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PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride)/vinyl/pleather/artificial leatherEmits chlorine gas when cut!Don't ever cut this material as it will ruin the optics, causes the metal of the machine to corrode as chlorine is released and ruins the motion control system.
HDPE/milk bottle plasticCatches fire and meltsIt melts. It gets gooey. It catches fire. Don't use it.
Epoxyburn / smokeEpoxy is an aliphatic resin, strongly cross-linked carbon chains. A CO2 laser can't cut it, and the resulting burned mess creates toxic fumes ( like cyanide! ). Items coated in Epoxy, or cast Epoxy resins must not be used in the laser cutter. ( see Fiberglass )

Safe to cut materials

MaterialMax thicknessNotesWARNINGS!
Many woods1/4"Avoid oily/resinous woodsBe very careful about cutting oily woods, or very resinous woods as they also may catch fire.
Plywood/Composite woods1/4"These contain glue, and may not laser cut as well as solid wood.
MDF/Engineered woods1/4"These are okay to use but may experience a higher amount of charring when cut.
Cardboard, cartonthickerCuts well but may catch fire.Watch for fire.
Acrylic/Lucite/Plexiglas/PMMA1/2"Cuts extremely well leaving a beautifully polished edge.
Kapton tape (Polyimide)1/16"Works well, in thin sheets and strips like tape.
Mylar1/16"Works well if it's thin. Thick mylar has a tendency to warp, bubble, and curlGold coated mylar will not work.
Solid Styrene1/16"Smokes a lot when cut, but can be cut.Keep it thin.
Depron foam1/4"Used a lot for hobby, RC aircraft, architectural models, and toys. 1/4" cuts nicely, with a smooth edge.Must be constantly monitored.
Gator foam
They all cut well.Not plastic coated or impregnated cloth!
Leather/Suede1/8"Leather is very hard to cut, but can be if it's thinner than a belt (call it 1/8"). Our "Advanced" laser training class covers this.Real leather only! Not 'pleather' or other imitations .. they are made of PVC.
Magnetic Sheet
Cuts beautifully
NON-CHLORINE-containing rubber
Fine for cutting.Beware chlorine-containing rubber!
Carbon fiber mats/weave that has not had epoxy applied
Can be cut, very slowly.You must not cut carbon fiber that has been coated!!
Coroplast ('corrugated plastic')1/4"Difficult because of the vertical strips. Three passes at 80% power, 7% speed, and it will be slightly connected still at the bottom from the vertical strips.

Safe to etch materials

GlassGreen seems to work best...looks sandblasted.
Ceramic tile

Anodized aluminumVaporizes the anodization away.
Painted/coated metalsVaporizes the paint away.
Stone, Marble, Granite, Soapstone, Onyx.Gets a white "textured" look when etched.100% power, 50% speed or less works well for etching.


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