“When you’re laser-engraving stainless steel at 3 a.m. with a cup of coffee and a side hustle dream, the right machine makes all the difference.”
This year, I’ve had the chance to test two fiber laser beasts that have dominated my workshop: the ComMarker B6 MOPA and the xTool F1 Ultra. Both are aimed at makers, engravers, and small business owners looking to go pro with metal engraving.
Spoiler: they’re both impressive—but they shine in different ways.
Let’s break it down.
🔵 ComMarker B6 MOPA – Compact, Affordable, and Built for Metal
The ComMarker B6 MOPA surprised me in all the right ways. I was expecting decent performance, but what I got was excellent color engraving, and industrial-level control in a machine that fits on a standard workbench.
🧪 Real-World Use
I ran it through a batch of black stainless keychains, then deep engraved logos onto anodized aluminum wallets, and even got rich color on titanium rings. The pulse-width control lets you dial in vibrant blues, yellows, and even charcoal black.
The autofocus was spot on—no manual cranking—and the job setup using EZCAD2 was smoother than expected.
✅ Pros:
- Real JPT MOPA tech: color engraving on stainless, titanium, aluminum
- Autofocus & compact build (13.5kg!)
- Rotary support and split/desktop modes
- Deep engraving on steel (~1.2mm at 50W)
- Clean, pro-level results with minimal smoke
❌ Cons:
- No built-in preview camera
- Software isn’t as user-friendly as xTool’s
💬 Final Word:
If you want a true fiber engraver with MOPA capabilities and plan to engrave metal tags, knives, or custom jewelry—this one punches way above its price tag.
👉 Check out the ComMarker B6 MOPA at commarker.com
🔶 xTool F1 Ultra – Dual-Laser Versatility, Galvo Speed, Premium Feel
The xTool F1 Ultra is one of the slickest machines I’ve had in my shop this year. It’s a dual-laser setup: 20W fiber for metal and 20W diode for wood, leather, and plastics. Add in galvo scanning heads, camera preview, autofocus, and you’ve got an all-in-one engraving studio that fits on your desk.
🧪 Real-World Use
I put it to work on brass business cards, silver pendants, and even plastic safety tags. It’s fast—up to 10,000 mm/s—and I loved the built-in camera for precise placement. You can switch laser modes mid-job, which makes dual-material projects a breeze.
The fiber laser isn’t MOPA, so you won’t get color engraving, but it will do high-contrast blacks and sharp text on all metal surfaces.
✅ Pros:
- Dual-laser: fiber + diode (switch instantly)
- Autofocus + live camera preview
- Enclosed design = clean and safe indoors
- Fast galvo heads (10,000 mm/s)
- Excellent software integration with XCS & LightBurn
❌ Cons:
- No color engraving (not MOPA)
- Smaller work area (~220×220mm max)
- Higher cost (~$2,799+)
💬 Final Word:
If you’re into engraving both metals and organics like leather or wood—and want pro speed plus convenience—the F1 Ultra is a studio-grade tool that delivers.
👉 Explore the xTool F1 Ultra at xtool.com
🆚 Side-by-Side Comparison – Which One’s Right for You?
| Feature | ComMarker B6 MOPA | xTool F1 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Laser Type | JPT MOPA Fiber (20/30/50W) | 20W Fiber + 20W Blue Diode |
| Color Metal Engraving | ✅ Yes (MOPA) | ❌ No |
| Speed (Metal) | ~7,000 mm/s | 10,000 mm/s |
| Auto Focus | ✅ | ✅ |
| Camera Preview | ❌ | ✅ |
| Software | EZCAD2 / LightBurn | xTool Creative Space / LightBurn |
| Work Area | 150×150mm (lens options) | 220×220mm |
| Portability | 13.5kg (very compact) | Compact, enclosed (~25kg) |
| Starting Price | ~$1,799 | ~$2,799 |
🎯 Which Fiber Laser Should You Buy in 2025?
- Choose the ComMarker B6 MOPA if…
- You need color engraving on metal
- You want deep cuts and fine logos
- You’re okay skipping the camera preview
- You’re on a tighter budget but want pro results
- Choose the xTool F1 Ultra if…
- You want to engrave both metal and non-metal
- You prefer live preview + fast setup
- You’re doing small batches with lots of material switching
- You want plug-and-play workflow with premium UI
🛠️ Speed vs. Spectrum
The xTool F1 Ultra is like a fast sports car with slick features—you’ll love it if you’re running diverse jobs in a compact setup.
The ComMarker B6 MOPA is a laser scalpel for metal artisans—if you’re focused on stainless, titanium, or aluminum and care about depth and color, it’s your best friend.
Either way, both of these are some of the best fiber laser engravers of 2025, hands-down.
💡 Pro Tip:
Use each machine’s test grid function (LightBurn or EZCAD2) to find your ideal settings per metal type—and save them as presets.
📦 Ready to upgrade your setup?
