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Compare machines

Pick up to three laser cutters, engravers or 3D printers. Every figure comes from the maker’s own pages; blank means the maker doesn’t say.

Machine 1

Machine 2

Machine 3

Specifications compared
	Diode laserGlowforge Spark	Diode laserSculpfun iCube Ultra	Diode laserCreality Falcon A1 Pro
Type	Diode laser	Diode laser	Diode laser
Technology	6W blue diode laser, 450 nm, enclosed compact craft laser — Glowforge Craft Series	Compact enclosed 12W blue diode (455 nm); dual version adds a 1.2W 1064 nm infrared head (interchangeable)	Enclosed 20W blue diode laser (455 nm); optional 2W 1064 nm solid-state infrared module
Laser power	6W diode	12W diode (dual version: + 1.2W infrared)	20W diode (optional 2W infrared, sold separately)
Work area	216 × 279 mm — Max cutting area 8.5 x 11 in (converted ≈ 216 x 279 mm); no passthrough	150 × 150 mm — Dual version: 150 x 135 mm per laser	268 × 358 mm — Engraving area as stated by Creality: 268 x 358 mm
Max cut (maker’s claim)	"Both Glowforge Spark and Glowforge Aura can cut materials up to 1/4" thick, and engrave materials up to 3/4" thick with the cutting tray removed." (glowforge.com/b/craft FAQ)	"12W diode laser easily cuts 10mm Paulownia wood in one pass" (sculpfun.com iCube Ultra page)	"Maximum thickness (one-pass) 10mm basswood 8mm black acrylic"; "20W ... 10mm Basswood, 8mm Black Acrylic, 0.04mm Stainless Sheet" (Creality A1 Pro pages)
Enclosed	Yes — fully enclosed	Yes — fully enclosed	Yes — fully enclosed
Laser class	Class 1 laser product containing an embedded Class 4 laser (Glowforge shop page)	Class 1	Class 1 (FDA)
Camera	Lid-mounted wide-angle camera plus head-mounted macro camera for autofocus (Craft Series tech specs); live camera view	Optional HD camera accessory	Top-view HD camera; AI camera + red-dot laser ranging autofocus
Air assist	built-in	Optional air assist kit (accessory)	—
Software	Glowforge app (free, web-based, internet required); optional Glowforge Premium subscription	Sculpfun App, LightBurn, LaserGRBL	Falcon Design Space, LightBurn, LaserGRBL
Connectivity	Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz b/g/n)	Bluetooth, USB	USB (Type-C cable supplied); Creality app control and real-time monitoring
Weight	4.9 kg	6 kg	16.8 kg
Released	2024	—	2025
Rotary	—	Optional rotary roller	Optional Rotary Kit for A1/A1 Pro (Creality Falcon UK store)
Max speed (as stated)	—	10,000 mm/min	600 mm/s
Strengths	Class 1 enclosed design Light (4.9 kg / 10.8 lb) and compact Cuts materials up to 1/4 in thick (Glowforge) Uses the same Glowforge app and Proofgrade auto-settings as other models	Class 1 enclosure with door interlock Built-in smoke filtration system Autofocus Light (5.95 kg single / 6.3 kg dual)	Class 1 enclosed design with flame detection Camera preview, batch positioning and 3-second autofocus (per Creality) Optional 2W IR module for metal and plastic marking Works with LightBurn and LaserGRBL as well as Falcon Design Space
Things to consider	Smallest Glowforge cutting area (8.5 × 11 in) and no passthrough Diode laser: not for glass, clear, white or blue acrylic, vinyl or Draftboard Shown as “Sold Out” on Glowforge’s shop when we checked on 4 October 2026 Needs Wi-Fi and an internet connection to start prints	Small 150 × 150 mm work area Camera and air assist are optional extras No Wi-Fi listed (Bluetooth/USB) UK plug option listed but no UK warehouse stated	Smaller bed (268 × 358 mm) than xTool S1 or LaserPecker LX2 Diode laser: dark/opaque acrylic only for cutting IR module is an extra purchase Air assist not confirmed on the pages read
Who it suits	Beginners and paper or craft hobbyists who want a small, enclosed laser for thin materials.	Beginners wanting a small, safe, enclosed engraver for gifts and small craft items.	Hobbyists and small sellers wanting a plug-and-play enclosed diode machine for home use with the option of metal marking later.
Where to buy	View on glowforge.com (official site)	View on Amazon.co.uk	View on Amazon.co.uk

Rows shaded orange differ between the machines. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.