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In this guide
The Gweike G2 family combines a compact, movable design with a 1064nm ytterbium fiber laser for marking and engraving metal and selected plastics. The choice is not simply “more watts is better.” Choose 20W, 30W or 50W according to the depth you need, how often you run deep jobs, your working-area preference and the return you expect from the added power.
Specifications, configurations and listed prices checked against the current Gweike product pages on September 10, 2026. Prices and availability can change; verify the product page before ordering.
Quick Answer: Which G2 Fiber Laser Engraver Should You Buy?
Choose the G2 20W for logos, serial numbers, barcodes, jewelry personalization and routine surface marking at the lowest entry price. Choose the G2 Pro 30W for the best balance of price, marking speed and occasional deep engraving in a small business. Choose the G2 Max 50W when deep engraving, relief work and repeated material removal are a meaningful part of your workload.
All three list the same maximum marking speed of 15,000mm/s. The 50W model does not automatically finish every surface-marking job much faster; its main advantage is more power headroom for deeper work and fewer passes.
View G2 20W View G2 Pro 30W View G2 Max 50W
G2 20W vs G2 Pro 30W vs G2 Max 50W
| Feature | G2 20W | G2 Pro 30W | G2 Max 50W |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Routine surface marking and personalization | Mixed surface and moderate-depth work | Frequent deep engraving and material removal |
| Output power | 20W | 30W | 50W |
| Laser source | Ytterbium fiber, 0.67mJ | Ytterbium fiber, 0.67mJ | Ytterbium fiber, 0.67mJ |
| Wavelength | 1064nm | 1064nm | 1064nm |
| Maximum listed marking speed | 15,000mm/s | 15,000mm/s | 15,000mm/s |
| Repeat accuracy | ±0.001mm | ±0.001mm | ±0.001mm |
| Pulse-frequency range | 20–200kHz | 20–200kHz | 20–200kHz |
| Working-area options | 110 × 110mm or 150 × 150mm | 110 × 110mm or 150 × 150mm | 150 × 150mm |
| Lift options listed | Manual with 110mm field; electric with 150mm field | Manual with 110mm field; electric with 150mm field | Electric lift |
| Listed net weight | 6.5kg | 6.5kg | 6.5kg |
| Machine dimensions | 260 × 440 × 505mm | 260 × 440 × 505mm | 260 × 440 × 505mm |
| Listed price* | $1,099 | $1,599 | $2,499 |
| Main trade-off | More passes for deep work | Middle price and power | Higher purchase price |
*Prices observed September 10, 2026. Promotions, regional pricing, taxes, shipping, accessories and configurations may change the final cost.
Because the three machines share many headline specifications, buying on maximum speed alone is a mistake. Galvo speed is only one part of cycle time. A deep job may require repeated passes, cooling intervals, cleaning and refocusing. More output power can reduce the number of passes needed for a target depth, although the actual result still depends on the alloy, focus, frequency, hatch spacing, speed, pattern and desired finish.
What Changes When You Move from 20W to 30W or 50W?
Surface marking: the difference may be smaller than expected
For a shallow logo, serial number or data matrix, all three models can complete useful production work. Since they share the same listed maximum marking speed, moving from 20W to 50W does not mean every job becomes 2.5 times faster. File complexity, scan strategy, fill spacing, material response and handling time can matter as much as wattage.
Deep engraving: added power matters more
For deep engraving and relief, the laser must remove more material. This is where 30W and especially 50W provide practical headroom. The higher-power model can often reach a target with fewer passes or remove more material within the same test period, provided the process is tuned correctly.
What Gweike's controlled comparison shows
| Published Test | 20W Result | 30W Result | 50W Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5mm brass; 10mm/s; 100% power | 11 passes | 7 passes | 4 passes |
| Brass deep engraving; 1000mm/s; 100% power; 2 hours | 2.1mm | 3.7mm | 4.5mm |
| Slate deep engraving; 1000mm/s; 100% power; 1 hour | 1.7mm | 2.3mm | 3.2mm |
These are manufacturer-published comparison conditions, not universal production guarantees. Results can change with material grade and thickness, surface condition, focus, lens, frequency, hatch, ventilation, maintenance and measurement method. Test representative scrap before quoting a customer job.
Choose the G2 20W If You Need an Affordable Desktop Metal Laser Engraver
The G2 20W fiber laser engraver is the most economical entry into the series. It is the sensible choice when the majority of work is surface marking and the business does not earn most of its revenue from deep material removal.
Good fit
- Names and logos on metal gifts
- Serial numbers and asset tags
- Barcodes and QR codes
- Anodized or coated aluminum cards
- Jewelry personalization
- Occasional shallow engraving
Think twice if
- Deep engraving is a daily production task
- You quote jobs by material removed per hour
- You want 150 × 150mm only but prefer an electric lift
- You expect a sheet-metal cutting machine
- You need the broad pulse control of a MOPA source
At the checked listed price of $1,099, the 20W model leaves more budget for a rotary, ventilation, laser-safe setup, material inventory and testing. It may require more passes than the 30W or 50W model for the same deep result, so compare the lower purchase price with your expected labor and machine time.
Choose the G2 Pro 30W for the Best All-Round Small-Business Balance
The G2 Pro 30W fiber laser engraver sits in the middle of the range. It retains the compact format and listed 15,000mm/s maximum marking speed while adding useful power for shops that alternate between routine marking and deeper work.
For many small businesses, 30W is the practical default: it avoids paying for 50W when deep engraving is only occasional, yet provides more material-removal capacity than 20W. It is especially relevant for workshops that sell a mixed catalog—tumblers, tags, jewelry, tools and occasional deep engraved metal pieces—rather than one single process.
If your decision has narrowed to the two higher-power versions, read the focused G2 Pro 30W vs G2 Max 50W comparison.
Choose the G2 Max 50W for Frequent Deep Engraving
The G2 Max 50W fiber laser engraver is the highest-power G2 model in this comparison. Its strongest business case is not ordinary surface marking; it is repeated deep engraving, relief and other jobs where material-removal time affects capacity and margin.
Good fit
- Deep brass or metal engraving
- Relief and 2D/3D-style carving workflows
- Frequent jobs that need many passes on lower-power systems
- Shops with paid demand for pronounced depth
- Users who want the listed 150 × 150mm electric-lift configuration
May be unnecessary if
- Almost every job is a shallow logo
- Budget matters more than deep-cycle time
- Your real need is cutting sheet metal
- Your priority is repeatable color marking that calls for MOPA pulse control
- Your materials are mainly wood or clear acrylic
The 50W model was listed at $2,499 when this guide was checked—$900 above the 30W model and $1,400 above the 20W model. Estimate whether fewer passes and greater depth capacity will generate enough paid output to recover that difference. If not, invest the budget in accessories, extraction, workholding and inventory instead.
What Can a G2 Fiber Laser Engraver Mark?
A 1064nm fiber laser is best matched to metals and laser-responsive plastics. Exact compatibility and appearance vary by alloy, coating, pigment and additive, so a material label alone is not a preset.
| Material or Product | Typical G2 Use | Buying Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel | Logos, serials, dark marks, surface engraving and deeper engraving | Finish depends on settings and grade; use 30W/50W when depth is a regular goal |
| Brass | Coins, tags, jewelry and deep relief | Published G2 tests show a clear power advantage for deep engraving |
| Aluminum | Bare, anodized or coated parts, cards and tags | Anodized/coated surfaces respond differently from bare aluminum |
| Gold and silver | Jewelry personalization and fine details | Secure small items and test valuable work on representative samples first |
| Coated metals | Removing or changing a coating to reveal contrast | Coating composition and thickness control the result |
| Selected plastics | Codes, logos and identification | Only process known laser-safe formulations; additives strongly affect response |
| Slate and stone | Surface designs and deeper textured engraving | Natural variation can change contrast and fracture behavior |
| Tumblers and rings | Circumferential marking with a compatible rotary | Choose the rotary type for the object diameter, shape and holding method |
For stainless-steel applications, see the stainless steel laser engraving machine guide. For aluminum finishes and testing, use the laser engraving aluminum guide.
What the G2 is not optimized for
If most projects are wood, MDF, leather, paper or clear acrylic, a CO₂ or diode system is usually a more appropriate starting point. A fiber laser can interact with some coated, pigmented or additive-filled organic materials, but that does not make every plastic, acrylic sheet or leather product suitable. Buy for the materials you process every week, not for an isolated sample shown online.
Can the G2 20W, 30W or 50W Cut Metal?
The accurate answer is: the G2 is a metal marking and engraving platform with limited thin-material test capability, not a dedicated metal laser cutting machine.
Gweike's current product pages publish a test on 0.5mm brass at 10mm/s and 100% power. Under those stated conditions, the 20W used 11 passes, the 30W used 7 and the 50W used 4. That example shows how power can reduce passes on one thin brass sample. It should not be generalized to thicker brass, stainless steel, aluminum or production sheet cutting.
A dedicated fiber laser cutter is designed around continuous cutting requirements such as higher effective cutting power, assist gas, a cutting head, nozzle control, piercing, standoff control and sheet handling. If the core requirement is cutting metal parts rather than marking them, start with the fiber laser cutting machine buying guide. For compact mixed-material cutting, compare the Gweike MCore instead.
110 × 110mm vs 150 × 150mm Working Area
The G2 20W and G2 Pro 30W are listed with two field-and-lift configurations: a 110 × 110mm field with manual lift and a 150 × 150mm field with electric lift. The G2 Max 50W is currently listed with a 150 × 150mm field and electric lift.
Choose 110 × 110mm when
- Most designs are rings, tags, cards, logos or small jewelry
- You prioritize small-feature work
- A manual lift fits your workflow
- You do not need the extra coverage of the larger field
Choose 150 × 150mm when
- Designs or fixtures exceed the smaller field
- You batch several small pieces in one layout
- You want the listed electric-lift configuration
- Your fixtures and product catalog fit the larger field
Do not choose the larger field from dimensions alone. Lens choice can influence spot behavior, focus tolerance and practical detail. Send representative artwork and the smallest required text or code to Gweike for a sample before purchase when micro-detail is critical.
Software, Focusing, Rotary Work and Portability
GLASER and LightBurn
The current G2 pages list compatibility with Gweike GLASER on macOS, Windows, iOS and Android, plus LightBurn on macOS and Windows. Confirm current licensing, device support and workflow requirements before ordering. If your shop already uses LightBurn, test the exact features you need rather than assuming every mobile and desktop function is identical.
For tested process ranges, use the existing fiber laser engraving parameters guide. Treat any starting value as a test point, not a universal setting. Material grade, surface finish, lens, focus and desired effect can all require changes.
Focusing and preview
Correct focus is essential for consistent contrast and depth. A more powerful source cannot compensate for a poorly focused beam. Before changing power or speed, confirm the workpiece is stable, the intended surface is at the correct focal position and the preview aligns with the fixture. Use the G2 Pro focusing and positioning guide for the setup workflow.
Rotary engraving
A compatible chuck or roller rotary extends the G2 to cylindrical products such as rings, tumblers and cups. Choose a chuck when positive clamping and concentric rotation matter; choose a roller when the object can rest securely on driven rollers. Measure the diameter, length, weight and surface shape before selecting an accessory.
What “portable” should mean in your buying decision
The listed 6.5kg net weight, compact 260 × 440 × 505mm dimensions and detachable design make the G2 easier to reposition than a conventional large cabinet system. Portability does not remove the need for a controlled laser area. Plan for a stable surface, the supplied safety shield or required guarding, wavelength-appropriate protection, fume extraction and restricted access wherever the machine is used.
Should You Buy a G2, MOPA, UV, CO₂ or Fiber Cutting Machine?
| Your Main Requirement | Better Starting Point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Metal logos, serials, IDs and deep engraving | G2 20W/30W/50W | 1064nm fiber platform designed around metal marking and engraving |
| Fine control for repeatable stainless color work | MOPA fiber laser | Broader pulse-duration control can be more suitable for color and sensitive processes |
| Fine marks on glass, electronics or heat-sensitive plastics | UV laser | 355nm processing serves a different material and heat-input need |
| Wood, leather and clear acrylic cutting/engraving | CO₂ laser | CO₂ wavelength is generally better matched to common non-metals |
| Routine metal sheet cutting | Dedicated fiber laser cutting machine | Built around piercing, assist gas, cutting head control and sustained sheet processing |
| Compact metal and non-metal cutting in one platform | Gweike MCore | Combines dedicated fiber and CO₂ sources for supported cutting workflows |
Final Recommendation
G2 20W
Buy the 20W when most revenue comes from surface marking, personalization and identification. Accept longer deep-engraving cycles in exchange for the lowest listed purchase price.
Shop G2 20WG2 Pro 30W
Buy the 30W when your shop mixes everyday marking with moderate deep engraving. It is the most balanced option for a varied small-business catalog.
Shop G2 Pro 30WG2 Max 50W
Buy the 50W when deeper engraving and material removal are frequent paid jobs and fewer passes can improve throughput enough to justify the price.
Shop G2 Max 50WIf you are still undecided, collect five representative jobs and record the material, required mark or depth, design size, pieces per month and target cycle time. Ask for sample results on those exact requirements. That comparison is more valuable than choosing from wattage alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 20W fiber laser enough for metal engraving?
Yes for many logos, names, serial numbers, barcodes and shallow engraving jobs. Choose more power when deep material removal is frequent or when additional passes would limit production capacity.
Is 30W better than 20W for a small engraving business?
It can be. The G2 Pro 30W provides more headroom for deeper work while keeping a lower purchase price than the 50W model. A business focused almost entirely on surface marking may still get a better return from 20W.
When is a 50W fiber laser worth the extra cost?
The G2 Max 50W is easier to justify when deep engraving, relief or repeated material removal is a regular paid service. It may be unnecessary for shallow identification marks and simple personalization.
Is the G2 a desktop metal laser engraver?
Yes. The current pages list compact 260 × 440 × 505mm machine dimensions and a 6.5kg net weight for the three models. Allow additional space for the workpiece, rotary, computer, guarding and extraction.
Is the G2 a portable fiber laser engraver?
The compact weight and detachable design make it easier to reposition than many cabinet machines. It must still be operated in a controlled setup with stable workholding, appropriate guarding, ventilation and the safety measures in the current manual.
Can the G2 cut metal?
The product pages show a controlled 0.5mm brass multi-pass test, but the G2 is primarily a marking and engraving machine. Do not treat it as a dedicated sheet-metal cutter or assume the brass result applies to other metals and thicknesses.
Does 50W engrave 2.5 times faster than 20W?
Not on every job. All three models list the same maximum marking speed. Higher power is most useful when a job needs substantial material removal, where fewer passes may reduce total cycle time.
Which G2 is best for jewelry?
The 20W is a strong starting point for names, logos and fine personalization. Choose 30W or 50W if your jewelry workflow regularly needs deeper recessed engraving. Always secure small pieces and test valuable alloys on samples first.
Which G2 is best for tumblers?
Any of the three can suit supported metal tumbler marking when paired with the correct rotary and settings. Choose wattage according to the required finish and depth; choose the rotary according to the tumbler's diameter, shape and holding needs.
Should I choose 110 × 110mm or 150 × 150mm?
Choose 110 × 110mm when your designs and fixtures fit comfortably inside the smaller field. Choose 150 × 150mm for larger designs or batch layouts. The current 20W and 30W configurations pair the 110mm field with manual lift and the 150mm field with electric lift; the 50W is listed with 150mm and electric lift.
Can the G2 engrave color on stainless steel?
Some stainless surfaces can show color-like oxidation effects after careful testing, but repeatability depends on the alloy, finish, focus and pulse behavior. If controlled, repeatable color marking is a primary business requirement, compare a MOPA fiber laser rather than assuming a standard fiber source will produce every color consistently.
Can a G2 engrave wood, leather or clear acrylic?
A 1064nm fiber laser is primarily chosen for metals and laser-responsive plastics. Some coated or specially formulated materials may respond, but a CO₂ or diode system is generally a better starting point when wood, leather or clear acrylic makes up most of the workload.
Related G2 Guides and Support
Compare the G2 Series
Match the machine to your real job mix: choose 20W for economical surface marking, 30W for balanced small-business production, or 50W for frequent deep engraving.
G2 20W G2 Pro 30W G2 Max 50W