Acmer · Laser Engravers & Cutters
Acmer P3 review: an enclosed 48W CoreXY laser with a camera for $1,199
A Class 1 enclosed CoreXY laser with 48 W (24/48 W switchable) diode, HD camera and a 400 × 400 mm bed, $1,199. Cut 6 mm plywood cleanly; the exhaust fan is weak.
Very good
Best for Small businesses that want enclosed cutting power and a camera
List price$1,199
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Preview review. Compiled from manufacturer specifications and published information. We will update the scores after hands-on testing.
Our verdict
The P3 packs the most diode power of any enclosed laser we cover into a CoreXY box with a camera. CNX Software cut 6 mm plywood and 3 mm black acrylic cleanly, and Creative Bloq loved the deep engraving of the dual-laser version; TechRadar scored it 4.5/5. Owners say the exhaust fan is too weak and camera calibration in LightBurn takes patience. At $1,199 it undercuts most enclosed 40W rivals.
What we like
- 48W diode (switchable to 24W) in a Class 1 enclosure
- CoreXY motion up to 800 mm/s
- HD camera over a 400 × 400 mm bed
- Cut 6 mm plywood at 600 mm/min in clean edges (CNX Software)
- Optional conveyor feeder and dual IR + diode version
What could be better
- Built-in exhaust fan too weak; smoke leaks (owner reports)
- Camera and laser calibration in LightBurn takes time
- No auto-home after a job; magnetic shield feels weak (owners)
- Conveyor feeder works but is hard to align (Hackster)
- Diode can’t mark bare metal; you need the IR version
Score breakdown
Overall = 35% Power and speed + 25% Results and build + 20% Software and safety + 20% Value. How we test
What is it?
The P3 is Acmer’s enclosed laser: a Class 1 box with CoreXY motion, a built-in HD camera and a 400 × 400 mm bed. The 48W module can switch to 24W for finer work. A 2-in-1 version swaps between a diode and a 2W infrared laser for metal.
On 31 October 2026 the official store sells the 48W for $1,199 (list $2,299), the 24W for $999 and the 2-in-1 diode + IR for $1,099. CNX Software paid $1,499 at launch.
Tests
CNX Software tested the 48W with Acmer’s AP220 purifier:
- 6 mm plywood cut at 600 mm/min, 100%, air on: clean edges.
- 3 mm black acrylic cut at 500 mm/min, 100%.
- Photo engraving on basswood at 40,000 mm/min, and engraving on anodised aluminium and black acrylic at high speed.
Creative Bloq found the 48W module especially good for deep engraving on the dual-laser version and called it ideal for professionals and serious hobbyists. TechRadar scored the 2-in-1 version 4.5/5, noting its diode was slightly underpowered compared with the 48W but that the IR module made it more versatile. Hackster.io judged the P3 average among enclosed options but good value, and found the optional conveyor feeder worked but was hard to align.
Problems
- Owners on Acmer’s store say the built-in fan isn’t strong enough to stop smoke leaking, so plan on an external exhaust or purifier.
- No auto-home after a job, and a weak magnetic shield (owner reports).
- Camera and laser calibration in LightBurn takes time and patience.
- CNX’s purifier sample didn’t spin, and support was closed for a holiday at the time.
Who should not buy it
- Beginners who want plug-and-play: the Creality Falcon A1 Pro is simpler.
- Anyone who mainly marks metal: choose the 2-in-1 or a fibre laser.
vs rivals
- vs Creality Falcon2 Pro 40W ($1,349): bigger 400 × 415 mm bed but manual focus and less power. See P3 vs Falcon2 Pro.
- vs Sculpfun E1 Pro ($799): cheaper and smaller with 21W, no independent tests yet.
- vs xTool S1: more refined software, higher price.
Final thoughts
The P3 gives more enclosed cutting power per dollar than almost anything else. Budget for better extraction and an evening with LightBurn.
Sources
- CNX Software: Acmer P3 48W review (January 2025)
- TechRadar: Acmer P3 IR & diode review (4.5/5)
- Creative Bloq: Acmer P3 dual laser review
- Hackster.io: Acmer P3 48W review
- Acmer official store: P3 48W (price and owner reviews)
Full specifications
| Laser | 48W blue diode (24W / 48W switchable); 2-in-1 version adds 2W IR |
|---|---|
| Work area | 400 × 400 mm (up to 4,000 mm long with feeder) |
| Motion | CoreXY, up to 800 mm/s |
| Enclosure | FDA Class 1, lid shutdown, key switch |
| Camera | Built-in HD |
| Software | Acmer Studio, LightBurn, LaserGRBL |
| Price | 48W $1,199 · 24W $999 · 2-in-1 diode + IR $1,099 |
| Released | 2024 |
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Acmer P3 48W
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