OMTech CO₂ Lasers Compared: K40, Polar, Maker, Pronto, and Pro Series

As the demand for custom engraving and cutting continues to grow, so does the need for powerful, reliable CO₂ laser machines. OMTech offers a wide range of laser engravers tailored to every level of maker—from beginners and hobbyists to serious small business owners and industrial users. But with five major series to choose from—K40+, Polar, Maker, Pronto, and Pro—how do you know which one is right for you?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the key differences between each OMTech CO₂ laser series and help you find the machine that fits your goals, budget, and workflow. We’ll also explore what CO₂ lasers are, what they can do, and how they fit into today’s creative and industrial spaces.

Understanding CO₂ Laser Engravers

CO₂ laser engravers are incredibly versatile machines that use a carbon dioxide laser beam to cut and engrave a variety of non-metal materials, including wood, acrylic, glass, rubber, leather, and more. These machines are ideal for personal projects, small businesses, and production-scale manufacturing, depending on their power, speed, and features.

CO₂ lasers are the preferred tool for many makers and small businesses because they:

• Offer high precision with clean edges
  

• Handle a wide range of materials, including wood, acrylic, leather, paper, glass, plastics, coated metal, and so on
  

• Are more cost-effective than fiber lasers for non-metal engraving
  

• Come in multiple sizes and power ranges to suit different users

The key when choosing the right machine is finding the balance between power, engraving speed, bed size, and user-friendly features—all of which vary across OMTech’s product lines. That’s why we have this guide to help you decide which OMTech CO₂ laser is the right fit for you! 

OMTech K40+ Series: The Affordable Entry Point

Power: 40W
Engraving Speed: Up to 300 mm/s
Working Area: 8" x 12"
Best For: Beginners on a budget; DIY users

The K40+ series is OMTech’s most affordable desktop CO₂ laser engraver. It is best for newcomers who want to explore laser engraving without breaking the bank. The K40+ offers the essentials: basic controls, a detachable honeycomb bed, LightBurn and LaserGRBL compatibility, and a modest 8" x 12" work area.

At 40W, it can handle lightweight cutting and engraving on materials like acrylic, wood, and leather, though it's slower and less feature-rich than other OMTech machines. The K40+ runs at 300 mm/s and includes an air assist and exhaust system, making it ideal for hobby projects or low-volume crafting.

Summary:

• Entry-level machine
  

• Budget-friendly and compact
  

• Minimal setup; essential software and hardware
  

• Great for learning the basics, but limited for advanced users

OMTech Polar Series: Desktop Power for the Serious Beginner

Power: 50W–55W
Engraving Speed: Up to 500 mm/s
Working Area: 20" x 12"
Best For: Crafters, Etsy sellers; beginners who want premium features

The Polar series is OMTech’s premium desktop option, offering more power, speed, and intuitive controls than the K40+. Its 50–55W laser tube delivers faster engraving and deeper cuts, while its 20" x 12" bed size allows you to take on larger projects. With its detachable honeycomb bed, users can use the included rotary attachments to expand their engraving abilities.

One of the Polar's key strengths is its plug-and-play usability. The Polar+ 55W Desktop Laser includes better hardware, touchscreen controls for one-tap autofocus, and a sleek all-in-one design that appeals to users looking for a smoother setup experience. If you're a beginner who wants a robust, professional-grade machine without jumping into full-sized lasers, the Polar series is the way to go.

Summary:

• Powerful 50-55W desktop option
  

• Includes autofocus, water chiller, air assist, and touchscreen controls
  

• Includes rotary attachments for more customization options

• Ideal for makers and creative entrepreneurs

OMTech Maker Series: Budget-Friendly, High-Power Machines

Power: 60W, 90W, 100W, 130W, 150W
Engraving Speed: Up to 600 mm/s
Working Area: 16” x 24” to 40” x 63”
Best For: Growing small businesses; experienced hobbyists

If you’re ready to scale up and want more cutting and engraving power without a huge price tag, the Maker series hits the sweet spot. These CO₂ lasers come in a variety of wattages—from 60W for basic production all the way up to 150W for cutting thick materials with ease.

The Maker machines offer larger bed sizes, manual and autofocus options, and are compatible with LightBurn software. Their engraving speeds top out at 600 mm/s, making them a good choice for batch production, signage, and medium-duty business use. The Makers also include a four-way pass-through, allowing you to accommodate larger materials. 

Summary:

• Affordable for a full-size machine
  

• 60-150W power options
  

• Ideal for moderate production needs
  

• Manual or auto-focus flexibility
  

OMTech Pronto Series: Precision, Safety, and Speed Upgrades

Power: 60W, 90W, 100W, 130W, 150W
Engraving Speed: Up to 1000 mm/s
Working Area: Varies by model
Best For: Professional shops, makers with growing demand

The Pronto series builds on the Maker platform with a major upgrade in speed, safety, and technology. These machines are designed for users who need reliability and performance in a high-output setting. Pronto models come with built-in safety features, upgraded electronics, optional built-in water chillers, and autofocus standards.

Their 1000 mm/s engraving speed makes them significantly faster than Maker units, allowing quicker production runs and reduced turnaround times. If you're running a small business or fabrication shop and need a workhorse machine, the Pronto is made for you.

Summary:

• Faster engraving speeds than the Maker series
  

• Better electronics and safety standards
  

• Designed for professional environments
  

• Great for daily high-volume use
  

OMTech Pro Series: Top-Tier Power and Industrial Versatility

Power: 80W, 100W, 130W, 150W
Engraving Speed: Up to 1200 mm/s
Special Option: Hybrid (CO₂ + metal cutting)
Best For: Industrial users, production facilities, metal + non-metal engraving

At the top of the lineup is the OMTech Pro series, a heavy-duty solution built for industrial and high-end commercial applications. These machines are equipped with the most powerful components, engraving speeds up to 1200 mm/s, and built-in water chillers for consistent cooling.

What really sets the Pro series apart is the optional hybrid model, the Pro 3655 Hybrid 150W, which combines CO₂ laser capabilities with metal cutting features—ideal for users who need to work with both organic materials and sheet metal.

If you're a manufacturer, sign maker, or metal shop looking for a one-stop solution, the Pro series is a serious investment that pays off in performance and productivity.

Summary:

• Fastest and most capable machines
  

• Hybrid option cuts metals
  

• Designed for large-scale or industrial use
  

• Built-in water chillers, advanced controls
  

Which OMTech CO₂ Laser Is Right for You?

Here’s a quick comparison of who each series is best for:

Final Thoughts: OMTech CO₂ Laser Machines for Every Level

Whether you’re just getting into laser engraving or you’re managing a full-fledged engraving business, OMTech has a CO₂ laser machine that fits your needs and your budget. From entry-level desktop machines like the K40+ and Polar, to robust workhorses like the Maker and Pronto, all the way to the Pro series for heavy-duty cutting and metal work—OMTech covers the full spectrum of creators.

Ready to Find Your Machine?

At OMTech, we’re committed to empowering makers, crafters, small businesses, and industrial professionals with laser machines that deliver precision, performance, and value. With an ever-expanding line that now includes CO₂ lasers, fiber lasers, and embroidery machines, OMTech is building a creative ecosystem for every kind of maker.

Explore our lineup today at OMTechLaser.com and take the next step in your creative journey now!