Basic, Standard, Plus, Pro and Ultra compared
Gweike G3: which version is worth paying for?
The G3 comes in five versions, and the most expensive one is not simply a stronger version of the cheapest. Pro and Ultra add MOPA pulse control and a more powerful diode. Here’s what those differences mean for metal engraving, colored finishes and work on wood.
Researched buyer guide · We have not tested a G3 · Updated October 23, 2026 · Listings checked October 19, 2026
Pro and Ultra are the two MOPA models.
Gweike G3 Basic, Standard and Plus pair ordinary fiber with a 20W diode. Pro and Ultra add MOPA pulse control and a 40W diode, making them the models to compare for colored metal marks. All five list a 170 × 170mm standard field. These are Gweike’s specifications; we have not tested a G3.
Ordinary fiber or MOPA
What changes from Basic to Ultra?
Standard and Pro both have a 30W fiber rating. Pro’s extra cost buys a different fiber source and a stronger diode.
Gweike uses this manufacturer image for several G3 versions; it does not document five different external designs. The metal texture is illustrative.
Start with ordinary fiber for routine marking.
Basic, Standard and Plus pair 20W, 30W and 50W ordinary fiber respectively with a 20W diode. We would compare these first for names, logos and metal tags.
- Fiber choices
- 20W / 30W / 50W
- Diode
- 20W
MOPA is a change in control, not just watts.
Pro and Ultra have 30W and 60W MOPA fiber, plus a 40W diode. Consider their pulse control for the metal finishes Gweike advertises, then request a sample on your material. We have not reproduced those finishes.
- MOPA choices
- 30W / 60W
- Diode
- 40W
Choose for the design you need to engrave.
The standard processing field is 170 × 170 mm. The diode adds wood and some dark opaque acrylic, but not CO₂-style clear-acrylic cutting. Check the field, accessories and software for your parts before choosing the most powerful version.
- Basic
- $2,59920W ordinary fiber
- Standard
- $3,09930W ordinary fiber
- Plus
- $3,79950W ordinary fiber
- Pro
- $4,29930W MOPA
- Ultra
- $4,59960W MOPA
US prices observed October 19, 2026; confirm the ordered model, accessories and shipping.
All five G3 models: fiber, diode and dated prices
| Variant | Fiber source | Diode source | US price observed |
|---|---|---|---|
| G3 Basic | 20W ordinary fiber | 20W diode | $2,599 |
| G3 Standard | 30W ordinary fiber | 20W diode | $3,099 |
| G3 Plus | 50W ordinary fiber | 20W diode | $3,799 |
| G3 Pro | 30W MOPA | 40W diode | $4,299 |
| G3 Ultra | 60W MOPA | 40W diode | $4,599 |
Gweike’s product data marked Basic and Ultra as available when checked, but not Standard, Plus or Pro. We have not confirmed warehouse stock or shipping dates.
Standard versus Pro is the useful comparison: both have a 30W fiber laser. Pro’s extra cost buys MOPA pulse control and a 40W diode instead of 20W; it does not buy more fiber power.
Metal engraving, color and nonmetals
When is MOPA worth the extra cost?
Names, logos and tags
Ordinary fiber for names and metal tags
Compare the depth, finish and time on your metal. A name on a tag alone is not our reason to pay for MOPA.
Colored metal marks
MOPA for colored metal marks
Pulse control is the relevant difference. Request a sample on your metal; we have not reproduced Gweike’s finishes.
Wood and dark opaque acrylic
Diode work on suitable nonmetals
Inspect the edge and cutting time at your thickness. The diode does not provide CO₂-style clear-acrylic cutting.
Design size
Will your design fit 170 × 170 mm?
Gweike says the conveyor has no length limit. It feeds material through the standard field; it does not enlarge the lens field. We have not tested long jobs.
G3 is strongest here as a marking and engraving choice. We have no cutting tests that justify buying it as a production sheet cutter.
Material-fit explanation, cutting limits and conveyor dimensions
For names, logos and metal tags, start with ordinary fiber.
Based on their specifications, we would shortlist Basic, Standard and Plus first for routine metal marking and engraving. We would not pay extra for MOPA just to engrave a name on a tag. The useful comparison is whether a model produces the depth and finish you want, in an acceptable time, on the metal you use.
For colored metal marks, compare Pro and Ultra.
These are the two G3 models with MOPA pulse control. That is the feature to consider when Gweike’s colored finishes are what attracted you to the machine. Results depend on the metal and settings, so a sample on your material matters more than a gallery image. We have not reproduced Gweike’s examples ourselves.
The diode adds wood and some opaque acrylic.
Gweike lists wood and some dark opaque acrylic among the diode’s uses. This makes G3 more versatile than a fiber-only engraver, but it does not give it a CO₂ laser’s clear-acrylic capability. For cutting, compare samples at the thickness you plan to use; a cut-through claim tells you little about the edge or the time it took.
We would not buy it as a production sheet cutter.
Gweike advertises some metal cutting, but we have no cutting tests that justify treating G3 as a substitute for a sheet-cutting machine. Its compact marking and engraving role is the stronger reason to consider it. For fabrication, compare M3’s high-power fiber and CO₂ setup or MCore’s thin-sheet and nonmetal cutting options.
How large a design will fit? Gweike lists a standard 170 × 170mm processing field: the area the laser covers without moving the material. A conveyor can move a longer piece through the machine. In its October 21 reply, Gweike said the conveyor has no length limit. That describes feeding material through the machine, not a larger lens field. Confirm supported material dimensions and alignment for your design; we have not tested long jobs. The older product dimensions use inconsistent units; do not treat them as a tested maximum design length.
GLASER and LightBurn
What Gweike’s LightBurn guide covers
Manufacturer setup guide
LightBurn setup and supported functions
- Ordinary fiber and MOPA setup.
- Switching lasers and rotary work.
- Camera calibration instructions.
Gweike replies · October 21–22, 2026
Using LightBurn? Buy Pro separately.
- October 21: Gweike reports the same software functions across G3 models.
- October 22: Gweike says it does not supply a LightBurn license.
- G3 support does not cover M3.
LightBurn setup, GLASER differences and licensing checks
Gweike confirmed on October 21 that LightBurn users need the Pro license for G3 and that software functions are the same across the five models. Its G3 manual covers camera calibration, laser switching and rotary setup. We have not tested that feature parity. On October 22, Gweike confirmed that it does not supply a LightBurn license; buy Pro separately if you choose LightBurn.
The 20-page guide uses a BSLFiber device profile and gives separate configuration instructions for ordinary fiber and MOPA. It also covers switching between lasers, camera calibration and rotary work. The guide explains the setup, but we have not tested camera placement accuracy.
Gweike confirmed the Pro requirement on October 21 and said on October 22 that it does not supply a LightBurn license. Budget for a separate Pro purchase, and confirm camera, focus and laser operation on your computer. Gweike also lists its own GLASER software; the two applications may not offer every function in the same way. Our LightBurn guide explains compatibility and licensing.
Shopping for the larger M3 as well? Do not assume M3 supports LightBurn; the G3 manual applies to G3.
Accessories, software and setup
What to confirm before ordering
Prove the fit
Sample finish, depth and job time
- Your metal, finish and depth.
- Pass count and time taken.
- Object height and lens field.
Plan the installation
Safety label, interlocks and extraction
A safety classification covering all five versions remains unverified. Confirm interlocks and required protection for the model you order.
Price the complete setup
Rotary, conveyor and service costs
- Optional repeat switch, rotary or conveyor.
- Separate LightBurn Pro purchase if used.
- Consumables, source warranty and repair freight.
Gweike’s October 22 G3 packing list shows cables, an exhaust fan and pipe, a slatted panel, materials, an up/down switch and a toolbox with the machine. The repeat switch, rotary and conveyor are optional add-ons. Check your exact order for any accessory bundle.
Full sample, size, software, safety and support checklist
- Engraving sample
Get a sample on the metal or other material you use, made with the model you plan to buy.
Material, settings, number of passes and time taken. - Design and object size
Check that your design fits the lens field and your object fits beneath the head.
Usable field, height clearance and any rotary or conveyor needed. - Software
If you choose LightBurn, budget for a separate Pro license; Gweike confirmed on October 22 that it does not supply one. Confirm operation of both lasers, the camera and focus controls on your computer.
Gweike reports the same software functions across G3 models; verify your operating system and allow for the separate Pro purchase. - Enclosure and extraction
Get the safety label, enclosure instructions and extraction requirements for the model you are ordering.
Laser classification, interlocks and required protective equipment. - Accessories and support
Price the rotary, conveyor and other accessories you need, then check warranty and repair arrangements.
Included accessories, laser-source warranty, consumables and return freight.
We could not verify a safety classification that applies to all five versions. Get the safety label and enclosure/interlock instructions for the model you order; the outer cover alone does not answer that question.
Warranty coverage and the older public policy
Gweike confirmed on October 22 that G2, G3 and M3 have one year of laser-source coverage and two years for the machine. Its October 21 conditions require normal use, no unauthorized disassembly, modification or misuse, and proof of purchase.
For a covered issue, Gweike says it may provide replacement parts or repair, or arrange a return and refund or an exchange. The reply does not establish which remedy applies to every case or who pays all freight costs.
The general warranty page still contains older one-year terms. Get the machine and laser-source coverage, exclusions and repair freight confirmed on your order. See the warranty policy and return and refund policy.
On October 21, Gweike said MCore and G3 stock was unstable and that it would confirm timing in November 2026. It estimated 5–10 working days for US delivery only when a machine is in stock. November refers to that timing update, not a confirmed shipment or arrival date.
For routine metal engraving, compare Basic, Standard and Plus first. If MOPA finishes or the 40W diode are the reason you want a G3, compare Pro and Ultra. Allow for the accessories and extraction you will need as well as the machine price.
Affiliate disclosure: the following links to Gweike’s US store may earn The Crafty Catsman a commission at no extra cost to you. Select your model on the seller’s page.
Gweike G3 questions
When can a G3 be delivered in the US?
On October 21, Gweike said MCore and G3 stock was unstable and that it would confirm timing in November 2026. It estimated 5–10 working days for US delivery only when a machine is in stock. November refers to that timing update, not a confirmed shipment or arrival date.
Are all Gweike G3 models MOPA?
No. Basic, Standard and Plus use ordinary fiber at 20W, 30W and 50W with a 20W diode. Pro and Ultra use 30W and 60W MOPA with a 40W diode. If MOPA pulse control or colored metal marks are your reason for buying, compare Pro and Ultra.
Does G3 support LightBurn and its camera?
Gweike confirmed on October 21, 2026 that LightBurn users need Pro for G3, and reported the same software functions across G3 models. The manual includes camera calibration. On October 22, Gweike confirmed that it does not supply a LightBurn license, so buy Pro separately if you choose it. We have not tested camera accuracy or feature parity.
Does the conveyor make the working field larger?
The standard field is listed as 170 × 170mm. Gweike said on October 21, 2026 that the conveyor has no length limit, but feeding a longer piece does not enlarge the area the lens covers at once. Confirm material dimensions, support and software alignment for the job you plan; we have not tested long designs.
Is the G3 a Class 1 enclosed laser?
We could not verify a safety classification covering all five models. Get the safety label and enclosure/interlock instructions for the model you intend to buy. The product photograph alone does not establish Class 1 operation.
Can a G3 replace an M3 sheet-cutting station?
We would not choose G3 as a substitute for M3’s sheet-cutting setup. G3 is a compact marking and engraving machine; M3 combines high-power fiber and CO₂ for fabrication. Gweike advertises some G3 metal cutting, but we have no tests showing comparable cutting quality or production speed.
How we researched this guide
We compared Gweike’s product listings, prices and LightBurn manual. Its October 21, 2026 reply clarified the Pro license requirement, stated software parity across models and no conveyor length limit, and supplied stock and warranty information. Its October 22 reply confirmed that Gweike does not supply a LightBurn license, restated the G3 warranty and supplied a packing list. Our October 23 review of the main manual also found the repeat switch, rotary and conveyor listed as optional, plus warranty shipping-cost conditions. The listed prices remain dated October 19. We have not tested a G3, so this guide cannot judge its engraving quality, camera accuracy or speed in daily use. Our editorial policy explains how we separate manufacturer claims from hands-on findings.
Open the model listings, prices and LightBurn manual
- G3 ordinary-fiber US product page
Specifications for Basic, Standard and Plus.
- G3 Basic, Standard and Plus product data
Model numbers, listed prices and availability indicators when checked.
- G3 MOPA US product page
Specifications and software information for Pro and Ultra.
- G3 Pro and Ultra product data
Model numbers, listed prices and availability indicators when checked.
- G3 LightBurn Control Guide (20-page PDF)
Setup, laser switching, camera calibration and rotary instructions.
Other engravers and cutting options
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