Laser materials
Laser cutting and engraving materials
What you can cut or engrave, which kind of laser each material needs, how to get a clean result, and the materials that should never go in a laser at all.
Material guides
Wood, plywood and MDFBasswood and birch plywood, MDF, hardwoods, pine, bamboo and cork: cutting, engraving, charring and smoke.
AcrylicCast vs extruded, why diode lasers can’t cut clear acrylic, flame-polished edges and frosted engraving.
LeatherWhich leather is laser-safe, engraving vs cutting, burn marks, and why PVC “leather” is off limits.
SlateCoasters, signs and photo engraving on natural slate, and how to bring out the contrast.
GlassEtching glasses, bottles and mirrors with CO₂, diode and UV lasers, and how to avoid chipping.
Anodized aluminumBright white marks on business cards, dog tags and tool labels with almost any laser.
Stainless steelFiber marking, marking spray for diode and CO₂ lasers, and colour marking with MOPA.
Cardboard and paperPrototypes, packaging, cards and papercuts: keeping thin material flat and unburnt.
Which laser for which material
The kind of laser matters more than its wattage. Each type works at a different wavelength, and materials absorb some wavelengths and let others pass straight through.
| Material | CO₂ | Blue diode | Fiber / infrared | UV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood, plywood, MDF | Cut and engrave | Cut thin sheets, engrave | Engrave (results vary) | Fine marking |
| Clear acrylic | Cut and engrave | No (light passes through) | No | Marks |
| Black / opaque acrylic | Cut and engrave | Engrave, cut thin | No | Marks |
| Veg-tan leather | Cut and engrave | Cut thin, engrave | Varies; test first | Marks |
| Slate, stone, tile | Engrave | Engrave | Engrave | Marks |
| Glass | Engrave (frosted) | Only with a coating | No | Marks directly |
| Anodized aluminum | Engrave | Engrave | Engrave | Marks |
| Bare stainless steel | With marking spray | With marking spray | Marks directly | Marks |
This is a general guide. What a particular machine can do also depends on its power and lens, so check the settings for your laser and run a test card on each new material.
Never put these in a laser
These give off toxic or corrosive gases, catch fire, or damage your machine.
- PVC and vinyl, including faux leather marked PVC, vinyl records and many signs. They release chlorine gas, which is toxic and corrodes the machine.
- Polycarbonate (Lexan) burns and discolours instead of cutting, with harmful fumes.
- ABS melts into a gooey mess and releases cyanide compounds.
- HDPE (milk-jug plastic) melts and catches fire easily.
- Polystyrene and polypropylene foam flare up and melt. Use EVA foam instead.
- Fibreglass and carbon fibre give off toxic fumes from the resin and don’t cut cleanly.
- PTFE (Teflon) releases highly toxic fluorine compounds.
- Chrome-tanned leather can release hexavalent chromium. Buy veg-tan or leather sold as laser-safe.
- Coated circuit boards and unknown plastics. If you can’t confirm what it is made of, don’t laser it.
Every material, every time
- Measure the thickness with calipers. Labels are approximate.
- Run a test card on an offcut of the actual sheet before the real job.
- Vent fumes outside or through a proper filter, and use air assist when cutting.
- Wear goggles rated for your laser’s wavelength unless the machine is fully enclosed.
- Stay with the machine while it runs, and keep a fire extinguisher within reach.