What to Cut and What NOT to Cut with Your Laser Cutter
Hey, fellow creators! 🎨✨
Laser cutting is an incredible tool for bringing your ideas to life—whether you’re using a diode, CO2, or fiber laser. But before you dive into your next project, let’s talk about something crucial: not all materials are safe to cut, and some can be downright dangerous.
When your laser cutter works its magic, it’s vaporizing material into fumes. Sounds cool, right? But here’s the catch—none of these fumes are safe to inhale. That’s why proper ventilation and material knowledge are essential for both your health and the longevity of your machine.
Today, we’re breaking down the best materials for laser cutting and the ones you should NEVER put under your laser beam. 🚀
✅ Laser Cutter-Friendly Materials
Good news! There are plenty of materials you can use with your laser cutter to create stunning projects. Whether you're making art, jewelry, or signage, these materials are your best friends:
Acrylic (PMMA) 🔹
⭐ One of the most popular laser-cut materials—easy to cut and engrave.
⭐ Comes in a variety of colours and finishes.
⭐ Produces clean, polished edges when cut properly.
💡 Pro Tip: Check out our clear and coloured acrylic collection!
Wood 🌲
⭐ Woods like birch plywood, cherry, and walnut engrave beautifully.
⭐ Creates a smooth, professional finish.
⚠️ MDF caution: Produces more smoke and debris than solid wood.
💡 Pro Tip: Shop premium laser plywood at YXE Creations!
Cardboard & Paper 📦
⭐ Great for intricate designs, scrapbooking, and packaging prototypes.
⭐ Laser cutters can create highly detailed cuts with minimal burn marks.
Fabric 👕
⭐ Works well on cotton, denim, felt, and canvas.
⭐ Perfect for custom patches, bags, and personalized garments.
Anodized Aluminum ⚙️
⭐ Ideal for professional-quality engravings.
⭐ Provides a sleek, shiny metallic look.
Stone & Glass 🏺
⭐ Yes, you can engrave on stone and glass!
⭐ Produces stunning, permanent engravings—great for gifts and décor.
🚫 Materials You Should NEVER Cut
These materials can damage your machine and release toxic fumes—seriously, just don’t do it. ❌
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) ☠️
⛔ Never cut PVC! It releases chlorine gas, which is highly toxic and corrosive.
⛔ Damages both your lungs and your laser cutter.
Polycarbonate 🚫
⛔ Not laser-friendly. Produces toxic fumes and a cloudy, charred mess.
⛔ Can overheat your machine and cause hazardous smoke.
Treated or Painted Woods 🎨
⛔ Contain chemicals and coatings that release harmful toxins when burned.
⛔ Can cause severe irritation or long-term health issues.
Fiberglass ❌
⛔ A mix of glass fibres and resin—burning it releases harmful airborne particles.
⛔ Dangerous to inhale and hard to clean up.
Certain Metals (e.g., Mild Steel, Stainless Steel) 🔥
⛔ Standard CO2 lasers can’t cut metals—you’ll need a fiber laser for that.
⛔ If you must engrave metals, stick to anodized aluminum.
👉 Want a full list of hazardous materials? Check out our Never Cut These Materials PDF!
Final Thoughts: Safety First! ⚠️
Laser cutting is an amazing way to express creativity, but safety should always come first. Follow these tips to keep your workspace hazard-free:
✔️ Use proper ventilation – Always cut in a well-ventilated space or use an enclosure.
✔️ Double-check your materials – When in doubt, research before cutting.
✔️ Keep a fire extinguisher nearby – Lasers + flammable materials = potential fire risk.
✔️ Wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) – Protect your eyes and lungs.
✔️ Do test cuts first – Every material behaves differently under the laser.
🎉 Happy cutting, and stay safe out there, crafty friends! ✂️🔥