20w vs 60w Diode Laser: Which One Should You Buy?

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20w vs 60w diode laser: the short answer

Pick 20W for engraving and cutting thinner materials on a budget of power and money. The LASER TREE 20W listing states one-pass cuts in 10mm bass plywood and 8mm black acrylic, plus engraving 340 colors on stainless steel, which covers signs, patches, tumblers and small cut parts. Pick 60W when the work is thick stock or all-day cutting, where the extra optical power shortens cut times. Either way, compare optical output, not the power supply figure: the 20W here is 20000mW of optical output from four 5W diodes.

What the 20W listing actually states

The LASER TREE module lists 20000mW (20W) optical output from four beam-combined 5W diodes, with a 0.08*0.08mm compressed spot. The maker rates engraving speed up to 24000mm/min and lists one-pass cuts in 10mm bass plywood and 8mm black acrylic, plus the ability to cut 30mm wooden boards, 30mm acrylic sheets and 0.1mm stainless steel. It ships with air assist, a fan the maker rates at 10000 rpm, and a red shield the maker says filters 97% of UV rays. The listing states a Class 4 laser level and a diode lifetime of up to 20000 hours, and it asks for at least a 24V 4A power supply from the machine, with adapter boards included.

One listing wrinkle: the title states 20000mW while the bullets claim output of up to 24000mW. Trust the title figure of 20000mW (20W) when you compare it against other modules. Also note the 30mm board and sheet figures do not state a pass count, unlike the 10mm plywood and 8mm acrylic figures, which are one pass.

The gear: two listings, ranked

1. LASER TREE 20W diode module with air assist

Ranked first because it is the only actual laser here, and its listing is unusually complete: optical output, spot size, rated speed, one-pass cut figures, air assist, cooling, safety class and power needs are all stated. The 4.29 pound module mounts with the included bracket and focus lever, and the listing states compatibility with PWM-controlled engraving machines, CNC machines and 3D printers. Skip it if your work is thick stock all day; that is the case for 60W, which this listing is not.

2. Copkim 10-pack of 14mm protective lenses

This is an accessory, not a laser, so it ranks second on fit for the keyword. The listing states 10 silicon dioxide protective lenses, 0.55 inch/ 14 mm in diameter and 0.04 inch/ 1 mm in thick, with a double-sided 450nm transmittance film. They fit laser modules with a 14mm lens housing, including D1 Pro, M1 and P20 V35 Plus series modules for 10W and 20W diodes. The listing states they are not compatible with D1 Pro 40W modules or carbon dioxide machines, and that protective lenses need regular cleaning. Skip it if you are shopping for a laser; buy it when your 10W or 20W module needs fresh protective lenses. The pack weighs 1.76 ounces and measures 5.91 x 3.94 x 1.97 inches.

Power, spot size and speed: reading the numbers

Always separate optical output from the power supply figure. The LASER TREE listing gives optical output of 20000mW (20W) and separately asks for a 24V 4A supply; those are two different numbers, and the one that cuts is the optical figure. The 0.08*0.08mm spot is the compressed beam from four 5W diodes, which is what makes the engraving detail possible. Speed is rated: up to 24000mm/min is the maker’s top figure, and real jobs run slower on dense material. Cut figures need their pass counts: 10mm bass plywood and 8mm black acrylic are one pass, while the 30mm board and sheet figures state no pass count. If you are choosing between power steps, our 5w vs 10w diode laser and 30w vs 40w laser engraver guides show how smaller and larger steps compare.

Safety and setup

The 20W module is a Class 4 laser, so treat it with respect: the listing includes a red shield it says filters 97% of UV rays, but eyewear only protects if its own listing states an optical density and a wavelength range that matches your laser. Air assist ships with the module and, per the listing, gives deeper cuts and cleaner edges; the 10000 rpm fan cools the diodes, which the maker rates for up to 20000 hours. Clean the protective lens regularly, since a dirty lens costs cutting power, and never leave a running job unattended. For material choice, our mdf vs basswood for laser cutting guide pairs well with the 10mm plywood figure above.

FAQ: lasers and CNC

Is 20W enough to cut wood?

The LASER TREE listing states one-pass cuts in 10mm bass plywood and the ability to cut 30mm wooden boards, though the 30mm figure states no pass count. For signs, patches and small cut parts in thinner stock, the listed figures cover the work; thicker stock all day is the argument for 60W.

Can I use the Copkim lenses on a 40W module?

No. The listing states they are not compatible with D1 Pro 40W modules or carbon dioxide machines. They fit 14mm lens housings on D1 Pro, M1 and P20 V35 Plus series modules for 10W and 20W diodes, so confirm your housing diameter before ordering.

What power supply does the 20W module need?

The listing asks for at least a 24V 4A supply from the engraving machine, and it includes adapter boards and a power adapter for machines that cannot provide it. That is the supply figure, not the optical output, which is 20000mW.

Do I need the air assist?

The module ships with it, and the listing states it gives deeper cuts and cleaner material edges. For cutting work it is worth plumbing in; for light engraving only, you will notice it less.

20W or 60W for a side business?

It depends on the product line. Personalized wood gifts, leather patches, slate and tumblers fit the 20W figures stated here. If the catalog is thick cut parts in volume, the higher optical power of 60W shortens cut times, though no 60W listing was in this data to compare directly.

Related: the 5w vs 10w diode laser, 30w vs 40w laser engraver and mdf vs basswood for laser cutting guides.