What Materials Can a Laser Cut? A Complete List
Laser cutting has revolutionized how individuals and businesses shape and customize materials. Whether you’re a hobbyist crafting personalized gifts or a manufacturer producing components at scale, laser cutters offer incredible precision and versatility. But what materials can a laser actually cut?
The answer depends not only on the type of laser machine you’re using—CO₂, diode, or fiber—but also on the composition and thickness of the material itself. Some materials are ideal for cutting, engraving, or marking, while others may emit harmful fumes or simply refuse to cut cleanly.
This guide dives into the most common laser-cutting materials, offers practical advice on safety and suitability, and helps you choose the right machine and settings for your projects.
What Materials Can Be Cut Using a Laser Cutter?
Laser cutters are highly versatile, capable of cutting or engraving a wide variety of materials. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used laser-cutting materials and their characteristics.
1. Wood & Engineered Wood Products
Wood is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly materials for laser cutting. It’s relatively affordable, widely available, and cuts cleanly with most CO₂ and diode lasers.
Common types of wood used in laser cutting:
- Solid hardwood (e.g., cherry, walnut, maple)
- Plywood (birch, basswood)
- MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)
Why it’s great:
- Delivers a natural and warm aesthetic
- Excellent for both cutting and engraving
- Ideal for creating signage, puzzles, ornaments, jewelry, and models
What to watch out for:
- Charring and burn marks are common with higher-power settings
- Thin plywood may warp under heat
- Air assist, masking tape, or honeycomb beds can minimize scorching
Best laser type:
CO₂ laser
Diode laser (limited to thin sheets)
Typical laser settings for 3mm plywood (CO₂ 40–60W):
- Power: 60–80%
- Speed: 5–10 mm/s
Tip: Always check the glue content in plywood or MDF—it may emit unpleasant fumes and affect cutting quality.
2. Acrylic & Other Plastics
Acrylic, also known as PMMA or plexiglass, is another favorite material among laser enthusiasts. It cuts cleanly with polished edges, especially when using a CO₂ laser. Colored, clear, mirrored, and even glitter acrylics are commonly used in decorative and commercial applications.
Great for:
- Signs and displays
- Keychains and tags
- Jewelry
- Lightboxes and panels
Why it’s popular:
- Cuts with smooth, flame-polished edges
- Engraving produces crisp, frosted effects
Important caution:
- Not all plastics are laser-safe!
Avoid cutting PVC, ABS, and HDPE — these release harmful, corrosive, or flammable gases.
Best laser type:
CO₂ laser
Diode laser (only with opaque/colored acrylic)
Typical laser settings for 3mm cast acrylic (CO₂ 40–60W):
- Power: 70–90%
- Speed: 4–6 mm/s
Note: For diode lasers, clear or transparent acrylic won’t absorb the beam and thus won’t cut effectively. A dark coating or paint may be needed for engraving.
3. Metals
Laser cutting metal requires higher-power machines and more precise beam control. While CO₂ lasers can engrave some coated or anodized metals, actual cutting of raw metals (especially thick ones) typically demands a fiber laser.
Metals commonly cut or engraved with lasers:
| Metal Type | Laser Action | Recommended Laser |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | Cut & Engrave | Fiber |
| Aluminum | Cut & Engrave | Fiber (with assist gas) |
| Brass/Copper | Engrave (Cutting is hard due to reflection) | Fiber with high power |
| Anodized Aluminum | Engrave only | CO₂ or Diode |
| Mild Steel | Cut | Fiber |
Why use laser on metals?
- Delivers extremely precise cuts for industrial parts
- Ideal for engraving logos, serial numbers, QR codes
- Clean cuts with minimal burrs or post-processing
Important note:
Some reflective metals (like copper and brass) can damage lower-end laser systems if not properly configured. Use specialized fiber systems or add anti-reflection coatings when needed.
Tip: Use nitrogen or oxygen assist gas for faster and cleaner metal cutting with fiber lasers.
4. Leather & Textiles
Natural leather and a variety of fabrics can be laser cut with great detail and no mechanical stress. This makes lasers ideal for fashion, upholstery, crafting, and branding applications.
Recommended materials for laser processing:
| Material | Suitability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Genuine Leather | Excellent | Ventilation required, may smell |
| PU (Synthetic) Leather | Good | Test for PVC content before use |
| Cotton | Great | Low risk, cuts very cleanly |
| Polyester/Nylon | Good (varies) | Can melt; adjust settings carefully |
| Felt & Wool | Great | Minimal fray, excellent engrave contrast |
Why use lasers for leather and textiles?
- Cuts without fraying or distortion
- Allows intricate patterns and fine engraving
- Ideal for wallets, belts, bags, patches, and clothing
Best laser type:
CO₂ laser for both cutting and engraving
Diode lasers can cut thinner fabrics but may struggle with thicker or reflective materials
Pro tip: Always test synthetic fabrics before production, as some may emit toxic fumes or ignite under high heat.
5. Cardboard & Paper
Cardboard and paper are two of the most laser-friendly materials—lightweight, low-cost, and extremely easy to cut or engrave. They’re ideal for prototyping, packaging, custom stationery, and decorative applications.
Key Material Types:
| Material | Suitability | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Corrugated Cardboard | Excellent | Model building, packaging mockups |
| Chipboard/Cardstock | Excellent | Greeting cards, invitations, scrapbooking |
| Recycled Paper | Good | Sustainable crafts and packaging |
Why use laser cutters for cardboard and paper?
- Enables precise intricate designs that scissors or craft knives can’t match
- Cuts quickly at low power settings, even on desktop machines
- Minimal smoke and charring when ventilation is used
Laser recommendations:
CO₂ or diode laser
Even low-power diode lasers (5–10W) can achieve great results
Tip: Always use a honeycomb bed and air assist to prevent burn marks and paper warping.
6. Rubber
Rubber is often overlooked in laser cutting—but it’s a versatile option for both engraving and cutting, especially for custom stamps, keychains, seals, and gaskets.
Rubber Types and Laser Suitability:
| Rubber Type | Cut Quality | Cautions |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Rubber | Good | May emit light odor; ventilate |
| Silicone Rubber | Excellent | Clean cut, minimal residue |
| Laserable Synthetic Rubber | Best | Specifically designed for laser processing |
| EPDM or Nitrile Rubber | Avoid | Often emit toxic fumes |
Why rubber works well:
- Cuts with clean, smooth edges
- Engraves deeply with clear contrast
- Can handle high detail (ideal for logo or text stamps)
Best laser type:
CO₂ laser is recommended
Avoid rubber with unknown additives—some may release hazardous fumes
Always check for “laser-safe rubber” to avoid health hazards and poor cutting performance.
7. Glass
Laser cutting of glass is not recommended, but laser engraving on glass is a widely used and visually striking technique. From wine glasses to awards and signage, lasers can etch clean, frosted designs onto glass surfaces without physical contact.
Summary of Laser Compatibility with Glass:
| Glass Type | Cutting | Engraving | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Float Glass | ❌ | ✅ | Most common glass, engraves cleanly |
| Tempered Glass | ❌ | ⚠️ Risky | Can shatter unexpectedly when engraved |
| Borosilicate Glass | ❌ | ✅ | Used for labware, safe for engraving |
| Coated Glass | ❌ | ✅/⚠️ | May react unpredictably; test first |
Why lasers are great for engraving glass:
- Creates frosted, permanent designs
- Ideal for curved objects using rotary attachments
- No physical wear on material or tool
Best practice:
Use CO₂ lasers with lower power and higher speed
Apply masking tape or dish soap layer for smoother results and fewer flakes
Tip: For engraving cylindrical objects like mugs or glasses, use a rotary engraving module to ensure perfect alignment.
8. Unsafe Materials: What You Should Never Laser Cut
Not all materials are safe to laser process. Some can release toxic, corrosive, or even explosive fumes when exposed to high heat. Others may catch fire or damage your machine.
Danger List – Never Cut These:
| Material | Danger Type | Why to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) | Toxic gas, corrosion | Emits chlorine gas that’s harmful to health and your machine |
| Polycarbonate (PC) | Discoloration, fire risk | Doesn’t cut well, tends to catch fire |
| Polystyrene Foam | Melts easily, flammable | Cuts poorly, produces toxic fumes |
| HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) | Melts, catches fire | Produces gooey mess and fire hazard |
| Galvanized Metal | Zinc fumes | Vaporizes into zinc oxide gas, hazardous to lungs |
| Coated Carbon Fiber | Toxic coating gases | Releases volatile chemicals when burned |
General rule:
If you’re unsure about a material’s laser safety, check its MSDS sheet or consult the manufacturer. Always err on the side of caution.
Laser cutting unsafe materials can permanently damage your lens, mirrors, and even void your machine warranty.
Which Laser Type Is Best for Which Material?
Choosing the right laser type is critical to getting clean cuts and engravings without damaging the material—or your machine. Each laser type emits a beam at a specific wavelength, and different materials absorb different wavelengths with varying efficiency.
Laser Types at a Glance:
| Laser Type | Wavelength | Best For | Avoid Using On |
|---|---|---|---|
| CO₂ Laser | ~10.6 μm | Wood, acrylic, leather, paper, fabric, rubber | Metal (unless coated), clear glass |
| Diode Laser | ~450–1064 nm | Wood, leather, paper, some plastics | Transparent acrylic, glass |
| Fiber Laser | ~1064 nm | Metals (steel, aluminum, copper, gold) | Most non-metals |
| Infrared (IR) | ~1064 nm | Engraving on metals and coated materials | Transparent materials |
- CO₂ Lasers are ideal for non-metals, and they offer clean cuts and smooth engraving surfaces.
- Fiber Lasers are perfect for marking and cutting metal, thanks to their high absorption and beam intensity.
- Diode Lasers are budget-friendly and great for light engraving, but limited on cutting depth and material range.
Tip: If you work with both metals and non-metals, consider combining machines or using a dual-laser hybrid system.
Laser Cutter Power Settings: How to Optimize for Each Material
Laser settings—primarily power, speed, and number of passes—can make or break your cutting/engraving quality. No single setting works for all materials, so it’s essential to test and calibrate.
Sample Power-Speed Table (Based on 10W Diode & 55W CO₂ Laser)
| Material | Laser Type | Thickness (mm) | Power (%) | Speed (mm/s) | Passes | Air Assist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basswood | Diode 10W | 3 | 100% | 5 | 2–3 | Medium |
| Acrylic | CO₂ 55W | 5 | 85% | 10 | 1 | Strong |
| Leather | CO₂ 55W | 2 | 60% | 25 | 1 | Medium |
| Cardboard | Diode 10W | 2 | 60% | 30 | 1 | Low |
| Stainless Steel | Fiber 20W | 1 | 100% | 5 | 1 | N/A |
- Start with a test grid (power vs. speed matrix) on a scrap piece
- Use fewer passes at higher power for thick materials
- Use low power and fast speed for engraving fine details
Tip: Save profiles for each material in your laser software. Many programs like LightBurn or xTool Creative Space support this feature.
How to Choose the Right Material for Your Project
Not all materials are created equal—even if your laser can technically cut them. To ensure your project turns out professional, safe, and cost-effective, you need to align material properties with your design goals and laser capabilities.
Key Factors to Consider:
| Factor | Why It Matters | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Material Thickness | Affects power/speed settings and cut quality | 10W diode struggles with >3mm wood |
| Flammability | High-risk materials need ventilation & caution | MDF burns easily, use air assist |
| Toxicity | Some materials emit harmful fumes when cut | Avoid PVC, HDPE, polycarbonate |
| Surface Finish | Impacts engraving quality and visual appeal | Glossy acrylic = mirror-like edges |
| Cost | Budget constraints may favor lower-grade stock | Plywood over hardwood for prototypes |
| End Use | Durability, strength, or flexibility may matter | Rubber for gaskets; acrylic for signage |
Best Practice Tips:
- For fine details, use smooth, low-resin materials like cast acrylic or basswood.
- For functional parts, use dense materials like Delrin or aluminum (with a fiber laser).
- For decorative work, prioritize surface appearance and engraving contrast (e.g., anodized metal).
Tool Tip: Create a Material Test Card with your machine that includes engraving depth, line thickness, cut edge, and speed-power notes. This saves time for future projects.
FAQs
What Materials Can a 10W, 50W, or 100W Laser Cut?
Laser power determines how deep and how clean your machine can cut. Here’s a breakdown to help you set realistic expectations:
Laser Power vs. Cutting Capabilities:
| Power (W) | Type | Typical Use Cases | Max Thickness (Wood/Acrylic) | Metals? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5–10W | Diode | Thin wood, leather, paper, light engraving | 2–4 mm | ❌ |
| 40–55W | CO₂ | Hobby/business cutting (non-metals), engraving | 8–20 mm | Engraving only (anodized) |
| 100W+ | CO₂ | Professional cutting, thicker materials | 25+ mm | Engraving/coated only |
| 20–50W | Fiber | Industrial metal cutting/engraving (aluminum, SS) | ~1–5 mm (depending on metal) | ✅ |
| 1000W+ | Fiber | Heavy-duty sheet metal cutting (industrial) | 10–30 mm | ✅✅ |
Can a 10W Laser Cut Acrylic?
Yes—opaque acrylic up to ~3mm. For clear acrylic, diode lasers struggle due to light transmission. You’ll need CO₂ instead.
Can a 100W CO₂ Laser Cut Metal?
Not directly. CO₂ lasers cannot efficiently cut bare metal, but they can engrave anodized or coated metal surfaces. For real metal cutting, use a fiber laser
Conclusion
Laser cutting is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The right material-laser combination determines the success of your project—whether you’re crafting detailed paper invitations or cutting structural metal parts.
To recap:
- Use CO₂ lasers for organic and soft materials like wood, acrylic, leather, and fabric.
- Use diode lasers for thin, non-transparent materials and budget-friendly engraving.
- Use fiber lasers for cutting or engraving metals with precision and speed.
- Always evaluate material safety, cut quality, and end-use requirements before choosing.
Whether you’re a hobbyist, small business, or manufacturer, mastering material compatibility is the first step toward creating precise, professional-quality laser-cut products.
Ready to Cut? Get Custom Laser Cutting Services from CSMFG
At CSMFG, we specialize in high-precision laser cutting services for a wide range of materials—including metals, plastics, and composites. Whether you’re prototyping a new product or scaling up for mass production, we provide:
- Custom-cut parts with tight tolerances
- Material selection assistance for laser cutting
- ISO-certified quality and global delivery
- One-on-one engineering support
From aluminum and stainless steel to titanium and engineering plastics, we help you choose the right material and cutting method for your exact application.
Request a Free Quote Now — or explore our laser cutting capabilities to get started.
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