OMTech Polar Desktop Laser vs OMTech 60W CO2 Laser Machine

Owning a compactly sized CO2 laser machine is becoming very popular amongst the laser community as smaller machines take up much less work space and they are still able to produce highly efficient cutting results. OMTech laser has recently released its first desktop sized CO2 laser cutter engraving machine in its Polar 50W Laser Machine. The laser community is now comparing and contrasting the OMTech Polar to other CO2 laser machines in OMTech’s product line to determine which options are better and more worth it for the price. In this article, we will be comparing the OMTech Polar Laser Machine with the OMTech 60w CO2 Laser, as each of them boasts the same exact price point. 

As a laser machine buyer, you would want to purchase the best engraving machine to support your needs whether you are a part time craft hobbyist or a fully operational laser cutter and engraving business. Sometimes machine purchasers are searching for convenience and an all-in-one purchase that comes with additional attachments. Other times people may look into getting a machine with a higher power or a bigger work area to cut up larger pieces of materials.

Specs	Polar 50W CO2 Desktop Laser Cutter Engraver	MF 60W CO2 Laser Machine with 20 X 28" Work Area
Price	$2,899	$2,899
Laser Power	50W	60W
Work Area	510 x 300mm	500 x 700mm
Dimensions	38.2" x 22.3" x 9.2" in	47.2" x 34.3" x 36.6" in
Net Weight	104lb (47kg)	331lb x (150kg)
Pass Through	360 x 5mm (Back)	835 x 95mm (Front/Back)
Engraving Speed	0-500 mm/s	0-600 mm/s
Control Software	Single-Button Function	Ruida DSP Control System
Camera	5MP Panoramic	None
Rotary Attachments	2 Rotaries Included	Available for Add-on
Inline Duct Fan	Included (282-353 cfm)	Available for Add-on
Focus System	Autofocus Included	Liner Rail Y & X Axis Guiding System
Warranty	2 years	2 years
Transporting	Lift and Carry	4-Caster Wheels

Polar 50W Desktop Laser Cutter Engraver Machine with Rotary

With its sleek all-white design and transparent glass top panel, the OMTech Polar is an item of luxury and exclusivity within the laser community, almost like getting your hands on the newest iPhone with the best camera quality. Marketed as a much cheaper and better valued Glowforge alternative, the Polar device is small enough to fit on your office desk space and light enough to be easily transportable if you are constantly on the go. This laser machine comes included with RDWorks and it is also compatible with the Lightburn software, fully functional with or without internet connectivity. 

Powerful 50W Laser 

Equipped with a strong 50W laser system, this is one of the highest powered desktop sized CO2 laser machines in the market. This laser engraver is capable of engraving non-metallic materials such as wood, rubber, glass, and marble, as well as metal materials such as coated metal and anodized aluminum. With an engraving speed of up to 500mm/s and adjustable resolution of up to 1000 dpi, the machine is easily able to mass produce and engrave your images with lighting speed and crisp precision.

360 Degree Built-In Panoramic Camera 

The Polar comes with a 5-megapixel camera attached onto its glass lid, allowing you to see the application effect of patterns on engraving materials in real time. You can mimic a pre-existing item, mirror, drag and drop it then adjust the size and position of the patterns to easily determine the work range of the laser.

Includes Additional Rotary Attachments and Inline Duct Fan 

When purchasing a Polar machine, the box comes included with 2 different custom rotary attachments which is really useful for engraving round or cylindrical items such as mugs, tumblers, glass flutes and more.

Besides that, the CO2 laser machine also comes with its own inline exhaust fan that is rated 282-353 CFM, it’s a 60W fan which is more than sufficient for a laser of this size. A wireless fan remote control and two additional 5 meter long duct tubes are included along with the machine to fully support the full-stack ventilation system.

Internal Self-Cooling System 

The OMTech Polar comes with an internal cooling system installed in the right corner inside the machine. It comes with an already filled coolant chamber with 1.5L of OMTech coolant. You might not even need to install the inline duct fan as the Polar is already equipped with an integrated air-assist system that generates airflow of up to 18.8 cfm, taking out all the unwanted smog whilst the laser machine is operational. 

Single Button User-Friendly Function 

Much like a smartphone or an iPad, the Polar CO2 Laser Machine has a one button for all function which makes the machine very user-friendly. Once you’ve turned the front laser key clockwise, the machine will start and the button will light up. The start button begins, pauses, and resets the engraving process. The ring color around the button determines the Polar’s current engraving status. You are able to set up the Polar in just a few minutes, it's easy installation makes it ready for use to start creating right away.

Manual Focus 60W CO2 Laser Engraver Cutting Machine with 20” X 28” Working Area

OMTech’s 60W CO2 laser cutter engraver has to be one of the most desirable machines out there whether you’re a beginner who wants to create something, or a small business with limited work space looking to customize goods for sale. It is a great stepping stone upgrade device before seriously venturing into high-powered 150W CO2 machines or even fiber laser metal cutting machines.

Huge Work Area and 2-Way Passthrough 

The work bed for this machine is a comfortable 500 by 700mm, more than twice the size of the Polars. It also extends further with 2 front and back pass through doors that can fit materials that measure up to 835 by 95mm. The 2 pass-through doors that surround the engraving table are able to help you to easily engrave oversized objects. You could also link a rotary axis attachment via the 4-pin extension function, allowing you to engraver on cylindrical and other uniquely shaped objects with your CO2 laser cutter.

Maximum Enclosed Safety Measurements 

This 60W CO2 laser engraver is equipped with a transparent acrylic viewing window with a sepia tint to protect your eyes from laser reflections. It has an automatic shutdown feature, when the cover is opened, the laser will automatically stop for your safety. The machine is also equipped with a built-in ventilation configuration, water flow system and an air-assist function for extra safety. 

Convenient Ruida Digital Controller

The customized movement of the laser head, file viewing, file import/export, project framing and laser power can be adjusted via the Ruida control panel. The auxiliary display panel automatically determines faults by monitoring the current, reducing potential problems with the power supply and laser tube.

Machine Customizability 

People may argue that this 60W laser machine does not come included with nearly as many add-ons and cute accessories as the Polar CO2 machine may have. However, many businesses and professional engravers prefer it that way as they are able to customize their add-ons to get higher quality accessories such as the Piburn Rotary Attachment or an Industrial Grade Water Chiller to use alongside their CO2 laser etching machine.  

Conclusion

You really cannot go wrong with either decision made, it just depends more on preference and usability of the machines. Both are set at the same price point. The OMTech Polar Desktop CO2 machine is targeted more towards hobbyists and people who are just starting out on their laser journeys. It comes with many very useful add-ons so it saves the hassle and money of purchasing additional accessories or machine attachments. The 60W CO2 Laser Engraving machine, on the other hand, is targeted towards people who want to start their own small laser etching and crafting business. It has a much larger work bed, higher powered laser system and more room for customizability.

Whatever decision you decide to make, remember that both products are still under the same OMTech brand. They both offer an awesome 2-year warranty period, full-time US tech/customer support team, low competitive prices, high quality and high precision laser etching.

If you would like more resources on choosing the right CO2 laser or fiber laser machine, feel free to schedule a complimentary sales consultation call with OMTech today to determine the right laser machine for you and your business’ needs. After speaking with our team, you would have a peace of mind and feeling of assurance when purchasing your next CO2 laser machine. We wish you all the best as you begin your laser cutting and engraving journey with us!