Laser Digest - February 16, 2026
Published
Tom's Hardware published a full review of the LaserPecker LX2, a large-format dual-laser cutter with a 40W diode and 2W IR laser in a Class 1 enclosure with integrated fire suppression. xTool previewed the upcoming F2 Ultra featuring a 60W MOPA fiber laser paired with a 40W blue diode for full-color stainless steel engraving and 3D metal embossing. Rolls-Royce revealed a newly patented laser-engraving process for car bonnets, as seen on the Phantom Arabesque.
LaserPecker LX2 Full Review: Dual-Laser Safety Innovation in Large-Format Cutter
Tom's Hardware published a full review of the LaserPecker LX2, a large-format dual-laser cutter featuring a 40W diode laser and a 2W IR laser. The machine ships in a Class 1 enclosed design that automatically stops the laser if the enclosure is opened. All bundles include fire extinguishing sets. The review highlights its safety-first approach and versatility across wood, acrylic, and metal marking.
The LX2 is LaserPecker's push into the large-format enclosed laser market — a space dominated by xTool, Glowforge, and Alien Cell. The dual-laser approach (diode + IR) is significant because it means one machine can handle both cutting/engraving organics AND marking metals without swapping modules. The Class 1 safety enclosure with auto-stop and bundled fire suppression sets a new safety baseline. For makers evaluating enclosed lasers, the LX2 is the first to include fire suppression as standard rather than optional.
💡What this means for you
LaserPecker LX2: Large-format enclosed laser. 40W diode + 2W IR dual laser. Class 1 enclosure with auto-stop. Fire extinguishing sets included. Cuts wood, acrylic; marks metals with IR. Safety-first design philosophy.
Market Position: Competes with Alien Cell X1, xTool P2, and Glowforge. First to bundle fire suppression as standard. Dual-laser approach differentiates from single-laser competitors.
- Exact work area dimensions and pricing tiers
- IR laser marking depth and quality on various metals
- Software ecosystem compared to LightBurn compatibility
⏸️ Wait if: You need high-power CO2 for thick materials — this is still a diode-based system
✅ Buy if: You want an enclosed dual-laser system with best-in-class safety features for a home workshop
xTool Previews F2 Ultra: 60W MOPA Fiber + 40W Diode for Full-Color Metal Engraving
xTool previewed the upcoming F2 Ultra, a dual-beam laser engraver combining a 60W MOPA fiber laser with a 40W blue diode. The system enables full-color stainless steel engraving, improved plastic engraving detail, and 3D metal embossing. xTool is also preparing to enter the UV laser market with the F2 Ultra UV variant.
The F2 Ultra represents xTool's aggressive push into professional metal engraving. MOPA fiber lasers have traditionally been industrial tools costing $10K+, but xTool is working to bring them to the prosumer market. Full-color stainless steel engraving — achieved by precisely controlling oxide layer thickness with MOPA pulse parameters — has been a holy grail for desktop laser users. If xTool can deliver this at a sub-$5K price point, it could open an entirely new market for custom metal goods. The UV variant hints at jewelry and semiconductor marking applications.
💡What this means for you
xTool F2 Ultra: 60W MOPA fiber laser + 40W blue diode. Full-color stainless steel engraving via oxide layer control. 3D metal embossing. UV variant planned. Dual-beam architecture for material versatility.
Market Position: Premium prosumer tier. Positions xTool against industrial MOPA machines (JPT, Raycus) at a fraction of the price. No direct desktop competitor offers full-color metal engraving.
- Final retail pricing and availability date
- Color range and consistency on different stainless steel alloys
- Software workflow for color engraving — manual tuning or preset-based
⏸️ Wait if: You primarily work with wood and acrylic — a standard diode or CO2 laser is more cost-effective
✅ Buy if: You want full-color metal engraving in a desktop form factor and are willing to invest in a premium system
Rolls-Royce Patents Laser-Engraved Bonnet Process for Phantom Arabesque
Rolls-Royce revealed a newly patented laser-engraving process for car bonnets, debuting on the Phantom Arabesque. The intricate geometric patterns are laser-engraved directly into the bonnet surface, representing a fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern laser precision at the ultra-luxury tier.
When Rolls-Royce adopts laser engraving for bespoke vehicle customization, it signals the technology's maturation from maker tool to luxury manufacturing standard. The Phantom Arabesque process likely uses a high-power fiber or CO2 laser with sub-millimeter accuracy on automotive-grade paint and metal. For makers and small businesses, this validates the broader trend: laser-engraved personalization commands premium pricing. If you're offering custom engraving services, pointing to Rolls-Royce as a market validator is a powerful sales tool.
💡What this means for you
Patented laser-engraving process for automotive bonnet surfaces. Applied to Rolls-Royce Phantom Arabesque. Geometric pattern engraving directly into body panels. Precision and consistency unachievable by hand.
Market Position: Ultra-luxury automotive application. Validates laser engraving as a premium value-add process across industries.
- Specific laser type and power used in the process
- Whether Rolls-Royce will license the technology to other manufacturers
- Durability of engraved patterns under normal driving conditions
⏸️ Wait if: This is a reference story — no consumer product to buy
✅ Buy if: You run a laser engraving business and want to cite Rolls-Royce as market validation for premium pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the LaserPecker LX2?▼
The LaserPecker LX2 is a large-format enclosed dual-laser cutter featuring a 40W diode laser and a 2W IR laser. It has a Class 1 safety enclosure that auto-stops if opened and includes fire extinguishing sets as standard with all bundles.
What is the xTool F2 Ultra?▼
The xTool F2 Ultra is an upcoming dual-beam laser engraver with a 60W MOPA fiber laser and 40W blue diode. It enables full-color stainless steel engraving, 3D metal embossing, and improved plastic engraving detail. A UV variant is also planned.
Can desktop lasers engrave in full color on metal?▼
Yes, MOPA fiber lasers like the upcoming xTool F2 Ultra can create full-color engravings on stainless steel by precisely controlling oxide layer thickness. This has traditionally required industrial equipment, but prosumer MOPA systems are making it accessible.