OMTech Galvo 50W Autofocus Fiber

Galvo fiber laser · Desktop galvo · OMTech

OMTech Galvo 50W Autofocus Fiber

Small shops that want a fast 50W metal marker with autofocus and LightBurn out of the box for tags, tools, tumblers and serial numbers

74/100overall score · 50 W optical · 150 × 150 mm

from $2,300 at OMTech, checked Oct 10

Image: OMTech. Prices change often; the shop shows the current price.

Quick verdict

The OMTech Galvo 50W Autofocus is a desktop galvo fiber marker with a 150 x 150 mm field, one-click autofocus and a claimed 10,000 mm/s marking speed. At $2,299.99 on OMTech's US store, currently with a free LightBurn licence, it is cheaper than most 50W rivals once software is counted. The 50W source gets more depth per pass than 20W and 30W machines, but it is a marker and engraver, not a cutter. It uses a fixed-pulse source rather than MOPA, so color marking on stainless is limited, and like other open galvos it needs proper eye protection and fume extraction.

What you still need

1064 nm safety glasses for anyone else in the room, fume extraction (the bundle with OMTech's 60W extractor is $2,549.99), the 70mm rotary ($120 more as a bundle, $169.99 on its own) for tumblers and rings, and a Windows PC if you want to use EZCAD2

Material reality check

Marks and engraves stainless steel, aluminum (anodized marks best), brass, gold, silver and other metals, plus hard plastics, coated tumblers and dark leather. It does not cut metal in practice. Wood, light plastics and clear acrylic or glass mark poorly or not at all at 1064 nm. Never process PVC or vinyl.

Better alternative if

you want color marking on stainless steel, which needs a MOPA source: ComMarker B6 MOPA 60W

Scores

Power
82
Speed
93
Ease of use
74
Safety
35
Value
80

Scored on the same scale for every laser on this site. See all lasers ranked.

Specifications

Laser typeGalvo fiber laser
FormDesktop galvo
Optical power50 W
Other modulesNone
Wavelength1064 nm
Work area150 × 150 mm
Max speed10000 mm/s (maker claim)
Cutting (maker claim)Not a cutter: OMTech's spec table quotes 0.1 mm max engraving depth (pass count not stated)
Precision±0.01 mm marking accuracy (maker claim)
Air assistNone
CameraNo
AutofocusYes
Rotary supportYes
SafetyOpen galvo marker, Class 4, with no enclosure or interlock. Laser key switch and emergency stop on the base, and one pair of safety goggles is in the box
ConnectivityUSB
SoftwareEZCAD2 (Windows 7, 8, 10 and 11), LightBurn (licence currently included free)
Weight27 kg
Pricefrom $2,300 at OMTech, checked Oct 10

Pros and cons

Why we like it

  • 50W source and one-click autofocus for $2,299.99
  • LightBurn licence currently included at no extra cost
  • Safety goggles, laser keys and two position lock bars in the box
  • 250 x 340 mm work bed leaves room for fixtures under the 150 x 150 mm field
  • Two free 90-minute virtual tech support sessions with purchase

Watch out for

  • Fixed 80 to 120 ns pulse source, not MOPA, so color marking on stainless is limited
  • No enclosure or interlock: everyone nearby needs 1064 nm eye protection
  • Heavy at 27 kg for a 150 x 150 mm marker
  • EZCAD2 is Windows only, so Mac users depend on LightBurn
  • The product page does not name the laser source brand

Compare with

ComMarker B4 30W

ComMarker B4 30W

Score 71/100 · from $1,599 at ComMarker, checked Oct 10

Compare side by side
Gweike G2 20W

Gweike G2 20W

Score 70/100 · from $1,349 at Gweike, checked Oct 10

Compare side by side
Monport GA 60W MOPA

Monport GA 60W MOPA

Score 72/100 · from $4,200 at Monport, checked Oct 10

Compare side by side
ComMarker B6 MOPA 60W

ComMarker B6 MOPA 60W

Score 74/100 · from $3,999 at ComMarker, checked Oct 10

Compare side by side

Frequently asked questions

What materials can the OMTech Galvo 50W Autofocus Fiber cut and engrave?

Marks and engraves stainless steel, aluminum (anodized marks best), brass, gold, silver and other metals, plus hard plastics, coated tumblers and dark leather. It does not cut metal in practice. Wood, light plastics and clear acrylic or glass mark poorly or not at all at 1064 nm. Never process PVC or vinyl.

What else do I need to buy with the OMTech Galvo 50W Autofocus Fiber?

1064 nm safety glasses for anyone else in the room, fume extraction (the bundle with OMTech's 60W extractor is $2,549.99), the 70mm rotary ($120 more as a bundle, $169.99 on its own) for tumblers and rings, and a Windows PC if you want to use EZCAD2

How much does the OMTech Galvo 50W Autofocus Fiber cost?

From $2,300 at OMTech, checked Oct 10.

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).

Sources

Laser buying guides