If you're a laser engraving enthusiast, you've likely come across the AlgoLaser Pixi series. Known for its versatility and compact design, the Pixi laser engraver is available in two exciting variants: the 10W blue laser and the 1.5W infrared (IR) Pixi 1064nm. Both models offer unique features for different engraving needs. But which one is right for you? Let's dive into the details and explore the performance differences between these laser engraving machines.

Before we dive into the specifics, let's take a moment to understand the basics of laser engraving. A laser engraver uses a focused beam of light to etch designs onto various materials. The type of laser module determines how it interacts with different surfaces.

· 10W Blue Laser: The blue laser is great for engraving on organic materials like wood, leather, and cardboard. It is known for its efficiency in both cutting and engraving these materials.

· 1.5W IR Laser: Infrared lasers have a longer wavelength, which allows them to interact more effectively with metals and certain plastics. Unlike the blue laser, it cannot cut or engrave organic materials, but it excels at metal engraving and surface marking.

The AlgoLaser Pixi's blue and IR variants both offer powerful laser engraving solutions, but the material you work with will play a key role in your decision.

When unboxing the two models, you'll notice a few key differences:

· 10W Blue Pixi: This model comes in a sleek blue laser design and includes standard accessories like a 2.5A power supply, focus hammer, and a vent pipe. The blue laser is ideal for working with organic materials, and the packaging reflects this with clear instructions and setup tools.

· 1.5W IR Pixi: The IR Pixi comes in a striking red color, making it easy to distinguish from the blue variant. This model includes a slightly larger 3A power adapter and the same core accessories as the blue laser. The key difference lies in the laser head, which is designed for engraving metals and certain plastics.

Both variants feature high-quality protective features, but the IR version places extra emphasis on safety due to its ability to reflect off shiny metals.

Setting up both models is relatively easy, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Power Supply: The blue laser Pixi uses a 2.5A power supply, while the IR laser Pixi requires a larger 3A adapter. Make sure you're using the appropriate one for your laser engraving machine.

2. Laser Module: The blue laser is great for organic materials, while the IR laser excels with metals. Be sure to select the correct laser source in your software settings to ensure proper functionality.

3. Safety: Both models come with interlocked enclosures that prevent accidental exposure to the laser beam, but extra care should be taken with the IR laser due to its reflective properties.

4. Software Setup: The Pixi integrates well with LightBurn software and connects easily. However, make sure to select the correct laser source in the software settings to avoid issues with material libraries and engraving results.

Let's put both lasers to the test and compare their performance on different materials:

1. Wood and Leather (Blue Laser): The 10W blue laser excels at engraving organic materials. It cuts through wood and leather with ease, providing clean and intricate designs. This model also does well on cardboard and paper, making it an excellent choice for craft projects.

2. Metals (IR Laser): The 1.5W IR laser, with its longer wavelength, is ideal for metal engraving. While it can't cut metal, it effectively marks and changes the surface color. When tested on coated metal cards, the IR laser performed beautifully, removing paint to reveal the shiny metal underneath.

3. Slate (Blue vs IR): Both lasers were tested on slate, with the blue laser providing impressive results, but the IR laser produced sharper, cleaner marks. If you're planning to engrave a lot of slate, the IR laser is definitely the better option.

4. Anodized Aluminum (IR Laser): The blue laser struggled to leave a mark on anodized aluminum, but the IR laser created white marks with high contrast, making it perfect for metal marking.

5. Plastics (IR Laser): While the blue laser is nearly useless on plastics, the IR laser performed decently. Marking plastics can be hit or miss, but the IR laser offers a better chance of success, especially compared to the blue laser.

Here's a breakdown of the ideal use for each laser:

10W Blue Laser:

· Best for organic materials like wood, leather, and cardboard.

· Can cut wood several millimeters thick and provides detailed engravings.

· Not effective on metals unless they are coated or painted.

1.5W IR Laser:

· Best for metal engraving, plastics, and slate.

· Cannot cut or deeply engrave metal but can create beautiful surface marks on metal and plastics.

· Great for materials like anodized aluminum and certain plastics.

Although both lasers are fantastic, you may wonder if you can upgrade from one to the other. Unfortunately, the laser heads are not interchangeable due to different connectors and wiring. The blue laser uses a four-wire connector, while the IR laser uses a six-wire connector.

However, if you need the best of both worlds, consider getting both variants. Swapping the laser module is easy, but the cost of each head is significant. For small businesses or high-output projects, having both lasers can double your productivity.

· Go for the 10W Blue Pixi if you mainly work with organic materials like wood, leather, and cardboard. It's perfect for detailed engraving and cutting thicker materials.

· Choose the 1.5W IR Pixi if your focus is on engraving metals, plastics, or slate. It offers superior metal marking capabilities and is excellent for creating high-contrast marks on a variety of surfaces.

The AlgoLaser Pixi Laser Engraver Twins — 10W Blue and 1.5W Infrared — offer distinct advantages depending on the materials you intend to work with. The blue laser is perfect for wood, leather, and other organic materials, while the IR laser is your go-to tool for metal engraving, plastics, and slate.

Both lasers deliver high-quality engraving results, but understanding the materials you'll focus on will help you make the best choice. Whether you go for one or both variants, the Pixi laser engraver is an impressive addition to any laser engraving setup.