these sophisticated tools are continually improving. Let’s take a look at what’s on the market, highlighting budget-friendly products, and discussing some innovative features and desirable attributes in this field. As usual, we will keep adding more such devices for comparison and feature the newest solutions, aiming to meet the needs of both hobbyists and professionals in this exciting area.


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