Laser News Digest - January 31, 2026
Published
This week's laser news focuses on industrial-hybrid crossover. Bodor's SK Series tube laser brings 'Extreme Speed' to high-volume production. Gweike's LC1325M hybrid standardizes multi-material workflows. Meanwhile, market reports project fiber laser marking to reach $1.8B by 2032, driven by EV battery and electronics manufacturing demand.
Bodor SK Series Brings 'Extreme Speed' to Tube Laser Cutting
Bodor Laser launched the SK Series High-Speed Tube Laser Cutting Machine on January 29, 2026, introducing an 'Extreme Speed' concept designed to enhance tube processing efficiency through high-speed performance, structural stability, and intelligent automation.
For fabrication shops processing tube and pipe, the SK Series targets the bottleneck between cutting speed and edge quality. The integrated automation reduces operator intervention - watch for this in commercial settings where throughput matters more than hobbyist flexibility.
💡What this means for you
The SK Series emphasizes structural stability paired with high traverse speeds. Tube laser systems require precise rotary indexing - the 'Extreme Speed' designation likely refers to both linear cutting speed and rotation speed between cuts.
Market Position: Targets mid-sized fabrication shops upgrading from manual tube processing. Not directly competing with hobbyist desktop lasers, but signals continued R&D investment in automation features that may trickle down to prosumer machines.
- Maximum tube diameter and wall thickness specs
- Fiber laser power options (likely 1kW-6kW range)
- Pricing and availability for North American market
⏸️ Wait if: You're a hobbyist/small shop, You don't process tube stock regularly
✅ Buy if: You run a fabrication business with tube work, Current tube cutting is your production bottleneck
🏆 Standout Features
Gweike LC1325M Hybrid Standardizes Multi-Material Workflows
Gweike introduced the LC1325M, a hybrid CO2 laser cutting machine designed for large-format, multi-material production. The system aims to standardize cutting and engraving workflows across acrylic, wood, leather, textiles, and paper.
The 1325mm x 2500mm work area targets sign shops and production environments processing sheet goods. If you're scaling up from desktop to production-scale CO2, the LC1325M represents the 'standardization' approach - one machine, one workflow, multiple materials.
💡What this means for you
The '1325' designation indicates 1300mm x 2500mm (approximately 4'x8' sheet capacity). 'Hybrid' typically means dual-head capability - CO2 for organic materials plus optional fiber attachment for metal marking.
Market Position: Gweike positions this for workshops transitioning from multiple specialized machines to a unified production line. Reduces floor space needs and operator training requirements.
- CO2 tube wattage options
- Fiber head attachment availability and specs
- Pass-through capability for oversized materials
⏸️ Wait if: Your work fits on desktop machines, You only process one material type
✅ Buy if: You're outgrowing desktop CO2 capacity, You need 4'x8' sheet processing
🏆 Standout Features
Monport Seasonal Promotions on Fiber Laser Systems
Monport Laser is running a seasonal promotional program from January 26 to February 9, 2026, offering discounts and complimentary accessories for its fiber and CO2 laser systems. The company also launched a 2026 Trade-Up Program for existing laser owners.
If you've been considering a fiber laser for metal marking, seasonal promos are the best time to buy. The Trade-Up Program is worth investigating if you have older equipment - trade-in values can significantly offset upgrade costs.
Fiber Laser Market Projected to Reach $1.8B by 2032
Market analysis projects the global metal fiber laser marking machine market to grow from $1.27B in 2025 to $1.8B by 2032, with a 5.2% CAGR. Growth is driven by EV battery production, miniaturized electronics, and regulatory traceability requirements.
This growth signals continued innovation in the fiber laser space. For makers and small businesses, expect more affordable fiber options as the technology matures. The 'trickle-down' from industrial to prosumer fiber lasers is accelerating.
💡What this means for you
Key growth drivers: (1) EV battery cell marking for traceability, (2) QR/barcode requirements on medical devices, (3) smartphone component identification. These industrial demands fund R&D that eventually reaches consumer products.
Market Position: Fiber lasers are replacing older YAG systems. For makers, this means used industrial fiber units may become available as factories upgrade, and consumer fiber prices will continue dropping.
- Timeline for sub-$1000 consumer fiber lasers
- Impact of Chinese manufacturing on global pricing
- Emerging applications in direct-to-consumer personalization
⏸️ Wait if: You're happy with current metal marking workflow, Budget is tight - prices will drop further
✅ Buy if: You need metal marking capability NOW, You're building a personalization business around metal goods
AI-Driven Beam Shaping Emerges in Industrial Laser Systems
2026 laser systems are increasingly incorporating AI-driven 'Wave Optics' for adaptive beam shaping. Modern spatial light modulators and adaptive optics distribute laser intensity into custom shapes, enabling multi-beam cutting and dynamic intensity mapping.
While this is primarily industrial technology today, adaptive beam shaping will eventually reach prosumer machines. This enables optimized cutting profiles for different materials without manual focus adjustment - 'set it and forget it' material recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between tube laser cutting and flat sheet cutting?▼
Tube laser cutting uses rotary indexing to cut pipe and tube stock from multiple angles, creating complex 3D joints and profiles. Flat sheet cutting works on 2D materials. The Bodor SK Series specializes in tube cutting with high-speed automation.
How large is the Gweike LC1325M work area?▼
The LC1325M has a 1300mm x 2500mm (approximately 51" x 98") work area, capable of processing full 4'x8' sheet goods - standard sizes for plywood, acrylic, and other production materials.
Is fiber laser technology becoming more affordable for hobbyists?▼
Yes. Market projections show continued growth and R&D investment in fiber lasers, which historically leads to price reductions as technology matures. Consumer fiber lasers in the $2,000-5,000 range are now available from brands like xTool and Monport.