Gweike Cloud M-Series vs. xTool MetalFab

Why the All-in-One Category Is Getting Serious

Two years ago, the concept of a single workstation that could CNC cut metal, weld, clean rust, and engrave wood was firmly in the industrial equipment territory — six-figure systems in factory settings, not accessible to small shops or independent fabricators.

2025–2026 changed that. The xTool MetalFab raised millions on Kickstarter. The Gweike M-Series raised $3.469 million from 375 backers on Kickstarter in January 2026. Both products represent a genuine category shift: industrial-grade multi-function laser processing in a workstation format accessible to small businesses.

The comparison between them is consequential because they've taken meaningfully different paths to "all-in-one":

The Gweike M-Series integrates a 1200W fiber laser for metals with CO₂ lasers (130W + 80W) for non-metals — creating a true mixed-material production station that handles steel alongside wood, acrylic, and leather.

The xTool MetalFab integrates a metal laser welder with a CNC cutting table, AI camera smart nesting, and dual 16MP cameras — creating a production-automated metals fabrication system.

Neither is the better "all-in-one" in a vacuum. Which is right depends entirely on whether your shop works exclusively in metal or across materials.

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Gweike Cloud M-Series: Specs and Workflow Design

Weld, Cut, Clean, Mark: What the 6-in-1 Covers

The Gweike M-Series is a genuine 6-function platform. The six processes from a single workstation:

1. Fiber laser CNC cutting — precision sheet metal cutting from design files
2. Handheld laser welding — fiber laser welding via torch
3. Handheld laser cutting — portable cutting for site or off-table work
4. Laser cleaning — rust removal, surface preparation, coating strip
5. CO₂ laser cutting — non-metal materials (wood, acrylic, leather, fabric)
6. CO₂ laser engraving — decorative engraving on non-metallic substrates

The dual-optical path system is the architecture that makes this possible. The M-Series features a dual-optical path system: the fiber laser engine optimised for high-reflectivity metals (steel, aluminium, copper), and the CO₂ laser for intricate engraving and non-metal cutting. Switching between fiber and CO₂ modes involves replacing the laser head module and adjusting parameters.

This 6-in-1 is not a compromise in any single area — Gweike has 20+ years of experience in R&D and manufacturing of large-scale laser industrial equipment and has brought that industrial architecture into a workstation form factor.

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Laser Source and Power Options

M-Series Base (M2 tier): 800W fiber laser + CO₂ lasers. Cuts carbon steel to approximately 8mm; welding correspondingly scaled.

M-Series Pro (M3 tier): 1200W fiber laser + 130W and 80W CO₂ lasers. Cuts carbon steel to approximately 10mm. Positioning accuracy ±0.02mm. Work area 54×36 inches (1380×920mm on M3 Max). Motion performance up to approximately 800mm/s with ~1G acceleration on the Pro tier — meaningful for large panel throughput.

The fiber laser is optimised for high-reflectivity metals — steel, stainless, aluminium, copper. The CO₂ laser handles non-metals with equal facility. This dual-source architecture is what separates the M-Series from any other product in this comparison category.

For welding: M-Series supports spot welding, continuous welding, and pulse welding modes. The welding nozzle can be submerged in water for high-quality welding without affecting performance. Welding speed approximately 200–300 cm/min versus traditional MIG at 30–60 cm/min.

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Software and Control System

The Gweike M-Series is LightBurn compatible — a significant advantage for any buyer already familiar with the LightBurn software ecosystem for laser cutting and engraving. LightBurn is the most widely used laser software in the maker community, which means documentation, community tutorials, and parameter libraries are broadly available.

The "mechanics are excellent; software/docs feel industrial" from community review reflects the M-Series's positioning: this is industrial-grade hardware, and the software workflow reflects that. Expect a learning investment for new users approaching from a non-industrial background.

Gweike's positioning acknowledges this directly: This is not a simple DIY device. It integrates industrial laser to make your processing easier.

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xTool MetalFab: Specs and Workflow Design

The 3-in-1 System and CNC Table

The xTool MetalFab integrates handheld laser welding, CNC-automated cutting, and laser cleaning from a single workstation. Available in 800W and 1200W welding configurations. The CNC table is what makes the MetalFab architecturally distinct from any handheld welder:

• CNC table cutting speed: 400mm/s with 0.1mm precision
• CNC cutting capability: carbon steel up to 8mm (800W) or 10mm (1200W)
• CNC table size: 46.26 × 45.55 inch footprint, 150kg
• Handheld welding: 800W welds up to 4mm stainless/steel; 1200W welds up to 5mm

The MetalFab is metals-only. It does not cut or engrave non-metals. Its identity is specifically a metal fabrication station — the CNC automation is the architecture, and AI camera-driven smart nesting is the workflow efficiency tool.

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AI Camera and Smart Nesting

The MetalFab's dual 16MP camera system is a standout feature — and the primary workflow automation capability that distinguishes it from the Gweike M-Series in the metals-specific space:

• Panoramic camera: 16MP, captures full-bed imaging for precise positioning
• Close-range precision camera: Enables micron-level positioning for secondary fine processing
• AI Smart Nesting: Automatically generates optimal part layouts from uploaded design files with up to 98.7% material utilisation

The Smart Nesting function is production-economics relevant. One documented user fabricating stainless cable tags reduced material cost from $1.75 to $0.23 per tag through optimised nesting. For production shops cutting repeated parts from sheet, the 98.7% material utilisation claim represents genuine cost-per-part economics.

The Gweike M-Series does not have an equivalent AI camera-driven smart nesting system in its current documented feature set.

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Preset Library and Software Ecosystem

The MetalFab runs on xTool's XCS software with a Material EasySet Library containing 100+ pre-optimised parameters for 30+ materials. Single-click material and thickness selection applies calibrated parameters automatically — a significantly lower barrier than the M-Series's LightBurn workflow.

For operators who don't want to learn laser parameter relationships and want to select material and start cutting: the MetalFab's preset system is more immediately accessible. For operators already familiar with LightBurn or willing to invest in its learning curve: the Gweike's LightBurn compatibility provides more parameter control and community resources.

For the complete picture of what's achievable on an all-in-one laser workstation across different application categories, our what can you do with a fiber laser machine guide covers the application landscape before this specific machine comparison.

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Head-to-Head Comparison

Cutting Precision and Capability

Both machines cut 10mm carbon steel at the 1200W fiber tier. The Gweike's ±0.02mm positioning accuracy exceeds the MetalFab's 0.1mm specification — the industrial heritage of Gweike's motion system shows here.

The Gweike's CO₂ lasers add wood/acrylic/leather capability the MetalFab simply doesn't have. The MetalFab's AI smart nesting adds production material optimisation the Gweike doesn't document.

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Welding Performance

Both machines offer handheld laser welding with comparable power options (800W and 1200W tiers). Weld depth is similar: the MetalFab at 1200W welds to 5mm; the M-Series at 1200W welds to equivalent depth on similar materials.

Specific to the Gweike M-Series: underwater welding capability documented (welding nozzle can be submerged). The MetalFab doesn't document underwater welding specifically.

For welding-focused applications, both machines are comparable in practical production terms. The welding head on each system is detachable and handheld — same fundamental workflow.

For the specific considerations of laser welding in sheet metal production contexts, our laser welding for sheet metal fabrication guide covers the application technique.

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Software and Ease of Use

Gweike M-Series: LightBurn compatible. Deep parameter control for advanced users. Learning curve for the software and the dual-optical-path mode-switching process. "Mechanics are excellent; software/docs feel industrial."

xTool MetalFab: XCS software with 100+ preset parameters, AI Smart Nesting, beginner-friendly material selection. Lower learning curve for initial use. Proprietary ecosystem — more accessible to new users, less customisable for advanced users who prefer open-source tooling.

Both approaches are valid for different buyer profiles. The Gweike's LightBurn compatibility is a long-term advantage for shops that may grow into advanced parameter customisation. The MetalFab's preset system is a short-term advantage for shops that want to start producing quickly.

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Price and Value

Gweike M-Series pricing (Kickstarter campaign and early market):

• M2 Base (800W fiber + CO₂): campaign pricing approximately $3,500–$5,000
• M3 Pro (1200W fiber + 130W/80W CO₂): campaign pricing approximately $6,000–$9,000+
• M3 Max (larger bed variant): higher

xTool MetalFab pricing (Kickstarter campaign):

• 800W welder only: $4,999
• 800W + CNC table: $7,999 (campaign); MSRP $10,999
• 1200W + CNC table: $11,999–$13,999 (campaign); MSRP $14,999–$17,999

At comparable full-system configurations including CNC cutting table (for MetalFab) and CO₂ capability (for Gweike M3): these machines are in overlapping price ranges at $7,000–$14,000+ depending on configuration.

For the complete pricing framework including how both machines sit within the broader laser welding market, our how much does a laser welder cost guide covers the full price landscape across all tiers. For the broader value question of whether integrated multi-function laser systems justify their premium over separate single-function tools, our 3-in-1 laser welder worth it guide covers the decision framework.

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Which Workflow Does Each Machine Suit?

Gweike M-Series workflow: A shop that runs both metal and non-metal projects — custom signs in acrylic alongside steel bracket fabrication, leather goods alongside stainless steel components, mixed-material product lines. The M-Series eliminates the need for a separate CO₂ laser alongside a fiber welder. For shops that currently run both a CO₂ laser (for non-metals) and want to add metal welding/cutting: the M-Series replaces both machines in one workstation.

This is the M-Series's core value proposition: reducing equipment count for shops that work across materials. As one community reviewer noted: "We run both metal and wood — having fiber + CO₂ in one chassis saves setups."

xTool MetalFab workflow: A shop that works exclusively in metals and needs production automation for repeated part cutting. The AI smart nesting, dual-camera positioning, and CNC automation at 400mm/s turn the MetalFab into a small-scale metal part production system. For shops whose daily work is designing metal parts, nesting them efficiently on sheet stock, cutting them accurately, and welding them — with no non-metal requirement — the MetalFab's integrated automation delivers production economics.

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Who Should Buy the Gweike Cloud M-Series?

The M-Series is the right choice for:

Shops that work across both metals and non-metals — if your shop makes acrylic signs and steel fixtures, leather goods and metal hardware, wooden components and stainless steel assemblies, the M-Series eliminates the CO₂ laser vs fiber laser machine choice.

Makers upgrading from CO₂-only setups — if you currently have a CO₂ laser and are adding metal capability, the M-Series provides a path to metal welding and cutting without replacing your engraving capability.

LightBurn users — the existing LightBurn community provides parameter libraries, tutorials, and peer support that reduces the learning curve on the Gweike hardware significantly.

Buyers who need high-precision CNC cutting — the ±0.02mm positioning accuracy from Gweike's 20+ years of industrial system manufacturing is a benchmark the MetalFab's 0.1mm spec doesn't match on paper.

Buyers who value Gweike's manufacturing track record — over 20 years of industrial laser manufacturing is a different provenance from xTool's more recent entry into the laser market, and it matters for some buyers evaluating long-term reliability.

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Who Should Buy the xTool MetalFab?

The MetalFab is the right choice for:

Metal-only fabrication shops — if you work exclusively in steel, stainless, aluminium, and other metals, the MetalFab's metals-focused design and production workflow serves you fully without the CO₂ capability you wouldn't use.

Production shops where smart nesting is valuable — the 98.7% AI material nesting directly reduces material cost per part. For shops cutting significant volume of repeated metal parts from sheet stock, this production economics feature pays for itself.

Buyers who value beginner accessibility — the XCS preset system and material library provides a lower friction onboarding than the Gweike's LightBurn workflow for operators without prior laser cutting experience.

Buyers in the xTool ecosystem — if you already use xTool products and are comfortable with XCS software, the MetalFab integrates into a familiar workflow without a separate software learning investment.

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Verdict

The Gweike M-Series and xTool MetalFab are both genuinely impressive products in a category that didn't exist at accessible pricing two years ago. Neither is the universally better machine — they serve different workflow profiles.

Choose the Gweike M-Series if: your shop works across metals and non-metals and you need CO₂ capability alongside fiber welding and cutting. The dual-optical path system, LightBurn compatibility, and industrial precision (±0.02mm) make it the more capable machine for mixed-material operations. The M-Series is the "micro-factory" — replacing multiple machine categories in one workstation for a shop that currently runs separate tools.

Choose the xTool MetalFab if: you work exclusively in metal and need production CNC automation with AI smart nesting. The 98.7% material utilisation, dual-camera positioning, and xTool preset library make it the more production-automated choice for metal-only shops. The MetalFab is the "metal production station" — optimised for the cut-weld-clean workflow at production efficiency.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Gweike M-Series laser system?

The Gweike M-Series is a 6-in-1 laser processing workstation that integrates fiber and CO₂ laser capabilities in one platform. Functions include: fiber laser CNC cutting (metals), handheld fiber laser welding, handheld fiber laser cutting, laser cleaning, CO₂ laser cutting (non-metals), and CO₂ laser engraving. The 1200W Pro tier includes a 1200W fiber laser plus 130W and 80W CO₂ lasers, with a 54×36 inch work area and ±0.02mm positioning accuracy. Launched on Kickstarter in January 2026, raising $3.469 million. LightBurn compatible. Gweike has 20+ years of industrial laser manufacturing experience.

What is the difference between the Gweike M-Series and xTool MetalFab?

The most significant difference is material capability: the Gweike M-Series adds CO₂ laser capability for non-metal cutting and engraving (wood, acrylic, leather) alongside its fiber laser metal processing, while the xTool MetalFab is a metals-only platform. The MetalFab adds AI camera-driven smart nesting for production material optimisation (98.7% material utilisation) that the Gweike doesn't document. Both offer 1200W fiber laser options with CNC cutting tables capable of cutting 10mm carbon steel. The Gweike's positioning accuracy (±0.02mm) exceeds the MetalFab's (0.1mm) on paper.

Can the Gweike M-Series cut and engrave non-metals like wood and acrylic?

Yes — this is the M-Series's defining advantage over most competing laser welding workstations. The dual-optical path system includes 130W and 80W CO₂ lasers alongside the fiber laser, specifically for non-metal cutting (wood, acrylic, leather, fabric, cardboard) and engraving. The CO₂ and fiber modes are switched by replacing the laser head module. This makes the M-Series the correct choice for shops that work across both metal and non-metal materials, eliminating the need for a separate CO₂ laser alongside a fiber welding/cutting system.

Does the xTool MetalFab do non-metal cutting or engraving?

No. The xTool MetalFab is a metals-only laser fabrication system. It welds, cuts, and cleans metal (steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, titanium, nickel alloy, magnesium, galvanized sheet), but it does not have a CO₂ laser module for non-metal processing. For shops that need both metal and non-metal laser capability, the Gweike M-Series is the more complete solution. For shops that work exclusively in metal and prioritise the MetalFab's AI smart nesting and CNC automation: the metals-only focus is not a limitation.

Which is better for a small fabrication business — Gweike M-Series or xTool MetalFab?

It depends on your material range. For a mixed-material shop (signs plus steel, leather plus hardware, wood decor plus metal fixtures): the Gweike M-Series eliminates the CO₂ vs fiber machine choice and reduces equipment count — one workstation handles everything. For a metals-only fabrication shop whose daily work is cutting metal parts from sheet, welding them, and cleaning: the MetalFab's AI smart nesting, production automation, and beginner-friendly preset system deliver production efficiency advantages. Both are legitimate investments for the right shop; the wrong one for your material range wastes the capability you'll never use.