OMTech Polar Lite 55W vs. Maker MF1624-60 60W

As laser engraving continues to grow in popularity, so do the choices available for creators and business owners. Whether you're a hands-on hobbyist or an entrepreneur launching a product line, choosing the right CO2 laser machine can dramatically impact your results.

Two top-tier contenders from OMTech’s lineup—the Polar Lite CO2 55W Desktop Laser Engraver and the Maker MF1624-60 60W Laser Engraver—offer excellent features at different levels of scale. But which machine is right for you?

In this article, we’ll break down the specs, features, and user profiles for each machine to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your needs and ambitions.

Quick Spec Comparison: Polar Lite vs. Maker MF1624-60

Target Users: Hobbyists vs. Small Business Owners

The Polar Lite is designed for hobbyists, DIY crafters, and first-time laser users. Its compact form factor, built-in camera, Wi-Fi compatibility, and intuitive interface make it ideal for people working in home studios or small maker spaces. The out-of-the-box usability and affordable price point make it a go-to choice for personal projects and custom gift-making.

On the other hand, the Maker MF1624-60 is geared toward serious hobbyists or small business owners looking to produce more and scale operations. The increased bed size, more powerful laser, and higher engraving speed make it a better fit for handling batch production, more expansive materials, and larger product lines.

Design & Build: Desktop vs. Industrial Style

The Polar Lite features a sleek desktop design that fits easily into compact spaces. Weighing just over 90 pounds, it's light enough to move if needed and doesn’t require a dedicated workshop to operate. It’s equipped with a 5MP camera, a simple screen, and an integrated exhaust fan—all of which reduce external setup and clutter.

The Maker MF1624-60, in contrast, is an industrial-style workhorse. At over 100 pounds and more than 3 feet tall, it’s designed for permanent workshop installations. It lacks a built-in camera but compensates with a larger 2-way material pass-through and significantly more working space for oversized or multiple-item jobs.

Cutting & Engraving Power

The difference between 55W and 60W is slight, but it offers more in terms of cutting thicker materials like hardwoods and acrylics. The MF1624-60 also features a max engraving speed of 600 mm/s, which beats the Polar Lite when it comes to getting the job done quickly and efficiently. 

Still, the Polar Lite’s 55W output is more than enough for most common engraving and cutting tasks—wood plaques, leather keychains, glassware, cardstock, and even small signage. Unless you're planning to cut deep through thick materials daily, the Polar Lite holds its own in the power department.

Work Area and Job Volume

This is one of the biggest deciding factors.

The Maker MF1624-60 has a sizable 24" x 16" bed, offering significantly more surface area for batching multiple pieces or handling large-format jobs. If you’re engraving ten coasters at once or working with sheet materials, the larger bed minimizes repositioning and increases output.

The Polar Lite, with its 20.1" x 11.8" area, is well-suited for individual projects and light commercial work. For makers selling on Etsy or doing custom gifts, it provides more than enough space without the footprint of a full-size unit.

Workflow & Software

Both models are compatible with LightBurn and RDWorks, giving users full control over vector files, bitmap engravings, and material settings. LightBurn’s intuitive interface and Polar Lite’s built-in camera are a perfect match, especially when working with custom-shaped blanks or multiple material types.

The Maker, while just as capable in software, doesn’t include a camera. Users may need to rely on framing and manual positioning, which is fine for repetitive production but less ideal for creative layouts.

Cooling, Exhaust, and Air Assist

The Polar Lite includes a built-in water pump and tank, saving users the need to purchase and configure a separate chiller. It also has an built-in exhaust fan, making the setup streamlined and clean.

The Maker, being larger, requires an external water chiller to cool the 60W laser tube. While this is standard in mid-tier machines, it adds cost and setup complexity.

Both machines come with air assist, which helps maintain cut quality and prevents soot build-up—critical for maintaining lens clarity and material edges.

Pricing & Value

The Polar Lite is priced at $1,899 ( only $1799.99 during the pre-sale period), and it includes nearly everything you need to get started—water pump, exhaust, air assist, camera, software support, and Wi-Fi. It’s an incredibly complete package for hobbyists who want a “plug-and-play” experience.

The Maker MF1624-60 costs $2,599 and is better suited to users who already have a workspace, understand laser operation, and need higher throughput and work volume capacity.

Which OMTech Laser Is Right for You?

Choose the Polar Lite if you:

• Are new to laser engraving

• Work with small to medium projects

• Have limited space and want a desktop unit

• Prefer an inclusive machine with built-in water pump, camera, and Wi-Fi

• Want great specs at an affordable price

Go with the Maker MF1624-60 if you:

• Run a growing craft business

• Frequently process larger or multiple pieces

• Plan to run longer or higher-volume jobs

• Have the room and infrastructure for a larger machine

Two Machines, One Mission—Empowering Creativity

Both the OMTech Polar Lite and the Maker MF1624-60 are built with makers in mind. They serve different roles within the creative and entrepreneurial journey, and the choice depends on where you are in yours.

If you're just getting started and want an intuitive, powerful machine that doesn't require extra setup, the Polar Lite is an excellent first step.

If you're ready to expand, handle bulk orders, or work with large materials, the Maker MF1624-60 is your upgrade path.

Find the OMTech Machine That Matches Your Ambition

From compact beginners’ machines to powerful production tools, OMTech offers a full range of CO2 laser engravers built for every skill level and ambition. With U.S.-based customer service, extensive educational resources, and a supportive maker community, OMTech is here to power your ideas—one project at a time.

Explore the full OMTech lineup today and find the machine that makes your creative goals a reality.