If you’ve been searching for a laser engraver that delivers ultra-fine detail, works on metal without prep, cuts cardstock cleanly, or even engraves 3D images inside glass, you’ve probably noticed more and more people talking about UV laser engraving.
But what makes UV lasers so different?
And why are so many crafters, small business owners, and makers upgrading to machines like the ComMarker UV XE?
This review is built on real testing—from unboxing and setup to engraving on metal, wood, paper, ceramics, and finally a full 3D glass crystal engraving. If you’re considering a UV laser, this article will tell you exactly what to expect.
What Makes UV Laser Engraving Different?
Most beginners start with CO2, diode, or fiber lasers. But UV lasers operate on a completely different wavelength, and that wavelength changes everything.
Key advantages of UV laser engraving:
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Cold marking = zero burning or charring
Perfect for wood, plastics, acrylic, and paper. -
No metal prep required
UV lasers engrave bare metal with crisp contrast. -
Extremely fine detail and sharp edges
Text and designs stay clean even at micro sizes. -
Compatible with more materials
Including many plastics other lasers melt or damage. -
3D sub-surface glass engraving
Something CO2, fiber, and diode lasers simply cannot do.
If you sell personalized items, create premium gifts, or need precise industrial marking, UV technology immediately stands out.
Unboxing the ComMarker UV XE: Major Improvements
I already owned the original ComMarker Omni 1, so I noticed the upgrades instantly.
1. Much cleaner structure, no cable clutter
The old Omni 1 had wires sticking out the back—taking up extra desk space.
The UV XE hides all the cables inside the machine body, so it sits flush against the wall.
2. Faster assembly
While still requiring some assembly, the new design is more organized and easier to build.
Using a cordless screwdriver turns the process into a 10-minute job.
3. It finally includes its own software
One of my biggest complaints with the Omni 1 was having to buy separate software after already paying thousands for the laser.
The UV XE fixes that.
It includes its own software and also supports:
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Windows
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MacOS
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LightBurn
Setup takes only a few minutes—dramatically easier than the previous model.
Testing the UV XE: Real Engraving Results
Metal Engraving (No Prep Needed)
Engraving a metal business card took two seconds.
The lines were razor-sharp with flawless detail.
Perfect for:
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Business cards
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Dog tags
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Tools
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Knives
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Jewelry blanks
UV lasers shine especially on polished or anodized metal.
Wood Engraving (Zero Burning)
Because UV uses cold light, the machine engraves wood without dark burn marks.
Even tiny lines and textures look incredibly clean.
Paper Cutting (Clean Edges, No Smoke Stains)
The UV XE cut an intricate gatefold invitation in about 1.5 minutes—with no yellowing or melted edges.
This alone makes UV engraving ideal for:
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Wedding invitations
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Paper crafts
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Pop-up cards
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Detailed paper art
Ceramic Plate Engraving
I tested large ceramic plates, and the clarity was stunning.
UV engraving maintains high contrast without melting or cracking the glaze.
If you customize gifts or kitchenware, this is a major selling point.
The Showstopper: 3D Glass Crystal Engraving
Here’s the feature most makers never get from any other laser:
engraving a 3D image inside a solid glass block.
This is the same technique used by mall kiosks that charge $200–$300 per photo crystal.
The steps are surprisingly simple:
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Import an STL 3D file
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Measure the glass cube
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Set X/Y/Z values
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Focus → Preview → Start
The UV XE engraves the image beneath the surface of the glass, forming a stunning floating 3D portrait.
My first test—using a photo converted to STL—came out beautifully.
Software Improvements: Simple, Fast, and Beginner-Friendly
The upgraded ComMarker software is:
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far easier to use
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cleaner in layout
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faster to set up
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compatible with both Mac and Windows
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equipped with preset material parameters
Even beginners can go from “new machine” to “first engraving” in minutes.
Who Should Consider a UV Laser Engraver?
Perfect for:
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Etsy shop owners
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Personalized gift makers
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Wedding and event creators
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Craft businesses
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Industrial or product marking
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3D crystal engraving shops
Not ideal for:
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Large-area cutting (CO2 is better)
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Low-budget beginners
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Users who only engrave wood and don’t need micro-detail
Final Thoughts: Is the ComMarker UV XE Worth It?
After testing it on metal, wood, paper, ceramic, and 3D glass, it’s clear that the UV XE brings something rare:
commercial-grade precision in a craft-room-friendly footprint.
The setup is smoother, the software is finally modernized, and the engraving quality is unmatched by diode, CO2, or fiber lasers.
If you’ve been waiting for a UV laser that’s easy to use and powerful enough for high-detail projects, the ComMarker UV XE is absolutely worth considering.
