Best Laser Cutter and Engraver - Ortur Laser Master 3 vs Emblaser Core

Today we delve into the exciting world of laser cutting and laser engraving, focusing on two of the best entry level laser engravers currently on the market - the Ortur Laser Master 3 and the Emblaser Core.

Because of the growing interest in personalised items and the increasing number of small businesses stepping into the realm of bespoke creations, laser engravers have become essential tools for bringing unique designs to life. Our aim here is to provide a comprehensive comparison of these two prominent models to help you determine which machine best suits your business needs.

So buckle your seatbelt and get ready for a five-round fight between these two heavyweights of the laser engraving world. They will go head to head - or laser beam to laser beam - to be crowned the best in the areas of design, laser power, material compatibility, software, and price.

Round 1: Design

Dimensions

The Ortur Laser Master 3 is a compact device with dimensions of approximately 590mm x 660mm x 150mm and a weight of around 6.5 kilograms. This makes the machine very portable and easy to store when not in use. Moreover, the Laser Master 3’s design allows for quick and easy assembly, which is always convenient to have. 

The Emblaser Core, on the other hand, is slightly larger and heavier, measuring around 720mm x 530mm x 230mm and weighing about 12 kilograms. It can still be moved around, but requires a little bit more effort.

Work Area

The work area of a laser engraver is a key consideration as it determines the size of the projects you can undertake. The Laser Master 3 has a considerable work area of approximately 400mm x 400mm. This provides ample space for engraving various projects and accommodates most standard-sized materials, catering to the needs of both hobbyists and professionals alike. The work area can also be extended to 400mm x 850mm using the Extension Kit. 

In comparison, the Emblaser Core has a slightly smaller working area of around 500mm x 300mm. However, just like the Ortur Laser Master 3 it does have the ability to work large materials due to its open front and side design.

Safety Features

Safety features of the Laser Master 3 include OD7+ protective eyewear, an emergency stop button, a key function that allows instant cessation of the machine's operation in case of unexpected incidents. In addition, it has a protective mechanism that stops the laser if it detects any unexpected movement, reducing potential accidents.

The Emblaser Core sets itself apart from cheap competitors by including a metal base plate, OD7+ protective eyewear, and a fire blanket. It may not match the safety features of the Laser Master 3, but the Emblaser Core still offers adequate protection.  

Round 2: Laser Power

The Ortur Laser Master 3 employs a diode laser with a power output of 10 watts. This level of power is particularly adept at quickly engraving a variety of materials, including wood, leather, acrylic and even some types of metal. The high power output of the Laser Master 3 translates to a faster engraving speed, which is ideal for projects requiring swift completion. However, it's worth noting that while speed is a strength, precision might vary based on material and power settings.

The Emblaser Core also features a 10-watt diode laser, but stands out for its unique dynamic power mode. This feature adjusts the laser's power output based on the depth and colour of the material, thus creating more consistent and precise results across different materials. Although the Emblaser Core operates at the same power level as the Ortur Laser Master 3, the dynamic power mode can potentially lead to slower engraving speeds as it focuses more on delivering a consistently precise engraving.

Round 3: Materials Compatibility

Both laser cutters have a powerful laser head that is compatible with a wide range of materials. Below is a table showing what materials both laser machines can cut and engrave.

Round 4: Software

Ortur has spoilt you when it comes to software as the Laser Master 3 is not only compatible with one software but three! LaserGRBL, one of the most popular open-source programs for laser control provides a user-friendly interface for creating and editing designs. It allows for the direct import of files from design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, and AutoCAD. LaserGRBL also supports G-code, enabling the use of advanced features and settings for more precise control over the laser engraving and cutting process. Laser Master 3 is also compatible with the popular LightBurn software and as an added bonus is compatible with Laser Explorer which is a free mobile app for Android and iOS, allowing you to cut and engrave on the go over Wi-Fi.

The Emblaser Core, on the other hand, only uses LightBurn, a powerful and feature-rich platform for layout, editing, and control of your laser cutter. LightBurn is designed for ease of use while still providing comprehensive control over the machine. It supports importing from a variety of graphic design software and file formats, including AI, PDF, SVG, DXF, and more. Plus, the software includes features like image tracing, variable text, and interactive machine jogging that can streamline the engraving process.

Round 5: Price & Running Costs

When considering the purchase of a laser cutting and laser engraving machine, it's not just the upfront cost that matters, but also the ongoing running costs that can significantly impact your budget over time.

Starting with the Ortur Laser Master 3, it's known for its affordability in the laser engraver market and can be purchased for $999.00 inc GST. This makes it a popular choice for hobbyists and small businesses that require a robust laser cutting solution without a hefty price tag. In addition, there are a wide range of accessories that come with the Laser Master 3, including two separate rotary options.  

In comparison, the Emblaser Core is slightly more expensive up front with a price tag of $1798.50 inc GST. However, unlike the Laser Master 3, this laser engraver does not have a rotary add-on. This means that extra spending might be required depending on the features you’re looking for.  

And the winner is…

The Ortur Laser Master 3 and the Emblaser Core are both excellent laser cutters and engravers, so choosing the better one largely depends on specific user requirements and preferences. Here is a recap of our five rounds comparing design, laser power, material compatibility, software, and price.

Design: the Laser Master 3 has a compact, open-frame design which offers good visibility and easy access to the working area. It also has an extension kit which can be purchased separately to double the working area! The Emblaser Core, on the other hand, comes with a slightly smaller working area, but can still work large materials because of its pass-thru feature. 

Laser Power: both engravers have a laser power of 10 watts. Having said so, the Laser Master 3 generally offers faster engraving, while the Emblaser Core is known for providing greater precision.

Material Compatibility: both laser cutters have broad material compatibility. The Ortur Laser Master 3 can effectively engrave various materials, including wood, leather, certain plastics, and even some metals. The Emblaser Core can also work with these materials and particularly excels with the safer handling of more flammable materials like fabric and paper.

Software: the Laser Master 3 works with LaserGRBL, a popular open-source program for laser control. It also comes with a dedicated mobile app and is compatible with LightBurn, a feature-rich platform for layout, editing, and control. The Emblaser Core, on the other hand, only uses LightBurn as its main software.  

Price: the Laser Master 3 is generally more affordable upfront, making it a good choice for hobbyists and small businesses on a tight budget. However, the Emblaser Core, while initially more expensive, could potentially have lower running costs due to its energy-efficient design and longevity of its laser diode.

Shop quality laser engravers

Looking for high precision engraving? Browse CD-Soft some of the best laser cutters and engravers on the market. You can find the Ortur Laser Master 3 and the Emblaser Core at affordable prices and with fast delivery across all of Australia.