Materials For Cutting/Engraving

GOOD


HDF (Fiberboard)

Cuts and engraves images and lines well. Commonly used at 1/8" thickness.

  • Edge Finish: Cuts darken the vertical sides of the piece, but do not noticeably burn the top or bottom face.

  • Note: Please note that we do not cut 1/4" HDF.

Acrylic

Cuts with a sharp edge and commonly used at 1/8" to 1/4" thickness.

  • Engraving: Engraves lines well and reproduces images fairly well.

Plywood

Cuts fairly well and commonly used at 1/8" thickness.

  • Engraving & Finish: Engraves images and lines very nicely. Cuts can occasionally cause slight burning and minor discoloration around the edges.

  • Note: Please note that we do not cut 1/4" plywood.

BAD


Lexan

  • Safety Warning: Despite looking like acrylic, Lexan is completely different and cannot be processed. It produces highly toxic chlorine gas when cut.

Chlorine-Containing Compounds

  • Safety Warning: Similar to Lexan, these materials will produce toxic chlorine gases and are strictly prohibited.

Metals

  • Compatibility: Standard metals reflect too much of the light used in our $CO_2$ laser to cut effectively or be safe for use.

  • Engraving: Metals featuring specific coatings can still be engraved.

Have another material you want to cut?

Please do a bit of quick research on your material's laser-safety first, then send us an email! Let us know what you want to cut or engrave, and we will do our best to help you out.