I'm a big fan of the Acmer P3 2-in-1 and its versatility

The Acmer P3 2-in-1 laser engraver is a desktop machine that combines a 10W blue diode laser with a 2W infrared laser, making it one of the more versatile hobbyist units available today. With this dual-laser setup, you can cleanly cut materials such as wood, acrylic, and cardboard while also engraving with fine precision on metals and other surfaces that are typically out of reach for diode-only systems. Its fully enclosed design, built-in camera, and safety features make it approachable for beginners and capable enough for serious makers.

This model is designed for users who want flexibility without the need to constantly swap laser modules. Whether you're creating detailed logos on anodized aluminum or crafting intricate wood ornaments, the Acmer P3 handles both tasks with ease. While there are a few minor pain points in setup and ergonomics, its performance and safety features make it an attractive option for anyone looking to upgrade their laser engraving setup.

About this review: Acmer provided XDA with a sample for this review, but had no input ahead of publication.

Price and availability

The base price for the Acmer P3 with the dual-laser module typically sits around $1,199 on the manufacturer’s website, though frequent discounts bring it closer to $1,000. You can find it bundled with extras, such as rotary attachments or conveyor systems, that expand its capabilities.

The pricing structure puts it in the mid-to-high range for hobbyist laser engravers. That said, when you consider everything it includes—like an air assist pump, camera, honeycomb panel, and full enclosure—it holds its own in terms of value. Many competing brands charge extra for these same features, which can push the total cost higher than the Acmer P3 for an equivalent setup.

Availability is solid if you’re ordering from the Acmer website, with shipping options to most countries. Delivery tends to be fast, and packaging is carefully done, with everything pre-assembled, aside from minor final touches, such as attaching the laser module. That convenience factor helps smooth out the buying experience.

If you’re price-sensitive or comparing models, be sure to check whether accessories like the Air Assist or honeycomb panel are included in the package. Acmer bundles these, which saves you from spending extra later just to get the same results.

Versatile lasers and generous working area

Doing more with one engraver makes this a true beast

The headline feature is the dual-laser module. The 10W blue diode easily cuts wood, leather, acrylic, and other common materials. Meanwhile, the 2W IR laser can handle fine engraving on metals like anodized aluminum or stainless steel. Switching between them is mechanical but quick and doesn’t require tools.

The working area measures 400mm x 390mm, featuring clean cable management and a pull-out drawer underneath. Combined with the honeycomb bed and magnetic hold-down pins, it’s well-suited for larger or slightly warped materials. I especially liked how consistent the results were across different material types. Fine engravings came out crisp and even, and cuts had clean, soot-free edges thanks to the Air Assist and strong exhaust system.

Accuracy and excellent quality of cuts and engravings

Because the capabilities don't matter unless the results are outstanding

The built-in camera helps with accurate placement in LightBurn, which is incredibly useful for aligning designs on pre-cut or irregular objects. Once calibrated, the overlay functions as expected, helping to reduce mistakes and material waste. I also appreciated that all major platforms are supported through various software platforms. This includes Windows and macOS, as well as iOS and Android (via Acmer's mobile app).

The mobile app is nice, but I didn't spend much time with it. Using it requires inserting a microSD card into the engraver, located in a spot difficult for me to access.

Industry-standard safety features to keep you engraving with peace of mind

Nobody wants to inhale toxic fumes or get blinded, and this engraver will help prevent those

On the safety side, Acmer didn’t cut corners. Even though the laser is enclosed, goggles are included as a precaution, which adds peace of mind. The enclosure, emergency stop, tilt sensor, fire detection, and lid interlock all worked reliably. On rare occasions, I’d lift the lid while the laser was operating, only to find that closing it didn’t trigger the interlock. That is an infrequent occurrence and can be easily remedied by gently pushing down on the lid.

A few quirks in setup and usability

Nothing's perfect, but these really take some getting used to

While the laser itself is plug-and-play, setup does involve some fiddly steps. The protective film on the hood takes some time to peel off due to the numerous hinges and corners. It’s a minor thing, but tedious. More significantly, the camera calibration requires patience. The included template must be aligned precisely under specific lighting conditions; otherwise, the process fails and has to be redone.

The camera view sometimes includes the laser’s X-axis rail, which partially blocks the workspace in LightBurn. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s a bit annoying when trying to line up precise jobs. You get used to it, but it's a quirk I didn’t expect in a system this polished.

The laser module forgets where it was on shutdown

Having to remember to adjust the module after every job is tedious

Another limitation is that the laser module doesn’t store its last position after shutdown. You need to home it manually every time the unit powers on. If you forget and start a job, the head can misalign or bump into the frame. It’s an easy habit to form, but one that trips up first-time users. Additionally, engraving on materials taller than a few inches can cause the laser module to bump the lid when it homes, which disrupts the process.

Telling which laser is selected could be easier

Would it hurt to label the switch positions?

Finally, I wish the switch for toggling between the IR and diode lasers had better markings. It's not software-detectable, so it relies on manual operation. Some users might not realize which laser is active, especially if they skip reading the manual. The rule of thumb I follow is that if the LED on the side of the laser module is blue, it indicates that the diode laser is switched on. A red LED means I’m using the IR laser.

Should you buy the Acmer P3 2-in-1 laser engraver?

You should buy the Acmer P3 2-in-one laser engraver if:

• You are looking for a laser engraver that can do both metal engraving and wood cutting without requiring constant module swaps
• You desire an engraver that can balance cutting power with precision detail
• You've got room for an engraver featuring a large workspace

You shouldn't buy the Acmer P3 2-in-one laser engraver if:

• You want something that works flawlessly out of the box without checking and reconfiguring settings
• You don't plan to engrave on metal or other specialty surfaces beyond wood

The Acmer P3 2-in-1 doesn’t just check off the usual boxes. It offers a comprehensive and thoughtful feature set that holds up well in real-world use. Whether you’re running a creative side hustle or just love working with different materials, it’s a machine that grows with your needs.