Creality · Laser Engravers & Cutters
Creality Falcon2 22W review: the open-frame all-rounder
A 22 W open-frame diode laser with air assist, safety sensors and a 400 × 415 mm bed, $549. 3DWithUs scored it 4.6/5; it needs goggles, ventilation and a honeycomb bed.
Very good
Best for Hobbyists who want detail and solid cutting in an open-frame laser
List price$549
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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 Falcon2 22W balances detail and cutting power: 3DWithUs cut 3 mm basswood and leather in one pass and colour-engraved stainless steel, and scored it 4.6/5. It arrives mostly assembled with flame and tilt sensors and air assist. It is open-frame with manual focus and no honeycomb bed. A strong, proven hobby laser at $549 if you have a safe space.
What we like
- Four 6W diodes combined into a fine 0.08 × 0.1 mm spot
- 3 mm basswood and leather cut in one pass at 600 mm/min
- Colour engraving on stainless steel
- Integrated air assist, flame and tilt sensors, emergency stop
- Mostly assembled: feet, air pump and laser head to fit
What could be better
- Open frame: needs goggles, ventilation and a fire-safe surface
- No autofocus
- Honeycomb bed not included
- Large footprint (about 66 × 56 cm)
- Hard to line up work from the side
Score breakdown
Overall = 35% Power and speed + 25% Results and build + 20% Software and safety + 20% Value. How we test
What is it?
The Falcon2 22W is Creality’s most popular open-frame laser. It combines four 6W diodes into one compressed beam, with integrated air assist and safety sensors, on a 400 × 415 mm frame.
It costs $549 on the official store (list $719).
Tests
3DWithUs, which reviews many lasers, scored it 4.6/5 after these projects:
- Bird and tent shapes cut from basswood at 600 mm/min, 100%, with full air assist: clean edges.
- 3 mm leather cut in one pass at 600 mm/min and engraved at 3,000 mm/min, 30%.
- A jewellery box from six 3 mm basswood pieces, cut and engraved over several hours.
- Colour engraving on stainless steel.
- A glass jar on the rotary at 6,000 mm/min, 40%. One glass cracked, a reminder that glass needs care.
GeekExtreme reports it cut 10 mm black acrylic in one pass, and argues the 22W’s finer spot suits detailed artwork better than the 40W.
Setting up and safety
Go Laser Go found it arrives prebuilt; you fit the feet, air pump and laser head. Safety features include flame and tilt sensors, an emergency stop and a key lock. It is still open-frame, so wear 455 nm goggles and ventilate the room.
Problems
- No autofocus; Creality’s own blog lists this as a drawback.
- No honeycomb bed in the base kit.
- Lining up work from the side is awkward.
- The footprint is large, about 66 × 56 cm.
Who should not buy it
- Anyone without a ventilated space.
- Anyone who wants push-button simplicity: the enclosed A1 is easier.
vs rivals
- vs Falcon2 40W ($639): $90 more for much faster cutting, coarser spot. See Falcon2 22W vs 40W.
- vs Falcon A1 ($549): same price, enclosed and pre-assembled, but only 10W.
- vs CR-Laser Falcon 10W ($205): much cheaper, slower, no air assist built in.
Final thoughts
The Falcon2 22W is a proven, well-documented hobby laser. Add a honeycomb bed and an exhaust, and it handles almost any craft project.
Sources
Full specifications
| Laser | 22W blue diode (4 × 6W, FAC spot compression) |
|---|---|
| Spot size | 0.08 × 0.1 mm |
| Work area | 400 × 415 mm |
| Max speed | 25,000 mm/min |
| Safety | Flame and tilt sensors, emergency stop, key lock |
| Software | Falcon Design Space, LightBurn, LaserGRBL |
| Price | $549 · basic kit $589 · all-in-one $789 |
| Released | 2023 |
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Creality Falcon2 22W
List price $549. Prices change often, so check the current deal.
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Creality Falcon2 22W compared
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