Laser Cutting News Roundup: July 2026

Welcome to the July 2026 laser cutting news roundup. This month brings a major product launch from xTool, important hardware compatibility warnings, a puzzling LightBurn performance issue, and an inventive DIY project from the maker community. Whether you run a small workshop or tinker in your garage, these developments affect your workflow and purchasing decisions.

xTool M2: A Color Craft Laser That Cuts and Prints

Source: xTool News · Published July 15, 2026.

xTool has announced the M2, a new machine that combines CMYK printing, laser cutting, and engraving in one unit. According to the company, the M2 can produce full-color stickers, signs, keychains, and other items without needing separate equipment. The device combines color printing with laser cutting and engraving. This is a notable shift from traditional monochrome laser engraving, as it allows makers to add vibrant graphics to their projects in a single pass.

Why it matters for laser makers

For small workshops and craft businesses, the xTool M2 could reduce the need for multiple machines (e.g., a printer and a laser cutter). If the print quality and registration accuracy meet expectations, it may open new product categories like custom stickers, personalized gifts with full-color logos, and mixed-media art. However, as with any new product, early adopters should wait for independent reviews to verify print durability, color accuracy, and ease of use. The M2 represents a growing trend toward hybrid machines that combine additive and subtractive manufacturing.

Warning: Snapdragon Processors Cause LightBurn Driver Issues

Source: Stay away from Snapdragon processors · Published July 16, 2026.

A LightBurn forum user reports that laptops with Snapdragon processors (ARM-based) have difficulty running pre-packaged drivers for laser controllers. LightBurn itself loads and runs, but the computer fails to recognize the laser board. Attempting to manually update drivers via the ‘have disk’ option also fails. The user advises avoiding Snapdragon-based systems for laser cutting workstations until compatibility improves.

Why it matters for laser makers

Many makers and small workshops use laptops as their primary control computer. If you’re considering a new laptop—especially an ARM-based model like those with Snapdragon chips—this is a critical compatibility issue. LightBurn is the dominant software for laser cutting, and driver recognition is essential. Until LightBurn or the chipset vendors provide a fix, sticking with Intel or AMD processors is the safer choice. This also highlights the broader challenge of ARM adoption in maker tools.

Omni XE Rotary Engraving Slower in LightBurn Than ComMarker Studio

Source: Omni XE + R5 rotary in LightBurn taking 30-40% longer than my Omni 1 to engrave · Published July 21, 2026.

A user reports that the Omni XE with an R5 rotary attachment takes 30–40% longer to engrave in LightBurn compared to ComMarker Studio. The issue appears to be that LightBurn returns the laser head to the field center between every slice, while ComMarker Studio runs the rotary continuously. The user has the latest firmware and has performed calibration. ComMarker confirmed the machine has the latest mainboard. Flat engraving works fine in both programs.

Why it matters for laser makers

For workshops that do rotary engraving (e.g., on cylindrical objects like cups or pens), a 30–40% time increase is a significant productivity loss. This appears to be a software optimization difference rather than a hardware fault. Makers using Omni XE with rotary should test both LightBurn and ComMarker Studio to see which gives better cycle times. It also underscores that even popular software like LightBurn may have suboptimal toolpaths for specific hardware configurations. Users should report this to LightBurn support for a potential fix.

DIY Laser Bandsaw: A Manually Controlled Laser Cutter

Source: Hackaday Laser Cutter · Published July 14, 2026.

A maker known as [WeldingRod1] has entered the 2026 Frikkin Lasers Challenge with a ‘Laser Bandsaw’—a manually controlled laser cutter. The project is documented on Hackaday. Details on the build are limited, but the concept uses manual control instead of CNC.

Why it matters for laser makers

This project is a creative exploration of laser cutting ergonomics. Most laser cutters are CNC-controlled, but a manual approach could offer more flexibility for freehand cuts or artistic work. While not a commercial product, it inspires makers to think about alternative interfaces for laser tools. For small workshops, it may not be practical, but it’s a reminder that the maker community continues to push boundaries. If the design proves safe and effective, it could influence future product designs.

What to watch next

This month’s news highlights both opportunities and pitfalls for laser cutting makers. The xTool M2 could expand your product offerings if it delivers on its promises, but wait for independent tests. The Snapdragon driver issue is a clear warning for anyone buying a new laptop—stick with x86 for now. The Omni XE rotary slowdown is a reminder to benchmark your software with your specific hardware. And the laser bandsaw shows that innovation in laser cutting isn’t just about more power or speed, but also about new ways to interact with the tool. Stay tuned for next month’s roundup.