5 manufacturer photos · 1 / 5
Acmer · Diode (diode + IR)
Acmer P3 · 48W diode
Enclosed CoreXY diode with a 48W module that also runs at 24W: the P3 for thick cuts
All Acmer models →Add to compare →
Last updated How we evaluate
Released December 2024
Choose installed module
Details below match the selected module.
Showing module: 48W diode
TL;DR
The P3 48W is the cutting version of Acmer's enclosed P3: a Class 1 cabinet with a CoreXY gantry, 800 mm/s, a camera covering the whole bed and 30 L/min air assist. Its module switches between 24W and 48W, and Acmer rates it for 18 mm plywood and 18 mm black acrylic in one pass. At $1,149 for the Basic Pack (October 2026) it undercuts xTool's enclosed 40W by about $550; the trade-offs are a weaker included exhaust fan and software that reviewers call basic.
Best for
What makes this machine stand out
Hardware and workflow features worth understanding before you buy : not just wattage on a label.
18 mm plywood in one pass
Acmer rates the 48W module for 18 mm plywood and 18 mm black acrylic in a single pass, the deepest cuts in the P3 range.
48W for cutting, 24W for detail
The module switches between 24W and 48W, so the same head handles thick cuts and finer engraving.
Up to 4,000 mm with the conveyor
The optional conveyor feeds material through the cabinet for work up to 4,000 mm long, sold in the Rotary & Conveyor Pack.
Our verdict
Ideal if you
The 48W P3 brings real cutting capacity into a closed cabinet at a price below most enclosed rivals. The CoreXY gantry keeps engraving fast at 800 mm/s, the camera covers the full bed for batch placement, and the optional conveyor stretches the work length to 4,000 mm for long signs. Because the module also runs at 24W, it is the one P3 that does not force a choice between cutting power and detail.
Skip if you
It is still a diode: clear acrylic and CO₂-speed production stay out of reach. Owners mention a weak stock exhaust fan and software that is serviceable rather than polished, and Acmer's support network is smaller than xTool's. The work area drops to 400 × 390 mm with this module.
Pros
- Acmer rates 18 mm plywood and 18 mm black acrylic in one pass, against 12 mm and 8 mm for the 24W
- The same module drops to 24W for finer engraving, so one head covers cutting and detail work
- $1,149 Basic Pack in October 2026, about $550 less than xTool's enclosed 40W S1
Cons
- Wider 0.08 × 0.10 mm spot than the 24W module: fine photos look slightly softer at full power
- Owners report the included exhaust fan lets smoke escape on long cuts: duct it outside
- $384 more than the 24W Basic Pack for buyers who mostly engrave
What this machine is for
Cutting thick plywood and dark acrylic in a closed cabinet, with camera placement for batches
48W module on the enclosed Acmer P3: thick plywood and dark acrylic cutting with camera-assisted batches
Laser spot size
0.08 × 0.10 mm
Motion precision: 0.01 mm
Sample engrave job
~6–9 min
10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in)
Sample cut job
~3–5 min
10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in)
Reference benchmark: same job size on every machine so you can compare times fairly. Times are estimates for the reference job above; your design complexity and settings will change them.
Materials
- · Wood & plywood
- · Leather
- · Slate & stone
- · Coated or painted metal
- · Dark glass & ceramic
- · Stainless steel (surface mark)
Accessories & add-ons
Typical inclusions and add-ons for this profile : confirm your SKU.
- Included
Enclosure / cabinet
- Optional
Laser safety glasses
Still useful when servicing or with lid open
- Recommended
Fire extinguisher
Editorial guidance : not a live parts list. See also: Ventilation setup · Safety basics
Practical notes
Beginner notes
This profile is the 48W version of the Acmer P3. Pick it if cutting plywood, boxes or dark acrylic is the main job; compare the other P3 versions with the chips above if you mostly engrave or need metal marking. The machine arrives assembled, and the camera lets you place designs directly on the material.
Pro tips
Use the 48W setting for cuts and drop the module to 24W for photos and small text, where the narrower beam matters more than speed. Run a material test matrix in ACMER Studio before production. For long cutting sessions, add an inline fan or route the exhaust hose through a window: the stock fan struggles with thick plywood smoke.
Pro / technical specsRaw numbers for experienced users comparing machines.
- Max speed (spec)
- 800 mm/s
- Avg engrave speed
- ~150–400 mm/s
- Avg cut speed
- ~10–20 mm/s (3 mm)
Common questions
How thick can the Acmer P3 48W cut?
Acmer rates it for 18 mm plywood and 18 mm black acrylic in a single pass, and up to 30 mm plywood, 45 mm black acrylic and 8 mm MDF with several passes. Those are manufacturer figures with air assist on a flat, dry sheet; dense hardwoods will need more passes.
P3 48W or P3 24W?
The 48W costs $1,149 against $765 for the 24W Basic Pack (Acmer store, October 2026). Take the 48W if you cut 10 mm and thicker material every week; the 24W is enough for engraving with occasional cuts up to about 12 mm, and its narrower spot is slightly better for photos.
Can I engrave metal with the P3 48W?
Only coated or painted metal, and a light surface mark on stainless steel. For bare metal and some plastics, Acmer sells a 2W 1064 nm infrared module for the P3 ($429, listed as pre-order in October 2026), or the 10W diode + 2W IR version of the machine.
Alternatives to the Acmer P3 48W
Machines in the same space, picked from our database by type, price, and score.
xTool · Diode · $1,699 – $3,049
The 40W S1 is xTool's high-power enclosed diode. Still not CO₂, but the extra optical power helps on thicker basswood versus the 20W cabinet.
Acmer · Diode · $799 – $1,400
Acmer S2 Pro 48W is Acmer's high-power open-frame option before the enclosed P3. Strong cutting claims: verify optical power and compare to P3 48W enclosed if you need smoke control.
WeCreat · Diode · $1,140 – $1,990
WeCreat's enclosed diode laser adds a camera and AI features for material detection and visual preview. Appealing for beginners who want guidance. Core laser performance is comparable to other enclosed diodes: you pay for the smart features.