Monport Laser Cutter VS Cricut : Should You Buy a Laser Engraver?

Can Cricut Maker do Laser Cutting?

Cricut is a smart electronic cutting machine. It's like a cross between a craft plotter, which uses a blade to cut material, and a laser cutter, which uses a highly focused beam to melt, vaporize, and laser cut material. Many people confuse Cricut with a cricut laser cutting machine, but in reality, Cricut does not use a laser at all. It works mechanically, while a true crafting laser relies on light instead of blades.

Cricut features are more mechanical, while laser cutters use concentrated light and consume more power. In the case of a die or craft cutter, such as Cricut, the blade comes into contact with the material being cut. As a result, vinyl cutters such as Cricut often suffer wear and tear and need to be replaced from time to time. This is very different from a laser vinyl cutter, where there is no direct contact with the surface.

Laser cutters do not have these problems because the cutter does not touch the material being cut. It is protected from wear and tear, and the cutting is done by the light beam released by the cutting machine. Thus, a laser cutter can cut more items of material before it needs to be replaced. Although mechanical tools are not replaced often, a laser engraving machine needs replacement parts such as laser tubes and lenses over time.

Cricut machine intelligently controls cutting pressure and rotation. It is usually used to cut fabrics. Its design makes it easy to cut thick materials such as balsa wood, but this is still not the same as a best at home laser cutter. So, what can we do with it? The following are several materials it can cut: balsa wood, craft foam, leather, and fabric. It is usually necessary to place the material on the cutting pad for cutting.

Both laser cutters and Cricut use the same CNC technology, short for computer numerical control, to control and direct their respective cutting equipment. This technology is also used in professional systems like ray cut and industrial engraving setups. The biggest difference between Cricut and laser cutters is the cutting method. Cricut uses a blade, whereas a laser cutter uses a fine laser beam for cutting and engraving.

Depending on its rated power, a CO₂ laser cutter can cut wood and other materials nearly a foot thick. That is why many users searching for the best desktop laser cutter often end up choosing a laser engraver instead of a Cricut. The computer design provides data on direction, length, depth, width, and speed to make the actuator and tool work along the selected path. Cricut is used for mechanical cutting, not laser cutting, and it cannot perform processes like folien lasern or deep engraving.

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Monport laser engraver VS Cricut Maker

Additional Cost

Laser cutting and engraving machines cost much more than vinyl process cutters such as Cricut. Not only the machine, but also the spare parts needed for repair and maintenance are expensive. Cricut blades tend to become dull after repeated use, but a full blade set costs less than $30 and is easy to replace.

Laser cutting machines are more complex. They involve filters, lenses, mirrors, and cooling systems. If anything goes wrong, parts may need replacement. This is why a cricut laser engraver alternative like Monport has a higher long-term investment, especially when compared to hobby machines.

Material

Vinyl cutters can usually cut paper, iron-on materials, and vinyl decals for sewing projects, leather crafts, and balsa models. Many users also pair Cricut with the best printer for iron on transfers for custom clothing projects.

Laser cutting machines depend on laser power or wattage. They can cut wood, paper, leather, plastic, glass, and engrave some metals. Unlike Cricut, laser machines can deeply engrave and perform clean laser cut edges. So far, only Cricut Maker with special attachments can do light carving, but it cannot match a dedicated crafting laser.

Professional use

When you use the Monport laser engraver, you will need a computer with a keyboard and mouse. Cricut offers desktop and smartphone apps, making it more beginner-friendly. However, once laser engraving machines exceed 55W, they clearly enter the professional field and are often considered the best desktop laser cutter option for small businesses.

Image processing

Both machines can cut multiple image file types. Cricut supports SVG, PNG, JPG, DXF, and GIF. Laser engravers using LightBurn software can import AI, PDF, SVG, DXF, PLT, PNG, JPG, GIF, and BMP.

With laser software, users can:

• Arrange, edit, and create vector shapes

• Apply power, speed, passes, and engraving depth

• Perform advanced engraving similar to ray cut workflows

• Send designs directly to the laser machine

This flexibility is one reason many creators upgrade to a best at home laser cutter after outgrowing Cricut.

Projects

Laser engraving machines are best for detailed designs and deep engraving. Cricut is ideal for vinyl, paper, and fabric projects. Cricut machines are commonly used for decals, shirts, and craft gifts.

Monport machines can handle thicker materials such as acrylic earrings, wood signs, door signs, and logos. These machines allow advanced laser cut designs that Cricut simply cannot do. Both machines are popular for home décor, but they serve different creative levels.

Size

Cricut is designed for small projects. Its structure limits material size, and it cannot open multiple sides like a CO₂ laser engraving machine. Laser engravers can handle larger materials and deeper engraving, making them suitable for professional folien lasern and signage work.

Cut Precision

The diameter of a laser beam is about 0.01 mm, allowing extremely fine detail. Mechanical cutters cannot match this precision. Laser engraving offers smoother edges and higher accuracy, which is essential for professional laser vinyl cutter applications and intricate designs.

Price

Cricut machines are much cheaper. For under $500, beginners can start crafting easily. A Monport K40 laser engraver may start around $500, but additional accessories like water chillers and exhaust systems increase costs. Still, many users consider it the best desktop laser cutter for value once fully equipped.

Use Friendly

Cricut Maker is very beginner-friendly. You plug it in, connect via Bluetooth or cable, and use Cricut Design Space. It is perfect for users who focus on vinyl, paper, and fabric.

However, if you want deeper engraving, harder materials, or true laser cut results, upgrading to a laser engraver opens more creative possibilities. This is why many advanced users move from Cricut to a crafting laser setup.

FAQs

1. Can Cricut Maker do real laser cutting?

No. Cricut Maker uses blades, not lasers, so it cannot perform true laser cutting or engraving.

2. Is Cricut a cricut laser cutting machine?

No. Despite common confusion, Cricut is not a laser machine and does not function as a cricut laser cutting machine.

3. What is the best at home laser cutter for beginners?

Many beginners start with small CO₂ machines like Monport K40, which is often considered a best at home laser cutter.

4. Can a laser vinyl cutter replace Cricut?

A laser vinyl cutter can engrave and cut many materials, but it is not ideal for thin vinyl rolls like Cricut handles.

5. Should I choose Cricut or a crafting laser?

Choose Cricut for simple crafts and vinyl. Choose a crafting laser if you want deep engraving, thicker materials, and professional laser cut results.

Monport VS Cricut: Conclusion

These machines can be used for personal projects or to run small businesses. While some tasks overlap, each machine has unique strengths. Cricut excels at ease of use and quick crafting, especially when paired with tools like the best printer for iron on transfers.

Laser engravers, on the other hand, represent a major upgrade in carving and cutting quality. A laser engraver uses focused light to engrave or mark objects and can handle a much wider range of materials. For users who want professional results, clean laser cut edges, and advanced engraving, a laser engraver is often the better long-term investment.

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