Polar vs. Polar+: OMTech’s Desktop Laser Engraver Evolution
Whether you’ve been an OMTech fan for years or your research for the ultimate laser engravers just led you to us, everyone knows that “OMTech” and “Polar” are synonymous. One of the most coveted laser engraver models since its launch in 2022, the OMTech Polar has taken over the industry with its compact nature and all-inclusive design engineered for DIYers, laser beginners, and small-business owners.
Today, we’ll do a deep dive into the Polar 350 and the newly-released Polar+. We’ll get into the details behind each iteration of the Polar and help you understand the key differences between the two models. In the end, you’ll be able to determine which Polar desktop laser engraver is best for you!
Polar vs. Polar+: Comparing the Specs
|
Features |
Polar 350 50W Desktop CO2 Laser Engraver |
Polar+ 55W Desktop CO2 Laser Engraver |
|
Laser Power |
50W |
55W |
|
Working Area |
20" x 11" |
20" x 12" |
|
Max Engraving Speed |
500 mm/s |
500 mm/s |
|
Max Cutting Depth |
0.4" (10mm) on acrylic, plywood, basswood |
22mm acrylic, 15mm wood |
|
Positioning Accuracy |
±0.04 mm |
±0.04 mm |
|
Control Interface |
Software only |
Smart touchscreen + software |
|
Camera |
5MP built-in camera |
5MP built-in camera |
|
Focus |
Z-focus |
Autofocus |
|
Offline Operation |
None |
Yes, via USB |
|
Rotary Attachment |
(2) Included |
(2) Included |
|
Water Cooling |
Built-in water chiller |
Built-in water chiller |
|
Price |
$2,299.99 |
$2,799.99 |
While the Polar and the Polar+ laser engravers are very similar machines, there are a couple of key differences that warrant the gap in price.
One of the biggest changes to the Polar+ is the addition of a built-in touchscreen that allows you to control the machine outside of the laser engraver software. The new Polar also showcases upgrades in power and workbed space, granting users more room and versatility. With additional features like one-touch autofocus and auto-resume after power loss, the Polar+ takes desktop laser engraving to the next level.
OMTech Polar: The Pioneer of Desktop Laser Engraving
The OMTech Polar Laser Engraver has been a game-changer for small businesses and home-based creators in the past few years. Let’s explore what makes this machine a crowd-favorite:
At the heart of the Polar is a robust 50W CO2 laser tube. Achieving excellent balance between capability and accessibility, this 50W desktop laser engraver is ideal for tackling a wide range of projects. Create various acrylic, wood, leather, and glass products with precision and efficiency with the Polar 50W engraver.
One of the Polar’s standout features is its compact design. Coming in at 38.2” x 22.3” x 9.2”, the Polar is ideal for home offices or mobile setups. This machine doesn’t demand a large dedicated space, making it perfect for creators who need flexibility in their workshop.
Included with the Polar are two custom rotary attachments, expanding the machine’s capabilities! The ability to engrave on cylindrical objects such as mugs, cups, water bottles, and more opens up a world of possibilities for customized items.
The Polar was designed with user experience in mind, making it one of the easiest machines to plug and play with. The Polar comes with a built-in water chiller and exhaust system, meaning that beginners don’t have to purchase additional equipment before starting. One of the best intuitive features is the 360-degree camera that allows users to project their engravings onto the material, providing a real-time view and framing of the project.
When compared to other desktop CO2 machines on the market, the Polar offers an impressive set of features at a competitive price point of $2,299.99, making it an attractive option for those looking to enter the world of laser engraving and cutting.
Enter the Polar+: The Next Level of Desktop Laser Engraving
Building on the success of the Polar, OMTech has introduced the Polar+, a machine that takes desktop laser engraving to new heights. Let's explore what sets this new model apart:
The Polar+ boasts a 55W laser tube, a step up from the Polar's 50W. This increase in power translates to deeper cutting depths, allowing users to achieve more with their projects. The Polar+ has a maximum cutting depth of 22mm on acrylic and 15mm on wood—around double the depth of the Polar!
Unlike the Polar, which relies solely on software control to execute jobs, the Polar+ includes a built-in control panel to perform basic tasks like moving and focusing the laser head, framing the material, starting the project, and more. Enjoy more convenient operation and monitoring of your engraving tasks.
One of the most significant upgrades in the Polar+ is its motorized laser head with autofocus capability. Accessible through the new integrated touchscreen, the one-touch autofocus helps you achieve ultimate precision with ease.
No need to worry about sudden power outages or unexpected hiccups when engraving! The Polar+’s auto-resume function means that the machine can pick up projects right where it left off in cause of power loss. Instead of having to restart the project all over again, simply turn the machine back on and the Polar+ will resume and finish the task.
The Polar+ offers a generous 20” x 12” working space for desktop laser engraving. While this may not seem like much of a change from the original Polar’s workbed, every inch matters when it comes to your projects. The larger the working area, the more objects you can accommodate!
Just like the Polar, the Polar+ also includes two rotary attachments to accommodate cylindrical objects. Expand your arsenal of engraveable projects with these included accessories.
Why mess with a good thing? The Polar+ features some of the Polar’s best accessories, which are the built-in water cooler, exhaust system, and the 360-degree camera. This inclusive setup includes everything you need to get start with your laser engraving adventures, making the journey as simple as possible.
Making the Right Choice: Polar or Polar+?
Both the Polar and the Polar+ are excellent choices for desktop laser engraving and cutting, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences.
The Polar 350 is the ideal choice for beginners on a budget. If you have limited space and a limited budget but still want access to professional-grade features, the Polar 50W desktop laser cutter is the model for you. With robust safety features, ample CO2 laser power, and an all-inclusive build, the Polar is great for DIYers and crafters working from home and who are comfortable with software-only control and Z-focusing.
The Polar+, on the other hand, offers more nifty specs such as autofocus, upgraded wattage, and touchscreen controls. Grab the Polar+ if you need more power and space on your projects and you prefer the convenience of autofocus and integrated controls. If you’re okay with spending more for the sake of efficiency, go with the Polar+!
Conclusion
The introduction of the Polar+ doesn’t render the original obsolete—instead, it offers an advanced option for those who need more power, larger working spaces, and convenient features like autofocus and built-in controls. Whether you choose the Polar or the Polar+, you’re investing in a machine that can help bring your creative vision to life with precision and efficiency.
No matter your preference in desktop laser engravers, OMTech has the perfect machines to bring your creative visions to life. Visit the OMTech website today to explore our range of laser engravers and cutters. Our team of friendly experts is standing by to guide you through the selection process, answer your questions, and help you choose the perfect machine for your projects. Let's make something amazing together!