Laser News Digest - January 29, 2026
Your weekly roundup of laser cutting and engraving news. xTool debuts AImake AI agent and UV printer at CES 2026, Glowforge restructures under original founders, and OMTech expands STEM education partnerships.
This week in laser news: xTool dominated CES 2026 with AImake (the first AI crafting agent), their first UV printer, and a P3 Innovation Award. Glowforge restructured under original founders after near-bankruptcy, while OMTech expanded STEM education partnerships. Here's what matters for your workshop.
ReportPR Newswire
xTool Launches AImake: World's First AI Crafting Agent
At CES 2026, xTool unveiled AImake - described as the world's first AI crafting agent. This intelligent creative partner integrates directly with xTool Studio to help users generate designs, edit projects, and fabricate directly on xTool machines. Version 2 is slated for February 2026.
This could be a game-changer for your workflow. Imagine describing what you want to create and having AI generate the design ready for your P2 or P2S. If you're already in the xTool ecosystem, this is worth watching closely.
ReportxTool Official
xTool Unveils First UV Printer at CES 2026
Expanding beyond lasers, xTool announced its first UV printer capable of delivering vivid, full-color output on a wide range of materials. The UV printer co-creation plan is underway, with product launch expected around Q2 2026.
This signals xTool's serious push into multi-modal fabrication. For makers who already own xTool lasers, a matching UV printer could create a powerful combo - laser cut your substrate, then add full-color prints. Watch for co-creation program details if you want early access.
ReportPR Newswire
xTool P3 Wins CES 2026 Innovation Award
The xTool P3, an 80W CO2 laser system, received CES 2026 Innovation Awards Honoree recognition in the Enterprise Technology category. This validates xTool's push into more powerful, professional-grade laser systems.
If you've been debating between the P2S and P3, this award adds credibility to xTool's flagship. The 80W power opens doors for thicker materials and faster production runs that the 55W models can't match.
ReportGeekWire
Glowforge Co-Founders Reacquire Company After Near-Bankruptcy
In November 2025, Glowforge filed for an Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors (ABC) to avoid bankruptcy. The company's co-founders subsequently reacquired key assets, signaling a potential fresh start for the brand under original leadership.
This is significant news if you own a Glowforge or were considering one. The restructuring could mean either renewed focus and innovation, or continued instability. Worth monitoring before making a major purchase decision.
ReportGeekWire
Glowforge CEO Warns on Washington State Ghost Gun Legislation
Glowforge CEO Dan Shapiro raised concerns about proposed Washington state legislation regulating 3D printing to prevent 'ghost guns.' Shapiro noted that compliance would be difficult for laser cutters due to how their software interprets raw geometry.
This legislation could have implications beyond 3D printing. If you're in Washington state or similar regulatory environments, stay informed about how this might affect laser cutter software or sales.
ReportOMTech News
OMTech Partners with Brain Builders for STEM Education
OMTech announced an educational partnership with Brain Builders, bringing laser technology into schools to foster STEM learning, creativity, and fabrication skills. The company also sponsored Maker Faire Orange County, showcasing its laser engravers.
If you're involved in education or makerspaces, OMTech's educational push could mean better pricing or support for institutional purchases. Their Polar and Aurora lines are already great value propositions for schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is xTool AImake and when is it available?▼
xTool AImake is an AI-powered crafting agent that integrates with xTool Studio to help users generate designs from text prompts, edit projects, and fabricate directly on xTool machines. It was announced at CES 2026 with version 2 expected in February 2026.
Is Glowforge going out of business?▼
Glowforge filed for an Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors (ABC) in November 2025 to avoid bankruptcy. The company's co-founders have since reacquired key assets and are continuing operations under new ownership structure.
What new products did xTool announce at CES 2026?▼
At CES 2026, xTool announced AImake (an AI crafting agent), their first UV printer for full-color material printing, and received an Innovation Award for the P3 80W CO2 laser cutter.
Does OMTech offer educational discounts for schools?▼
OMTech has partnered with Brain Builders for STEM education initiatives, bringing laser technology into classrooms. Contact OMTech directly for educational pricing and program details.
Have a launch, correction, or test opportunity?
Brands, product teams, and knowledgeable sources can send relevant details, approved media, or corrections. Coverage is selected independently.
Choose the useful next step.
Know what changed before it changes your workshop.
When a source-backed change affects what to buy, update, test, or ignore, we send a short decision brief with the evidence, the workshop consequence, and what remains unknown.
Know what changed. Know what it means at the bench. Decide whether to act, wait, update, test, or ignore.
Scanned daily. Sent only when the signal changes a workshop decision, with a rare alert when waiting would matter.
See how The Workshop Signal works