OMTech FC-22 1500W Enclosed Fiber Laser Cutter vs xTool MetalFab 1200W Laser Welder and CNC Cutter
Verdict
On our scores the xTool MetalFab 1200W Laser Welder and CNC Cutter comes out ahead, 75 to 68. The OMTech FC-22 1500W Enclosed Fiber Laser Cutter is a 1500 W fiber laser with a 600 × 600 mm work area; the xTool MetalFab 1200W Laser Welder and CNC Cutter is a 1200 W fiber laser with 610 × 610 mm. The xTool MetalFab 1200W Laser Welder and CNC Cutter costs about $7,001 less at list price.
The OMTech FC-22 1500W Enclosed Fiber Laser Cutter is best for
Small fabrication and sign shops that cut steel and stainless sheet every day and have the floor space, power and gas supply for an industrial machine.The xTool MetalFab 1200W Laser Welder and CNC Cutter is best for
Small fabrication shops and serious makers who weld thin to medium steel and aluminum and want to cut their own brackets, signs and parts in house.Specs and scores side by side
| OMTech FC-22 1500W Enclosed Fiber Laser Cutter | xTool MetalFab 1200W Laser Welder and CNC Cutter | |
|---|---|---|
| Laser type | Fiber laser | Fiber laser |
| Form | Enclosed | Enclosed |
| Optical power | 1500 W | 1200 W |
| Work area | 600 × 600 mm | 610 × 610 mm |
| Max speed | 30 m/min (500 mm/s) X/Y axis max speed and 0.6G acceleration per the spec table; marketing claims up to 42 m/min cutting (maker claims) | 400 mm/s max working speed of the CNC bed (maker claim) |
| Air assist | Built in | Built in |
| Camera | No | Yes |
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Safety | Fully enclosed cabinet with an OD8+ observation window, safety relays and interlocks; one pair of laser safety glasses is included. CE and FDA certification listed | The CNC cutter is an enclosed cabinet with an OD5+ light-filtering lid, lid and drawer closure detection, an exhaust fan check, emergency stop, USB safety key and temperature monitoring. The handheld welder is an open Class 4 1200W beam: one pair of OD7+ laser goggles and heat-resistant gloves are included, and anyone else nearby needs eye protection too |
| Weight | 1350 kg | 196.2 kg |
| Price | $23,000 | $15,999 |
| Overall score | 68 | 75 |
| Power score | 98 | 97 |
| Speed score | 70 | 62 |
| Ease score | 50 | 72 |
| Safety score | 88 | 55 |
| Value score | 62 | 72 |
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, the OMTech FC-22 1500W Enclosed Fiber Laser Cutter or the xTool MetalFab 1200W Laser Welder and CNC Cutter?
On our scores the xTool MetalFab 1200W Laser Welder and CNC Cutter comes out ahead, 75 to 68. The OMTech FC-22 1500W Enclosed Fiber Laser Cutter is a 1500 W fiber laser with a 600 × 600 mm work area; the xTool MetalFab 1200W Laser Welder and CNC Cutter is a 1200 W fiber laser with 610 × 610 mm. The xTool MetalFab 1200W Laser Welder and CNC Cutter costs about $7,001 less at list price.
Which is cheaper, the OMTech FC-22 1500W Enclosed Fiber Laser Cutter or the xTool MetalFab 1200W Laser Welder and CNC Cutter?
At list price the xTool MetalFab 1200W Laser Welder and CNC Cutter ($15,999) costs less than the OMTech FC-22 1500W Enclosed Fiber Laser Cutter ($23,000).
How we rank: by our own scores for power, speed, ease of use, safety and value, from the maker's published specs and independent tests where they exist. Some links earn us a commission (for example TwoTrees, SainSmart, Gweike and Amazon). That never changes a score or the order of a list (disclosure).