Laser Digest - February 18, 2026
Published
xTool debuted the MetalFab, a 10mm steel-capable handheld fiber laser welder and cutter, expanding their industrial-to-desktop bridge. OMTech officially rebranded from omtech.com to omtech.com, reflecting a wider ecosystem play including UV and embroidery. Meanwhile, Glowforge's SVP of Marketing departed on Feb 10, marking continued leadership shifts following their 2025 restructuring.
xTool Debuts MetalFab: Handheld Fiber Laser Welder & Cutter
xTool has launched the MetalFab, a hybrid handheld fiber laser system capable of welding and cutting up to 10mm carbon steel. The unit bridges the gap between industrial fabrication and advanced prosumer workshops, offering high speed (400mm/s) and material versatility.
The MetalFab is a strategic pivot for xTool, moving aggressively into the 'light industrial' sector. While they dominate the diode/CO2 desktop market, this handheld fiber unit attacks the metal fabrication space traditionally held by brands like IPG but at a much more accessible price point (~$4k-$18k). It complements their P3 and F2 Ultra, creating a complete 'metal + non-metal' workshop ecosystem. For independent fabricators, this replaces TIG welding and plasma cutting for many thin-to-medium gauge applications.
💡What this means for you
Handheld fiber laser source. 10mm carbon steel cutting capacity. 400mm/s speed. Dual function: welding and cutting. Precision CNC base option available.
Market Position: High-end prosumer / Light industrial. Competes with traditional TIG/MIG welding setups and entry-level industrial fiber lasers. Significantly lowers the barrier to entry for metal fab.
- Safety training requirements for handheld Class 4 lasers
- Consumable costs (nozzles, protective lenses)
- Duty cycle limitations for continuous production
⏸️ Wait if: You primarily work with non-metals (wood, acrylic) - stick to CO2
✅ Buy if: You need to weld and cut metal efficiently without learning TIG welding
OMTech Rebrands to OMTech.com, Drops 'Laser' from Identity
OMTech has officially transitioned its primary domain from omtech.com to omtech.com. The rebrand coincides with their Winter Product Launch, signaling a shift from a 'laser company' to a broader 'maker ecosystem' brand encompassing UV printing, embroidery, and apparel.
Dropping 'laser' from the domain is a classic expansion play (think Apple Computers -> Apple). OMTech is acknowledging that laser owners don't just want lasers; they want to run custom businesses. By integrating UV printers (Spectra), DTF (Aurora), and Embroidery (Pulse) under one roof, they are positioning themselves as the 'one-stop-shop' for monetization-focused makers. This puts pressure on Glowforge, who remains largely laser-centric, and matches xTool's ecosystem breadth.
💡What this means for you
Domain migration to generic .com. Portfolio expansion: Spectra (UV), Aurora (DTF), Pulse (Embroidery). maintained focus on CO2 and Fiber lasers.
Market Position: Broad-spectrum maker equipment supplier. Competing with specialty vendors in UV/DTF by leveraging existing laser customer base.
- Support quality access across diverse machine types
- Integration of non-laser machines into software workflows
⏸️ Wait if: You are looking for specialized UV/DTF support - OMTech is new to these specific verticals
✅ Buy if: You already trust OMTech support and want to expand your shop capabilities with a single vendor
Glowforge Leadership Shift: SVP of Marketing Departs
Alison Cerezo, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Product at Glowforge, stepped down on February 10, 2026. This move continues the leadership restructuring following the company's near-bankruptcy and asset reacquisition by founders in late 2025.
Executive departures in the 'stabilization phase' of a turnaround can signal two things: either the new direction is settled and requires different skills, or internal friction persists. Given the recent launch of 'back to basics' features like Snapmarks and Box Builder, this likely represents a consolidation of the product vision under the founders. For owners, the key metric remains software velocity—which has admittedly improved since the restructuring.
💡What this means for you
Executive leadership change. Follows Nov 2025 ABC restructuring. Coincides with renewed software feature rollout.
Market Position: Recovery phase. Focusing on software value (Premium) to retain existing user base.
- Impact on future product roadmap (Aurora model?)
- Marketing strategy shift for 2026
⏸️ Wait if: You are banking on a hardware refresh (Aurora) soon - operations seem focused on software/stability
✅ Buy if: You value the current improved software ecosystem and existing hardware reliability
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the xTool MetalFab?▼
The xTool MetalFab is a new handheld fiber laser system that combines welding and cutting capabilities. It is designed to cut up to 10mm carbon steel and weld various metals, bridging the gap between hobbyist lasers and industrial fabrication tools.
Why did OMTech change their website?▼
OMTech changed to omtech.com to reflect their expansion beyond just lasers. They now offer UV printers, DTF printers, and embroidery machines, positioning themselves as a provider of a complete 'maker ecosystem' rather than just laser cutters.
Is Glowforge going out of business?▼
No. While Glowforge went through a financial restructuring (ABC) in late 2025, the founders reacquired the assets and operations are continuing. The recent executive departure is part of the ongoing leadership adjustment, but the company has recently released new software features and updates.