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xTool · Hybrid (CO₂ + IR)
xTool P3 IR · 5W IR
5W 1064 nm IR head on the P3 chassis: metal marking without a separate fiber box
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Last updated How we evaluate
Released August 2025
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Showing module: 5W IR
TL;DR
The optional P3 IR module adds 5W 1064 nm marking on stainless, aluminum, and many plastics while keeping the same 80W CO₂ cabinet, automation, and software stack. Buy it when metal jobs are recurring revenue: not a replacement for the CO₂ tube.
Best for
What makes this machine stand out
Hardware and workflow features worth understanding before you buy : not just wattage on a label.
Bare metal on a CO₂ machine
The 1064 nm module marks stainless, aluminium and brass that the CO₂ tube cannot touch without spray, on the same 915 × 458 mm bed.
One machine, one workflow
Metal and non-metal jobs share the P3's cameras, enclosure and software, which simplifies mixed orders.
Our verdict
Ideal if you
The 5W IR module on xTool P3 IR is right when you mostly engrave wood, leather, and slate and should not pay for cut watts you will not use weekly. Same chassis, upgrade path later.
Skip if you
Skip this module if you cut 4 mm+ stock daily: open the 80W profile. Cast acrylic and bare metal without spray stay frustrating on diode.
Pros
- Bare-metal marking on the P3 bed without buying a second machine
- Fine spot (about 0.03 mm) for small text and serial numbers on stainless
- Uses the same cameras, software and enclosure as CO₂ jobs
Cons
- Requires the P3 CO₂ base: not usable on its own
- Marks only: no cutting, and deep engraving is slow next to a fiber galvo
- Adds roughly $1,299 to $1,899 depending on the bundle
What this machine is for
Bare-metal and plastic marking on the P3 platform without a second machine
Optional 1064 nm marking module for P3 owners who need repeatable metal work on the flagship CO₂ chassis.
Laser spot size
~0.03 mm IR spot
Motion precision: 0.01 mm
Sample engrave job
~4–8 min
10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in)
Sample cut job
Not a cutter
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
- · Stainless steel
- · Aluminum
- · Brass
- · Titanium (light)
- · Black plastics
- · Some coated metals
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 xTool P3 IR. Read the TL;DR and benchmarks above, then compare other modules via the chips before buying.
Pro tips
Run stainless parameter libraries on scrap first. Keep CO₂ and IR jobs as separate material presets: swapping heads takes downtime.
Pro / technical specsRaw numbers for experienced users comparing machines.
- Max speed (spec)
- 600 mm/s
- Avg engrave speed
- IR marking speeds
- Avg cut speed
- N/A
Common questions
What does the P3 IR module mark?
Bare stainless steel, aluminium, brass and many engineering plastics, using a 1064 nm source with a spot of about 0.03 mm in our data. It marks; it does not cut wood or acrylic, which stays the CO₂ tube's job.
Is the IR module worth $1,299 to $1,899 on top of a P3?
It pays if you sell metal items regularly: tumblers, tags, tools, business cards. A logo on a stainless card takes about 4–8 min in our benchmark. For occasional metal jobs, marking spray with the CO₂ tube or a small dedicated fiber marker can cost less.
IR module or a separate fiber laser?
A dedicated fiber galvo marks much faster and deeper. The IR module's advantage is the P3's large bed, cameras and single software workflow: good for large flat parts and mixed orders, less so for high-volume deep metal engraving.
Alternatives to the xTool P3 5W IR
Machines in the same space, picked from our database by type, price, and score.
xTool · Hybrid · $4,299 – $6,969
xTool's flagship desktop dual laser: 60W MOPA fiber for color and deep metal marking, plus a 40W diode for wood and leather, in an enclosed 220 × 220 mm machine. Fast and precise, but priced for small businesses, not hobby use.
ComMarker · Fiber · $1,399 – $1,632
The ComMarker B4 is a popular entry-level fiber galvo engraver for jewelry, tools, and metal gifts. Marks stainless, aluminum, and brass without spray. Small marking field: not a cutter for wood or acrylic.
xTool · Hybrid · $1,299 – $2,079
xTool F2 (2025) upgrades the F1 formula with more power, a 50MP alignment camera, and up to 6,000 mm/s galvo speed. Dual-source (diode + infrared) for metal marking and organics in a compact box: xTool Studio only, no LightBurn.