Whether for art, prototypes or individual design solutions – choosing the right laser materials is the key to success. We introduce you to the top materials and give you valuable tips on what to look out for when buying.
Not every laser is suitable for every material. Here you can find out which laser you need to process certain materials. We also tell you what to look out for when buying and where to find the best laser-suitable materials.
Material
CO2-Laser Engraving
CO2-Laser Cut
Diode laser Engraving
Diode laser Cut
Fiberlaser Engraving
Fiberlaser Cut
Wood
✅
✅
✅
✅
❌
❌
Acryl/PMMA
✅
✅
⚪
⚪
❌
❌
Leather
⚪
✅
✅
✅
❌
❌
Textiles & fabrics
⚪
✅
✅
✅
❌
❌
Metal
❌
❌
❌
❌
✅
✅
Glas
✅
❌
⚪
❌
❌
❌
Stone & ceramics
✅
❌
✅
❌
❌
❌
✅= very good ⚪ = average ❌ = bad
Plywood
Plywood is a particularly popular laser material for cutting and engraving projects as it is stable, readily available and easy to process. However, not all plywood is suitable for laser cutting. Here are the most important factors you should consider before buying!
Glue layer
Make sure you use laser-friendly glue such as white glue (PVAc), as it burns cleanly and does not produce any toxic fumes. Waterproof glue (WBP) is difficult to cut and harmful to health – avoid at all costs!
Quality
The surface quality influences engravings and cuts. B/BB birch plywood is the best choice: few defects, smooth surface and clean cut. Cheap plywood with a rough C/C quality delivers unclean results.
Wood species
Poplar is soft, easy to cut, but less stable – ideal for model making or decoration. Birch is harder and more stable, but requires more laser power. Recommendation: 3 mm B/BB birch for a good balance of quality and cutability.
✅ Other materials also available (e.g. acrylic, key rings)
❌ Expensive
Acrylic
Acrylic is the perfect material for modern laser projects – it enables precise cuts, clear edges and impressive engravings. However, not every type of acrylic is equally suitable for lasers.
GS or XT
There are two main types: GS (cast) and XT (extruded). GS acrylic is the best choice for the laser as it melts cleanly, provides clear cut edges and can be engraved deeply. XT acrylic can warp during cutting, forms uneven edges and is more sensitive to heat – therefore only suitable to a limited extent.
Color & Transparency
Colored acrylic can also be processed by a diode laser. Transparent and white acrylic only with a CO2 laser.
Thickness
Up to 3 mm can also be cut with smaller CO₂ lasers (40W) without any problems. From 5 mm, more powerful lasers (60W+) are required to achieve clean cut edges. Thicker acrylic (from 10 mm) requires very high laser power or several passes
✅ Other laser materials also available (e.g. acrylic, key rings)
❌ Little choice
Felt
Felt is ideal for creative laser projects as it is soft, malleable and easy to cut. Whether for decoration, accessories or appliqués – felt can be used to create unique designs.
There is no special laser felt – almost any felt from the craft store will work! Both real wool felt and synthetic felt (polyester) can be laser cut. Polyester felt melts slightly when cut and can therefore produce more stable edges.
Slate is a popular material for laser engraving as it offers a natural, stylish look. Particularly popular for personalized signs, coasters or decorative items – high-contrast, white engravings can be achieved with the laser.
Natural or coated
Natural slate works best as the engraving removes the top layer and creates a bright, contrasting effect. Coated or painted slate can also be laser engraved, but the results will vary depending on the top layer.
Engraving depth
Slate is not cut, but only engraved. A higher laser power or several passes intensify the engraving and produce a clearer white.
Bruchfestigkeit
Slate is brittle and can break easily. Thin slabs should be engraved with little heat to avoid cracks. Irregular surfaces can affect the engraving result – so make sure the structure is as smooth as possible beforehand.
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