This Laser Can Engrave METAL! - OMTech 20W Fiber Laser Review

I've reviewed lots of lasers in the past and the #1 question is always can it engrave metal? This week we take a look at the OM Tech 20W Fiber laser which can! Thanks to Skillshare for sponsoring this video, the first 1,000 people to use my link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/makeorbreakshop06211
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[@Ultimartinum]

Speaking from my heart you shouldnt mention that these machines have a range of 20-100kHz. Open the machine and check the fiberlaser module and you will see it yourself. If its a "cheap" Raycus this will eventuelly be a QS-Version (RFL-P20QS blue) with a range of 30-60kHz. This is what the chinese guys sell you as an 20-100kHz. If you use it out of this range the module will fail within months. Btw. even the good cheap china fiberlaser modules on these machines are RFL-P20QE versions with have a range of 20-60kHz. So be prepared.

[@michael2833]

Awesome video! Very informative and looking forward to buying one! Just Subscribed 👌

[@MakeSomething]

This is cool! I didn't even know these types of desktop machines existed. Great review Brandon!

[@makeorbreakshop]

Thanks David! It pretty quickly became my favorite to us, especially on anything metallic.

[@toolchuck]

David, you already have a CNC, you're playing around with welding and even a Go-Kart! Now get back to your own channel and, wait for it..., "MAKE SOMETHING" I really, really tried not to, but I'm weak. 😢

[@mcbeardface]

@@toolchuck sand in the place where you live

[@sidehop]

Okay, I'm very impressed with how you explain things; I'm not new to laser but never fully understood in the simplest term and understanding of the fiber laser tech. You're a great teacher! Sub'd :)

[@JennyJenny-ck2eh]

Thank you for your compliment, maybe it’s some combination of him and them.

[@LaserEverything]

Great overview of Fiber Lasers! Fiber is the love of my life

[@TNT-km2eg]

Depth of engraving is just for decorative purpose

[@Grotolaz]

Thank you for all of the videos. What can it cut...? Can it score, cut, mark cardboard/thick paper? How does it work with plastics? thanks in advance.

[@mw3designs]

Have you done any deep engravings with the 20W unit? I know 30w and of course the 50w can do it, but was curious about the 20.

[@viviaz9443]

This is a very good video. All the machine components are showed detailedly.

[@JennyJenny-ck2eh]

Thank you for your compliment, maybe it’s some combination of him and them.

[@wholeness]

When you have a larger object is it best to etch with a mill or is there a way to increase the work area with these devices?

[@wholeness]

What about a diamond drag tool

[@andrewedwardsmusic]

@@wholeness I just bought a diamond drag tool off of Amazon and am engraving 1000 aluminum parts with it. Almost finished with them. The engraving doesn't pop out quite the way I would have liked, although it certainly does the job. It would look a lot better if it had contrast with the metal though. For instance a black anodize layer then use the engraver for contrast against the color. Otherwise it seems to blend in with the aluminum and you can only see the engraving when putting it at an angle to reflect the light just right. I'm going pretty deep with it too, though I've considered using a stronger spring. sorry for the essay. :D

[@shanepoole2643]

Hi there, great informative video thanks.... Will this machine engrave black text on metallic plates and jewellery. cheers

[@MrCama]

Do you have a video from the design end of things. Ie; navigating the CAD program that is used with the OMTech laser? Also, can you import something like a signature or handwriting and etch that into metal? Thanks!

[@johnwayne2103]

That is a very cool tool!

[@krishbudhrani628]

Great video, appreciate the details

[@JennyJenny-ck2eh]

Thank you for your compliment, maybe it’s some combination of him and them.

[@Joeybag0donuts]

Would this be good for engraving plastic? Like hair clipper lids? I’m trying to engrave lettering and fill it with paint and doing it by hand is a little rough

[@GraceFonland]

Great video ,learn much from it .Thank you

[@JennyJenny-ck2eh]

Thank you for your compliment, maybe it’s some combination of him and them.

[@MGS45]

How would this work if I’m engraving bolts with hex heads? Would the engraving come out worse because it’s engraving a round and not flat surface? What’s the learning curve for figuring out how to use this machine?

[@honey87west]

I've watched this twice, and it is invaluable. Especially the Fibre vs CO2 explanation. Forgive me if I've missed it, but how 'deep' can it engrave? I'm looking to engrave wax seals and am wondering if this is the best option laser to go with? Something that can do fine and deep engraving on brass? Thanks!

[@CalyoWiselyLaser]

Great explain about the fiber laser marking machine.

[@JennyJenny-ck2eh]

Thank you for your compliment, maybe it’s some combination of him and them.

[@TLAS]

I recall checking into fiber lasers about a year ago and hearing that compatibility with Lightburn software would be coming. What’s the current status?

[@JordonRichard]

Thanks for posting this! Did you have a link to the power vs speed vs frequency files?

[@NatesToolbox]

Same 🎉

[@edwinkania5286]

Cool Laser. I just built a Diode laser and am enjoying learning it. This one will be the next laser for other things. I like the speed.

[@makeorbreakshop]

So fast!

[@steveb5799]

Great video, is it possible to engrave glass ?

[@turbotiger5998]

How does this compare with the SCULPFUN S9, which is supposed to be equivalent to a 90W CO2 laser? Does anyone know which model would engrave stainless steel better?

[@markkoons7488]

Learned a lot. Thanks, guy.

[@JennyJenny-ck2eh]

Thank you for your compliment, maybe it’s some combination of him and them.

[@pietroterranova3273]

Is it possible to engrave complex surfaces? (E.g. cylindrical surfaces or other curved surface)

[@baljazz]

Literally the only person on KZbin I have come across who has covered this type of laser this way. If you can go in more detail on making actual projects thatd be great.

[@joegavin5300]

Hi! Great video! I just bought a 30w Fiber and waiting patiently for it to arrive. I watched your video a couple of times and liked the 2 test files you ran. You mentioned they were in the link below, but I am not seeing them. Please point me in the right direction! Many thanks! JoeG

[@Jesttricks]

Do you have any recommendations for a deep engrave on carbon steel?

[@derekwright2388]

Awesome, been looking at a fibre but cost is prohibitive

[@nickyadadi]

Hi, what do you think is the best laxer for simple stainless steel signs for a manufacturing plant? Looking to make stainless steel signs that are easy to read and can stand up to harsh sanitation process.

[@jason1995]

was wondering where the files where for that test if you can link it to me would be great thanks for the video amazing.

[@tonykraut5330]

I've been looking for a metal engraver to personalize military challenge coins. I would like to layout multiple coins in a 3x3 or 4x4 layout and set the parameters for the engraving in the specific engravement field on each coin for a multiple coin run. I was thinking of make a fixture to set them in. Is this the machine I should use.

[@rosebuddesign635]

I would love to get one of these. Don't have the budget yet but hopefully one day... Nice video.

[@JennyJenny-ck2eh]

Thank you for your compliment, maybe it’s some combination of him and them.

[@andyc5612]

Great review. Thanks.

[@JennyJenny-ck2eh]

Thank you for your compliment, maybe it’s some combination of him and them.

[@skeets6060]

What is the depth of engraving? Will it work on say tools, and firearms?

[@cooltings]

I’m interested in starting a small sports labeling/engraving business, mainly engraving basketballs and footballs, and possibly making trophies and awards. What type of laser do you recommend for these applications?

[@abar_gudrat]

Hello, I have the same device. What software do you use for that?

[@uproarink]

Nice review. Where are those test files that you talked about? I did not see them in the show notes.

[@arkadiychernikov]

Check this guy who created and published the files: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXLLf3ara817g6c

[@LoveColorado]

Very cool, thank you!

[@makeorbreakshop]

You bet!

[@socialjusticejewelry]

Would like to see the rotary engrave inside of a ring. The website just says loading blinking for more than a minute when I clicked the link.

[@garyvolence4504]

Can you do a video with using the rotary axis for this machine?

[@pfiltz]

Will Light Burn run those units...? Also, what laser source is used on the OMtech machines? Max, JPT, Raycus?

[@robbandrade6400]

Can you lay out multiple items and engrave them back to back or do you have go one by one?

[@rickkarsten6116]

Thanks!

[@atraente9940]

I have no idea how I ended up here, but I was looking at signet rings and thinking of how I could engrave them myself. Wondering how this would work with a surface that is not round.

[@archerious1972]

Does it allow you to specify the depth of the engraving? I need to engrave 0.03” not any deeper.

[@lightningstrikelures2393]

Could you do a vid on engraving a watch? Watch back obviously but the band itself would be interesting .

[@m0kax]

Is it possible to mark objects in movement?

[@roguecnc788]

Hi, you mentioned that you would list the sample burn matrix thingie files, i didnt see them in the description, are they still avalible thx?

[@benji3048]

if you do many passes would you br able to actually sculpt steel, for example a big block of steel, and i wanna make some 3d image, could i go making lots of passes and actually producing a 3d volume?

[@rarelyaccurate6252]

Hi, do you have a link to the test files?

[@benji3048]

if you do many passes would it go deeper? like doing a mini 3d model?

[@rusticagenerica]

So you cannot use LightBurnt for this ?? Would be cool if you explained more why this software change.

[@boostmobile7092]

Is it powerful enough for a 2.5d relief ?

[@annamilanovic5297]

Great video, thanks for that! Can you make a video about the safety of these? I thought class 4 lasers had to be enclosed, so would love to learn more about potential safety concerns for open systems. Are safety glasses only really all it takes?

[@amyning7387]

U can use laser marking machine with safety cabinet

[@Kane_Grove]

How deep would this laser engrave aluminum? Can I get .003 inch or greater?

[@adenanwasli61]

I'd like to know if it can engrave on and cut pure silver and gold(916) surfaces ?

[@zackchappell7979]

Thanks for the review on this and all your other lasers. I know you said fiber lasers are not for wood, but what about glass?

[@viviaz9443]

Fiber can not work on glass. You can try 355nm or 532nm laser.

[@LORDxBLACKBEAR]

Will this machine do cylindrical items or only flat surfaces

[@mr.stackyverticalplanterhy8483]

Thank you I did order it.

[@makeorbreakshop]

Hope you like it!

[@ASHLEYSMITH0727]

Really enjoyed the video. Just purchased and waiting on its arrival. Where are the test files that you mentioned? I do not see them in the links

[@JennyJenny-ck2eh]

Thank you for your compliment, maybe it’s some combination of him and them.

[@ARTISTIKACORPGIV]

THANK YOU FOR GIVING US KNOWLDGE ABOUT LASER, I WANT TO START LASER ENGRAVING YOU MENTIONED CANNOT USE AT THE BAMBO MATERIALS. WHICH MACHINEWITH SMALL BUDGET , I HAVE SMALL STORE WHICH LASER IS THE BEST WITH SMALL BUDEGT AND FOR MY SMALL STORE

[@webosm6494]

A Co2 laser with a galvanometer would be ideal. Did not find any yet. Do you know of a brand that has that type available.

[@TheDopalgangr]

Should have went with the 50W. Best starter without upgrading down the road

[@conanstarrblade1969]

Can it do cylinderical; travel mugs, hilts?

[@alexsgc]

Tuvieras el archivo con las configuraciones diferentes para probar en mi equipo

[@hectorlabra8472]

hello Brandon, can this laser cut metal like silver 3 mm thick

[@xuanxuanlaser5474]

是个很不错的讲法。

[@the_chomper]

i was going to try to email you but i cant find any contact info, where can i get the files you used to do the color pallet for the annealing? that would be super helpful to make and have on the side for when i want to run colors on metal.

[@ComgrowOfficial]

Dude, you're so amazing!!!😄

[@TheRainHarvester]

3:00 the edges will also be slanted if you manage to cut. Can you cut?

[@CreatorHeracle]

does it also engrave correct on clean plastic

[@rdcole11]

Where is the link for the test files? I don't see it.

[@charleshetrick3152]

Thoughts on putting a round over on the edge if you were making challenge coins

[@chapysocialcard]

Every thing i engrave leaves darker marks on metal cards any advise on what am doing wrong

[@buildyear86]

you say this wont get as clean of a cut on the outer edges of the product you want engraved, but ... how far out CAN you go while keeping it cleancut?

[@chrisoliver3851]

Please doa review of the FM7979-50S - 50W Split Fiber Laser

[@juniorchup]

i buy thus glasses for the sun.... do they really work for protecting the eyes ??? i thought that only the green ones or orage ones worked.

[@wojtiwojt3128]

Where to get this kind of thing like in 12:11?

[@AlexGarcia-ie4cm]

Where are those test files located?

[@aundreajohnson8836]

thanks for the great video! would laser engraving on stainless steel cause rusting later on? trying to find a way to engrave stainless steel that doesn't lead to rusting.

[@chairmanfrau.6281]

ok first it's stain-less not rustproof so, if the conditions are grim enough, even really good stainless will oxidize. That having been said, stainless should be stainless through and through, though there are coatings you can apply to any metal including stainless to keep it bright and of course some polishes will leave an intentional residue that keeps oxidation away for a while BUT the whole point of stainless is to not need that. So, stainless comes in different grades, and the designation will tell you how resistant it is. If you are having rust problems, see if you can get nautical stainless; I seem to recall it as 316 nautical stainless but I am math dyslexic so I very often juxtapose numbers (call alot of wrong numbers) but it is a 3 digit number beginning with 3 and it has to be NAUTICAL but they make a zillion things out of it. I know this steel holds up very well indeed even in salt water environments because as a himble deck hand on private oceangoing yachts crossing the pacific, the indian ocean and seasons in the med which is saltier than the others because of the intense evaporation rate, it was my job to keep things bright and it wasnt hard since only older boats (30 plus years) working hard would be having a little rust around indentations where salt collected and wasn't wiped off over years. Also, the machines do engrave titanium, which straight up doesn't corrode; they store spent radioactive fuel from power plants in titanium tubes...plus it does some cool things with anodized finishes which I think, maybe, lazers can do for you? Big maybe, not sure. It's also super light and much stronger than steel but expensive because the melting temperature is so high the cost of heating up the equipment to melt and pour and roll it out and all that jazz is more costly than leaving it on at a gazillion degrees 24/7/365. It's also the only metal bone will adhere to which is why it is used medically, for implant screws etc. Now you can win trivial pursuits.

[@chairmanfrau.6281]

humble not himble. guess I shouldn't have banished spell check....

[@zabbcia]

Can this laser engrave galvanized sheet metal. Looking to tag our production parts

[@CatsandCircles]

Hi, thanks for the video. Just wondering where the test file link is? Did I miss it somewhere?

[@Sam11747]

Yes, I'm curious where that is.

[@turbotiger5998]

The SCULPFUN S9 engraves stainless steel and is currently on offer at less than £230.

[@joelrggizmo1373]

is this compatible with light burn at this time you made this video in 2021

[@daves.software]

Can it ablate copper on PCB blanks?

[@opalocka06]

I'm looking to do custom firearms work. I know the 80W can do it but i dont want to get something that expensive if I don't have to

[@BoyanSilyavski]

Just saw some guys do wood on a similar laser? Whats the deal?

[@sofloemir]

Where/how can I get that power/speed & power/freq file?

[@kyleb3785]

Could this etch golf club heads?

[@retel8r]

Is that test file pre loaded in EZCAD software ? & was the blues shown on black mild steel or stainless ? Thanks & a great video 👍🏽

[@arkadiychernikov]

Check this guy who created those grid files: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXLLf3ara817g6c

[@retel8r]

@@arkadiychernikov thank you sir

[@chadlinkhart755]

What engraver would engrave a gun handgun or rifle wooden plastic metal

[@jqmachgunner2577]

What depth can this laser cut?

[@vaibhavjain4226]

Where do I find those test files?

[@celbur]

Hi Brandon, I love your videos!! Are there any reasonably priced fiber lasers that will engrave on the exterior/interior of rings as well as cut through up to 5mm thickness of metal?

[@realfeedback1278]

Can you answer this question please or suggest anything close that’s reasonably priced?

[@ElectricBikeLaboratory]

5mm metal requires way more power, lowest priced machine would be plasma cutter, like Langmuir Crossfire

[@Metal_Vistas]

I found your your video very interesting and informative, and as a photographer who makes aluminum prints of my photos, I'm curious about the possible applications for this in my work. Do you have any idea how much heat is generated by engraving onto aluminum? I'm curious whether it can be used on the back side of my prints without damaging the actual print and clear coat on the reverse side.

[@makeorbreakshop]

That’s a great question, I haven’t checked the heat directly after engraving. Aluminum is a great conductor of beat so it could get warm but I’ve handled the pieces pretty quickly after using and they have been fine.

[@phillpittman587]

@@makeorbreakshop I have NDA's in place so I can't give specifics. Depending on the material some heat will penetrate to the other surface so two options still work for your application. Simply engrave the reverse side first ( prefered ) or provide a cooling airflow on the finished photo side. Too much cooling will affect the effectiveness of the laser burn. Best of luck

[@Metal_Vistas]

​@@phillpittman587 - Engraving in advance is not possible because my prints are made at a lab. Cooling the reverse side seems impractical, but I'll give it some thought. Thanks for the reply and suggestions!

[@Metal_Vistas]

@@phillpittman587 - If you're willing to give it a try, I'm willing to send you a sacrificial print, one of my 'seconds'. Might make for interesting content, and would certainly be helpful to me to know in advance if it will work.

[@ppinthewoods3430]

@@Metal_Vistas I wouldn't mind helping but I am still deciding on getting this particular laser. I have other much stronger ones but to check this out we would need the exact one to do you any good. I do my normal work now on a 100w galvo, 2-400 watt 5'x10' gantries and a 3000w 5'x10' fiber. This small one would sure fill a gap in my world and cost a very small fraction (about 1/40)of the 100w galvo. If this works like I think it should, they are leaving a LOT of possibility unspoken. Take a look at the wood medallion on the top of my webpage and consider it was done by 220 passes (sliced like you would a 3d printer ) on a small galvo. The same machine is used for 3d carving tool steel dies for stamping coins. www.masterwerkes.com

[@abn82dmp]

What is the max depth of engraving?

[@deazzysimon2516]

Heyy can it do name chains? ??????

[@Crinj]

I need that test file 🙏

[@kraigsmusicalworks4400]

I cannot find the one with the 200x200mm work area, only 110mm