The 7 Best Laser Engraver 3D Printer Hybrids 2022 - CNCSourced (2023)

Everyone loves a personalized gift, and a 3D printer can make almost anything as long as you have the STL file for it. Luckily for you, there are 3D printers that can be switched into laser cutters, ready to engrave that comic character print with your kid’s name, without being too tricky to switch one toolhead out for the other.

3D printers are great for creating unique prints, and buying a 2-in-1 3D printer laser engraver hybrid can save valuable space on your worktop. Switching between the different functions only takes a couple of minutes. They are ready to add texture to a print, with a variety of build volumes and budgets catered for.

Some are used by professionals who need multiple tool heads to keep up with their customers’ changing demands. Others are better suited to hobbyists – if you want to be able to engrave crafts printed on your 3D printer, like jewelry and figurines, pretty much anything is possible. One thing they all have in common is that they are capable of bringing your most ambitious projects to life.

We’ve tested a number of 3D printers and 3-in-1 machines in recent times, including our top pick we recommend below, and have collated our review to highlight our top picks for 3D printers that can also engrave on a variety of materials.

We have compiled a list of the best machines, and split them into two sections:

The best 2-in-1 3D printer laser engraver hybrids (most are 3-in-1 3D printers with CNC)

The best 3D printers with laser engraving add-ons

The main difference between these two types of 3D printer laser engraver machines is price. Whereas buying a 3-in-1 3D printer is like buying a mini-factory in one machine, it comes with a serious price tag. They also come with CNC as well as 3D printing and laser engraving, which you might not need.

Instead, you can buy much cheaper laser engraver 3D printer add-ons. These include laser attachments for the Creality Ender 3 (more info on this further on ?) in the $50-$150 range, and it’s fairly simple to switch them in and out. But, you lose out on some of the quality, precision and stability you get with more specialized machines.

Keep reading, as we recommend the best 3D printer laser engraver hybrids you can buy today.

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2-in-1 3D Printer Laser Engraver Hybrids

Quick view:

• Snapmaker 2.0
• Snapmaker Original
• Creality CP-01
• Zmorph Fab

1. Snapmaker 2.0 – Best 3-in-1 3D Printer

• Price: $1,100 to $1,700 — Available on Snapmaker Store here / Available on Amazon here

Pros

• Excellent build quality
• 3-in-1 3D printer: it can not only laser engrave, but also functions as a CNC router
• Available in 3 different sizes depending on your needs
• Wide variety of compatible materials

If you are like the thousands of people who helped make this the most funded technology project on Kickstarter (raising $8.5m! ?) and want to open up more engraving options, you’ll appreciate the versatility of the Snapmaker 2.0.

Available in 3 sizes, this is a 3-in-1 printer thanks to its ability to switch between 3D printing, laser engraving, and CNC. The tool heads and specs for each version are the same, you are just spending more for a larger work area.

Read our full hands-on review: Snapmaker 2.0 CNC and laser review

The model we tested, the Snapmaker 2.0 A350, has a massive 320x330x350mm work area, for bigger laser and 3D printer projects such as ornaments and bespoke vases. Although some modular designs can take a while to build, we built the Snapmaker A350 in around 60 minutes — and switching from the 3D printer to laser or CNC toolhead takes just a few minutes.

To engrave an intricate project like a phone case, stability is key. Thankfully, the Snapmaker has this in abundance. Everything from the metal base to the sturdy machined metal frame ensures the 3D printing is smooth, and it oozes quality throughout.You can even turn the Snapmaker 2.0 into a 4-axis laser engraver and CNC router with the rotary module add-on, which we used to engrave 360-degree designs on cylinder gift boxes.

The standard 1,600mW 450nm laser can cut wood, plastic, leather, and non-transparent acrylic, as well as engrave a variety of materials like wood and acrylic.

The CNC bit is compatible with heads that fall within 0.5 – 6.35 mm and is powerful enough to work at up to 12,000 RPM. We used the CNC carver to carve a few different chess piece designs, and were impressed with the sleek surface finish.

We like that Snapmaker has made the user experience as seamless as possible. Firstly, the support videos are easy to follow. Then, the 5-inch touchscreen display allows you to preview models, calibrate, and make amendments to your project.

With a 3-in-1 printer, some people may be concerned that 3D printing gets neglected, but this isn’t the case here. With a max temperature of 275°C which provides plenty of options for switching materials before engraving them. It comes with a standard 0.4mm nozzle, and is compatible with PLA, TPU, ABS, and wood filaments among others.

2. Snapmaker Original – Best Compact 3-in-1

• Price: $559 — Available on Snapmaker Store here / Available on Amazon here

Pros

• More affordable option than the Snapmaker 2.0
• Still offers 3-in-1 options
• Compact and simple to use

Cons

• Smaller work volume

A laser-cutting 3D printer might seem like it is going to take over the spare room, we get it, hybrid 3D printers can be big units. This makes the Snapmaker Original is a solution worth considering. It’s a compact option that doesn’t need an entire workshop to itself and is incredibly affordable. It is the smaller, older version of the Snapmaker 2.0.

Straight out the box, it has a sturdy feel that makes you feel like you could drop it and it would barely show a scratch (we do not recommend trying this though ?). There are clear instructions for putting it together, and it arrives part assembled — the rest takes less than 30 minutes.

It’s another 3-in-1 option, and you can switch out different toolheads much faster than a lot of the competition. Switching between 3D printing, laser engraving, and CNC milling via the X-axis of the all-metal frame doesn’t take long.

Saving space is its strength, but this does mean a build volume of 125mm³. This is pretty limited for larger projects, especially on the 3D printing side, but it still has plenty of uses for laser cutter projects and fun CNC projects. If you are a hobbyist looking to make small, personalized creations, there will be plenty of ways to make unique prints.

Controlling a laser for the first time might be a daunting task. If you are new to the world of laser engraving, then the 200mW Snapmaker Original makes for a gentle introduction. The LCD touchscreen display is easy to navigate and although setting up the chosen material for the first time might be a little fiddly the first time, switching between settings is made simple.

For the price, it is going to be near impossible to beat. Sure, the work volume could be bigger. But for crafts and personalized creations that aren’t going to take all night to print before lasering, the Snapmaker Original is going to make you feel at ease from the word go.

3. Creality CP-01 – Very Affordable Laser Engraver 3D Printer Combo

• Price: Check price on Amazon here

Pros

• Generous 200 x 200 x 200 mm build area
• Ease to switch between toolheads
• Intuitive touch menu
• Budget friendly option

Cons

• Some fiddling to the rear of the unit for switching functions

The budget-conscious would be forgiven for thinking a laser engraving 3D printer might be a bit of a stretch. With the CP-01, Creality makes sure there is an option for everyone.

For the price, it is almost hard to believe that you still get 200 x 200 x 200mm of build space, a 0.5W laser head, and a CNC carving spindle that can reach 4,800 RPM.

You may be eager to engrave that new anime model you just printed, and rightly so. The good news is that the CP-01 won’t have you waiting long. At first, changing tool heads can be a little fiddly due to the switching that means playing to the back of the unit. But, with quick release connectors, you can almost do it without looking once you get to grips with the process.

Getting used to new software always takes a while, and there will be advanced users who will find the included Creality Workshop software a bit limited. Still, it does make the initial setup a simple process. The same can be said about preparing a new function, whether you’re 3D printing, laser engraving, or CNC milling.

The touch menu is intuitive and just about everything can be adjusted with ease. This means the temperature, position, fan, and other settings can be precisely altered for your project.

The laser is near-silent, so any late-night engraving projects aren’t going to wake the kids, and the CNC router is capable of machining the likes of wood, leather, plastic, and PCB.

It’s all wrapped into a budget-friendly price that would appeal to anyone looking for a 3-in-1 3D printer that can do a bit of everything.

4. Zmorph Fab – Best Overall

• Price: $3,980 — Available on Matterhackers here / Available on Amazon here

Pros

• Can 3D print, laser engrave, CNC, and even print chocolate and food with thick paste extruder upgrade
• High 115°C max bed temperature for tougher material printing
• Easy toolhead switching system
• SMART toolhead detection

Cons

• Pricier

Best described as an industrial-grade machine, The Zmorph Fab is a hybrid 3D printer that can print with layer thicknesses ranging between 25 – 400mm, and is ready to go out of the box.

Think a higher spec of materials and features, evident in the sturdy metal framework, combined with intuitive controls and automatic leveling to make it less intimidating.

Working with ABS and Nylon can mean harmful VOCs that impact air quality. The Zmorph Fab features HEPA/carbon filters that remove fumes and particles, so you can safely be around the machine during 3D printing, CNC, and engraving. The machine even notifies you when you need to change the filter.

High-quality electrics and SMART tool heads that detect the chosen head ensure it works seamlessly, reducing the risk of over or under extrusion. All the relevant tool heads are included, and the process of switching between 3D printing, laser engraving, and CNC milling takes no more than a minute.

Anyone who wants to make realistic architectural models, or just start working with different materials will find there are so many ways the Zmorph Fab can be used. When it comes to CNC milling, it makes light work of cutting into wood blocks, 3D printed parts, polymer blocks, and any surface finish of high quality.

At 250 x 235 x 165 mm, it has one of the most generous build volumes of 3-in-1 3D printers. The maximum nozzle temperature can reach 250°C, and the quality cooling system prevents warping on your prints from cooling too quickly.

The ability to work with both 1.75mm and 3mm filament is a huge bonus. For fast printing in a large build area without a loss of quality, multiple engraving options, and tool heads that can be changed without any fuss, the Zmorph Fab is the 3-in-1 3D printer to consider.

3D Printers With Laser Engraver Attachments

Quick view

• Creality Ender 3
• Creality CR10 / CR10 V2
• Anycubic Mega Pro

5. Creality Ender 3 – Best Budget Option

• Price: $189 — Available on Creality Official Store here / Available on Amazon here
• Laser engraver add-on available here

Pros

• Very affordable, and you get a lot of bang for your buck
• Compact yet powerful
• Lots of Ender 3 upgrades are available
• Reliable and offers surprisingly good quality

Cons

• No auto-leveling, and manual leveling can be tricky

If you have been tempted by the thought of a 3D printer, but don’t think you have the budget to commit, perhaps you haven’t discovered the Ender 3. It is incredibly affordable, with one minor setback being some manual calibration and a bed that will need re-leveling from time to time.

Still, Creality knows how to make a popular 3D printer, and with a 220 x 220 x 250 mm build volume, it has more space than many printers 5x the price. It is capable of working with PLA, ABS, flexible filament, and PETG. When installed, it can cut wood, acrylic, aluminum, paper, and a handful of other materials.

It can be modified with Creality’s laser engraving module which is a snap at under $50. Quick to assemble, it can be used to engrave wood, acrylic, and paper as well as cut wood and acrylic. At 500mW it isn’t the most powerful, but is still capable of making light work of custom coasters and wooden phone cases.

6. Creality CR10 / CR10 V2 – Best For Build Volume

• Price: $360-425 — Available on Creality Official Store here / Available on Amazon here
• Laser engraver add-on available here

Pros

• Each to attach the laser engraver module
• Comes with a filament run-out sensor
• Massive 300 x 300 x 400 mm build volume

Cons

• Some lasers are not as powerful — you can opt for Creality’s or third-party laser attachments

Yes, the CR10 and CR10 V2 both have laser engraving upgrades available. There are different options available to upgrade the machine, and some are available for as little as $50. The main issue is that it does take longer to switch between 3D printer and laser functions, and the lasers can often be low in quality, with some unable to cut as many materials as you might like.

Creality’s laser engraver has 500mW power behind it, and comes with convenient magnets that attach to the side of the toolhead. Although there is a bit of wiring involved, there are plenty of online tutorials for easy setup. This means you can be making your custom nameplates and seasonal decorations in no time.

To reduce the risk of those twelve-hour-long prints going south due to disconnection, or filament running out, it has an automatic filament sensor. During those long printing sessions, the linear pulley system will be a massive benefit. This allows the printer to run smoothly, and it also reduces noise so you can go about your day without a distractingly loud hum in the background.

The massive 300 x 300 x 400 mm build volume makes this a seriously versatile option. It is capable of printing large sizes, with this huge build volume providing a large canvas for taking on big personalization projects.

7. Anycubic Mega Pro

• Price: $399 — Available on Anycubic Store here / Available on Amazon here
• Laser engraving add-on for Mega Pro available here

Pros

• Can switch out the print head within a minute
• Easy leveling
• Textured glass print bed for great adhesion
• Powerful 1,500w laser upgrade available

Cons

• Laser engraving features are a little basic

First impressions count for everything, and the robust metal frame of this 3D printer certainly gives it a solid feel. This minimizes the chances of any pesky vibrations affecting the surface finish, ensuring smooth-looking prints reliably.

With a laser engraving attachment head that can be switched back and forth from 3D printing within a minute, it is a time saver and easy for a beginner to get to grips with. Leveling is made easier with the large adjustment knobs. If you are impatient and want to get straight to making those character prints your friends have been asking for, this is going to be a plus point for you.

Its textured glass platform ensures better grip, so even when you are using the laser, everything is kept in place with minimal fuss. Speaking of the laser, this is an upgrade worth investing in despite it being a little fiddly to install.

It has 1,500w behind it and a mid-powered head. Advanced users might find some of the laser engraving options a little restricting but for a basic and affordable engraver that won’t break the bank, this is an excellent value option.

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