Laser News Digest - February 6, 2026
Published
xTool is recruiting creators for a co-creation program before their Q2 2026 UV printer launch—apply now for early access. OMTech debuted the Solis Duo, a dual-purpose machine targeting creative businesses and serious makers. Meanwhile, Glowforge filed for ABC restructuring in late 2025; current owners should know service and supplies will continue during transition.
xTool UV Printer Co-Creation Program Opens Ahead of Q2 Launch
Following their CES 2026 announcement, xTool is launching a co-creation program for their upcoming UV printer. Selected creators will receive early access to provide feedback before the Q2 2026 public launch. The desktop UV printer will enable full-color printing on diverse materials including wood, glass, leather, and phone cases.
This is xTool's first foray into UV printing—a significant expansion beyond laser cutting. The co-creation model suggests they want real-world production feedback before mass market. If you do custom product printing (tumblers, phone cases, small gifts), this could be worth applying. The desktop form factor should fit alongside your laser cutter without needing industrial space.
💡What this means for you
UV LED printing cures ink instantly on rigid surfaces. Expected specs suggest print area similar to xTool laser bed sizes. Full-color capability means CMYK+White printing for opaque substrates.
Market Position: Competes with Roland VersaUV desktop models and Mimaki's small-format options. xTool's ecosystem integration could be the differentiator for laser owners wanting to add color capability.
- Final pricing and print bed dimensions
- Ink cost per print and maintenance requirements
- Integration with xTool Studio workflow
⏸️ Wait if: You have no need for rigid substrate printing, Your business is purely laser-focused
✅ Buy if: You sell personalized products like tumblers or phone cases, You want to offer full-color + laser engraving combos
OMTech Debuts Solis Duo for Creative Businesses
OMTech introduced the Solis Duo, a new machine designed for both creative businesses and serious hobbyists. The Solis Duo offers dual-purpose functionality targeting makers who need versatility without dedicated industrial equipment costs.
OMTech continues expanding their mid-range lineup. The 'Duo' branding suggests dual-laser capability or dual-function design—details pending. This fills the gap between their entry-level machines and full industrial systems. Worth watching if you've outgrown desktop lasers but don't need $20K+ industrial capacity.
💡What this means for you
Specifications suggest a hybrid system targeting the $5,000-8,000 price bracket. OMTech's approach to 'dual' typically means either dual-laser tubes or laser+fiber combinations.
Market Position: Targets the growing segment of makers transitioning from hobby to small business production. Direct competition with Thunder Laser's mid-range and Gweike's hybrid offerings.
- Whether 'Duo' refers to laser types, tube configuration, or other features
- Specific power ratings and work area
- Availability timeline and pricing
Glowforge Files ABC Restructuring—What It Means for Owners
Glowforge filed for an Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors (ABC) in late 2025 as a restructuring measure. This is not a bankruptcy but a reorganization effort. Current owners should understand that service, supplies, and software support are expected to continue during the transition.
ABC filings are increasingly common for hardware startups restructuring debt without full bankruptcy. For Glowforge owners: your machine will continue working, Proofgrade materials remain available, and the app/cloud services are expected to continue. This may actually help the company emerge leaner. The concern is long-term: if transition fails, parts and service could become harder to source. Keep spare lenses and consumables stocked just in case.
💡What this means for you
ABC allows orderly asset transfer to creditors while maintaining operations. Different from Chapter 11 bankruptcy which involves court supervision. Operations typically continue during transition.
Market Position: Glowforge pioneered consumer laser adoption. Their challenges reflect broader market maturation as xTool and others commoditized easy-to-use lasers at lower price points.
- Timeline for restructuring completion
- Impact on extended warranty and support contracts
- Whether new hardware development continues
⏸️ Wait if: You were considering a new Glowforge purchase
✅ Buy if: You are already a Glowforge owner who loves the ecosystem—continue using it, just stock consumables
OMTech Launches 1kW-3kW Fiber Laser Line for Metal Fabrication
OMTech expanded into industrial territory with a new line of 1kW to 3kW fiber laser cutting machines. Targeting small metalworking businesses and fabrication startups, these higher-power systems handle steel, aluminum, and stainless at production speeds.
This marks OMTech's serious push into metal cutting beyond their desktop fiber marking units. 1kW+ fiber lasers were previously $50K+ industrial investments. If OMTech maintains their price-to-value proposition, this could make metal cutting accessible to more small shops. The catch: these need 3-phase power, dedicated ventilation, and proper safety protocols.
💡What this means for you
1kW cuts 6mm mild steel, 3mm stainless. 3kW handles 12mm+ mild steel at production speeds. Fiber source eliminates tube replacement costs but has higher upfront investment.
Market Position: Competes with Kern, Mazak entry-level, and Chinese brands like HSG. OMTech's established US support network is the differentiator for nervous first-time industrial buyers.
- Specific pricing across power tiers
- Installation and training requirements
- Warranty coverage for industrial use
⏸️ Wait if: Your metal needs are occasional—outsource instead, You lack 3-phase power or proper ventilation
✅ Buy if: You're currently outsourcing metal cutting at $50+/hour, You have shop space and electrical capacity
Gweike Launches Portable Laser for On-Site Welding
Gweike introduced a compact, portable handheld laser welding system designed for on-site fabrication and repair. The system brings industrial laser welding capabilities to field operations, targeting maintenance crews and mobile fabricators.
Laser welding is usually a shop-floor process due to equipment size. Making it portable challenges traditional TIG/MIG welding for field repairs. It's faster and cleaner, but safety (laser containment in open fields) is a massive concern. Expect strict safety protocols.
💡What this means for you
Handheld laser welding typically uses fiber laser sources (1.5kW-3kW). Portable form factor implies integrated cooling and power management optimized for generator use.
Market Position: Competes with IPG Photonics' LightWELD system but likely at a more aggressive price point typical of Gweike.
- Battery powered or generator required?
- Safety class rating for open usage
- Pricing vs TIG welders
⏸️ Wait if: You primarily weld thick structural steel (stick welding is still king there)
✅ Buy if: You do on-site sheet metal repair, Speed and finish appearance are critical
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for xTool's UV Printer co-creation program?▼
Visit xTool's website and look for the UV printer announcement or co-creation program signup. Selected creators typically get early hardware access in exchange for detailed feedback and content. Deadlines are expected before Q2 2026.
Should I be worried about Glowforge's ABC filing?▼
Not immediately. ABC restructuring maintains operations while reorganizing debt. Your existing machine, software, and cloud services should continue working. However, it's prudent to stock essential consumables (lenses, tubes) as a precaution. Watch for updates on long-term ownership support.
What's the difference between CO2 and fiber lasers for metal?▼
Fiber lasers use solid-state diode pumping, offering 10x higher electrical efficiency and no consumable tube replacement. They excel at metals but struggle with organic materials (wood, acrylic). CO2 lasers are versatile but less efficient on metal. For dedicated metal cutting, fiber is now the standard.