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Comgrow · Diode
Comgrow Z1 · 5W
5W Budget Comgrow diode: often bundled with 3D printer deals
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Showing specs for: 5W
TL;DR
Comgrow Z1 5W is the 5W SKU on the Comgrow comgrow z1 line. Comgrow's Z1 targets entry-level buyers, often sold alongside Ender 3D printers. Verify optical power on the listing: do not assume combined-watt marketing.
Best for
What makes this machine stand out
Hardware and workflow features worth understanding before you buy : not just wattage on a label.
Lowest entry price
$179–249, the cheapest way into the Comgrow Z1 platform and its LightBurn and LaserGRBL support.
Finest spot of the line
~0.08 mm spot in our profile, slightly tighter than the 10W and 20W modules, which suits text and line work.
Our verdict
Ideal if you
Comgrow Z1 5W suits makers who sell marks, photos, and gifts more than daily panel cutting. Reasonable open-frame entry price.
Skip if you
Skip if you already quote 4 mm+ cutting in production: see 10W or 20W in the line. Not for cast acrylic or bare metal without spray.
Pros
- Lowest price of the Z1 line: $179–249
- Finest spot of the three tiers in our profile (~0.08 mm): fine for text, logos and line art
- Low power keeps smoke and charring modest on leather, card and thin wood
Cons
- Very slow photo fills: ~28–43 min for our 10 × 10 cm test, at 2–4 mm/s
- Cutting is limited to thin stock: a 10 × 10 cm square in 3 mm basswood takes ~14–24 min in our benchmark
- No acrylic cutting in practice, and no path to thick wood without replacing the module
What this machine is for
Detailed engraving on organics and coated metal: occasional thin cuts only
Engraving-first desktop diode for makers who prioritize mark quality over cut speed
Laser spot size
~0.08 mm spot
Motion precision: 0.01 mm
Sample engrave job
~28–43 min
10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in)
Sample cut job
~14–24 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
- · Leather
- · Slate
Accessories & add-ons
Typical inclusions and add-ons for this profile : confirm your SKU.
- Optional
Enclosure / cabinet
Third-party enclosure improves smoke control and safety
- Recommended
Laser safety glasses
~450 nm diode: OD rated for your wavelength
- Recommended
Fire extinguisher
Editorial guidance : not a live parts list. See also: Ventilation setup · Safety basics
Practical notes
Beginner notes
This profile is the 5W SKU on Comgrow Z1. Read the TL;DR and benchmarks above, then compare other power options via the chips before buying.
Pro tips
Optimize for engraving: lower DPI on photos, higher scan speed on line art after test burns. Air assist still helps clarity. Compare benchmark times on the next tier before assuming you need more power.
Pro / technical specsRaw numbers for experienced users comparing machines.
- Max speed (spec)
- 200 mm/s
- Avg engrave speed
- 2–4 mm/s fill
- Avg cut speed
- 2–3 mm/s on 3 mm wood
Common questions
What can the Comgrow Z1 5W realistically cut?
Paper, card, fabric and thin basswood, with several passes from about 3 mm. Comgrow does not publish a per-thickness cutting chart; in our benchmark a 10 × 10 cm square in 3 mm basswood takes ~14–24 min at 2–3 mm/s. Anything thicker belongs on a higher-watt machine.
How long does a photo engraving take on the Z1 5W?
Plan on ~28–43 min for a 10 × 10 cm filled photo on birch plywood in our benchmark, against ~18–28 min on the 10W. For line art and text the gap is smaller, since outlines use far less laser time than fills.
Is the 5W enough for a beginner, or should I start with the 10W?
The 5W is enough if you want to learn and engrave small gifts on a tight budget ($179–249). If you already know you want to cut ornaments or puzzles, the 10W ($219–299) costs about $40 more and saves a third of the time on both cutting and engraving.
Alternatives to the Comgrow Z1 5W
Machines in the same space, picked from our database by type, price, and score.
Sculpfun · Diode · $270
Sculpfun S10 10W (2022) is a mid-size open-frame engraver with a sturdier industrial frame than S9, ~385 mm work area, and detachable laser cover. Positioned between budget S9 and S30 families for makers who want better rigidity without Ultra pricing.
Creality · Diode · $119
Creality Falcon 5W is the 5W version of the CR-Laser Falcon: the same 400 × 415 mm open frame as the Falcon 10W with half the laser power. Fine for engraving and thin crafts at a very low price; cutting is slow.
Ortur · Diode · $130 – $210
The Aufero AL1 is Ortur's compact diode line for small work areas and portable setups. Lower power than LM3 or H10, but easier to fit on a crowded desk. Best for light engraving: not a cutting workhorse.