OMTech Pronto Series vs. Pro Series: Laser Engraver Buying Guide

When it comes to laser engraving and cutting, OMTech has established itself as an industry leader in providing high-quality, reliable machines for both hobbyists and professionals. Two of our most popular laser engraver series, the Pronto and Pro, offer a range of options to suit various needs and budgets. In this article, we'll dive deep into the features, capabilities, and differences between these two impressive laser engraver series to help you make an informed decision for your business or personal projects.

Overview of the Pronto Series

The OMTech Pronto series is designed for small businesses looking to upgrade their laser engraver for superior performance without breaking the bank. As a more affordable option compared to the Pro series, it offers superior design and faster engraving speeds than the entry-level Maker series. The Pronto series is available in 80W, 100W, 130W, and 150W models, providing a range of power options to suit different needs.

Key Features of the Pronto Series:

• Enhanced engraving speed at 1000 mm/s

• Upgraded x-, y-, and z-axis for quick engravings

• Improved safety features (Class-1 safety machine)

• Built-in autofocus and air assist

• Affordable pricing for businesses

• Wide variety of power options

Overview of the Pro Series

The OMTech Pro series represents the pinnacle of laser engraving technology, offering lightning-quick engraving speeds and even a model with unique hybrid nonmetal and metal cutting capabilities. Like the Pronto series, it's available in 80W, 100W, 130W, and 150W models. The Pro series is intended for businesses and individuals who want to expand their capabilities with a single machine and can afford the slightly higher price point.

Key Features of the Pro Series:

• Pro 3655 Hybrid has nonmetal/metal cutting capability

• Fastest engraving speeds in the OMTech lineup at 1200 mm/s

• Premium build quality and components (enhanced safety, larger working beds, etc) 

• Integrated autofocus and water chiller for professional-grade results

Comparing the Pronto 80W and Pro 80W Models

To give you a more specific comparison, let's look at the 80W models from both series:

Pronto 40 80W CO2 Laser Engraver:

• Dimensions: 59.1” x 44.1” x 40.2” 

• Working Area: 24” x 35”

• Maximum Engraving Speed: 1000 mm/s

• Maximum Cutting Depth: 

• Autofocus: Included

• Air Assist: Included

• Pass-through: Front and Back

Pro 2440 80W CO2 Laser Engraver:

• Dimensions: 61.6” x 54.3” x 40.9”

• Working Area: 24” x 40” 

• Maximum Engraving Speed: 1200 mm/s

• Maximum Cutting Depth (Wood): 30mm

• Autofocus: Included

• Air Assist: Included

• Pass-through: Four-way

As we can see, the Pro 80W offers a larger working area and faster engraving speed compared to the Pronto 80W. This increased workspace and speed can be crucial for businesses handling larger projects or requiring higher production rates.

Hybrid CO2/Metal Cutting: The Pro 3655’s Game-Changing Feature

The standout feature of the Pro series is the Pro 3655 Hybrid with its hybrid CO2/metal cutting capability. This innovative technology allows users to cut traditional materials like wood, acrylic, and fabric, as well as metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, and brass. 

The Pro Hybrid 3655 utilizes two different nozzles for handling metals and nonmetals, optimizing your cutting performance depending on the material. Each nozzle includes an air assist to blow away fumes and debris during the cutting process. 

Benefits:

• Versatility: Engrave on a wider range of materials with a single machine.

• Cost-effectiveness: Eliminate the immediate need for separate CO2 and fiber laser engravers.

• Efficiency: Switch between materials quickly, increasing overall productivity.

Applications:

The hybrid capability opens up new possibilities for businesses, including:

• Creating mixed-material products (e.g., wooden plaques with metal nameplates)

• Offering a wider range of services to clients

• Expanding into new markets and product lines

While the Pronto series excels at traditional CO2 laser engraving tasks, the Pro series' hybrid capability provides unparalleled versatility for businesses looking to expand their offerings.

Comparing Features: Pronto vs. Pro Series

To help you visualize the differences between the two series, here's a comparison chart:

*Price as of 1/29/25

Choosing Between the Pronto and Pro Series

When deciding between the Pronto and Pro series, consider the following factors:

• Budget: The Pronto series offers excellent value for small businesses or those with budget constraints, while the Pro series commands a higher price point for its advanced features.

• Material versatility: The Pro series' hybrid capability is a significant advantage if you need to engrave on both traditional materials and metals.

• Production volume: The Pro series' faster engraving speeds and larger working areas (in comparable models) make it better suited for high-volume production.

• Future growth: Consider your business's potential expansion. The Pro series may be a wise investment if you anticipate needing metal engraving capabilities in the future.

• Space considerations: While both series are relatively compact, the Pronto machines are slightly smaller, which can be beneficial for workshops with limited space.

• Technical expertise: The Pro series' advanced features may require a steeper learning curve, so consider your team's technical capabilities.

Real-World Applications

To better understand how these two series perform in real-world scenarios, let's look at some example applications:

Pronto Series:

• A small sign-making business creating wooden and acrylic signage

• A craft store offering personalized gifts on various materials

• A school or makerspace providing laser engraving services for students and members

Pro Series:

• A trophy and awards shop needing to engrave on both wood and metal

• A jewelry business creating custom designs on various materials

• An industrial parts manufacturer requiring precise metal engraving for components

In each of these cases, the Pro series offers more flexibility and capability, while the Pronto series provides excellent performance for businesses focused primarily on traditional CO2 laser engraving materials.

Conclusion

Both the OMTech Pronto and Pro series offer exceptional laser engraving capabilities, catering to different needs and budgets. The Pronto series provides an excellent balance of performance and affordability, making it ideal for small businesses looking to upgrade their engraving capabilities. On the other hand, the Pro series stands out with its hybrid CO2/metal cutting model, faster speeds, and larger working areas, making it the perfect choice for businesses seeking versatility and top-tier performance.

Ultimately, your choice between the Pronto and Pro series will depend on your specific needs, budget, and future growth plans. Both series offer the reliability and quality that OMTech is known for, ensuring that whichever you choose, you'll have a powerful tool to bring your creative visions to life.

Take your laser engraving capabilities to the next level with OMTech's range of laser engravers today and find the perfect machine for your needs. Whether you're leaning towards the affordable versatility of the Pronto series or the advanced capabilities of the Pro series, OMTech has a solution for you. Visit our website to learn more about our products, compare specifications, and make an informed decision. Our team of experts is standing by to answer any questions and help you choose the ideal laser engraver for your business or personal projects. Don't wait—elevate your engraving game with OMTech today!