Materials Suitable for Laser Cutting
Laser technology enables precise and fast processing of a wide range of materials – from sturdy boards to delicate textiles.
Acrylic (Plexiglass)
Lasers are most commonly used for cutting acrylic, which vaporizes under the beam rather than melting. The result is smooth, glossy, and transparent edges. Achieving a perfect cut, however, requires a top-quality laser design – even the smallest inaccuracies become visible in acrylic.
For those interested in a laser for cutting acrylic, we provide free sample cuts for comparison with competitors. Samples from other plastics are also available to determine if the laser suits your needs.
Wood
Lasers are ideal for precise wood cutting – from solid wood and plywood to MDF, hardboard, balsa, or veneers. Cut edges are usually darker, but with a more powerful laser and nitrogen assist, cleaner and lighter cuts can be achieved.
Wood is most commonly processed with lasers for inlays, models, puzzles, furniture, or interior accessories. Our specialty is producing cutting dies quickly and with high quality, even with lower laser power, including support for *.DS2 files.
Nanofibers and Filter Materials
Very fine structures, such as nanofibers or various filter layers, can be cut cleanly with a laser without mechanical damage. This technology is particularly used in medicine, health protection, and industrial filtration.
Textiles
Lasers handle both technical fabrics and regular textiles with ease. They enable precise cutting without fraying, even for multi-layered materials. Laser cutting of textiles is used in the apparel industry, protective clothing, upholstery, and home accessories.
Insulation and Armaflex
Insulation materials, including elastomeric foams like Armaflex, can be cut quickly and precisely with a laser. This allows the production of perfectly fitting parts for construction, HVAC, or the automotive industry.
Low-Friction Plastics
Special technical plastics with a low coefficient of friction (e.g., PTFE) can be cut with high precision using a laser. They are used in industrial machinery and mechanical assemblies.
Paper and Cardboard
Paper, cardboard, and carton can be processed into complex shapes and fine details with a laser, which are difficult to achieve mechanically. Ideal for packaging, sample books, or creative products.
Leather
Laser cutting of leather is used in the fashion and furniture industries. It allows for precise cutting of intricate patterns, logos, and decorative elements.
Carpets
Lasers can accurately cut shapes from carpets and other floor coverings without mechanical trimming. This saves time and increases precision during production and installation.
Polystyrene
Laser cutting of polystyrene enables fast and clean shaping, ideal for modeling, packaging technology, or decorative purposes.
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What Materials Are Not Suitable for CO₂ Cutting?
Some materials cannot be safely or effectively processed with a CO₂ laser due to their physical or chemical properties. Typically, these are substances that release toxic or corrosive gases when exposed to the laser beam or are highly flammable with a risk of ignition. It is essential to know these limitations and exclude such materials from operation.
PVC and Chlorinated Plastics
PVC, vinyl, and artificial leather containing chlorine release poisonous chlorine gas (hydrogen chloride), which is both toxic and corrosive to laser components.
PTFE (Teflon) and Other Fluoropolymers
These materials emit extremely hazardous gases (e.g., fluorine), posing serious risks to health and the machine.
ABS
ABS plastic melts rather than vaporizes, reducing cut quality, releasing cyanide fumes, and presenting a significant fire hazard.
Polycarbonate (PC)
Thicker polycarbonate absorbs laser energy unevenly, can melt or brown, and produces toxic fumes.
Polystyrene Foam (EPS) and HDPE
These foams ignite easily, produce toxic smoke, and are practically uncontrollable with a laser.
Epoxy and Phenolic Resins
These materials burn, smoke, and release toxic substances (e.g., cyanide); they are best avoided for laser cutting.