A laser can process a surprising range of materials, but each one behaves differently — and a few should never go near the beam.
Wood and plywood
Wood is the classic laser material. Thin plywood (often 3–6 mm) cuts cleanly and is stable, which is why so many boxes, lamps, puzzles and models are made from it. The beam darkens the cut edges to a warm brown, and engraving shows up as a contrasting darker tone. Solid wood engraves beautifully too, though the grain can make the result a little uneven. MDF cuts easily but produces more smoke and a darker edge.
Acrylic
Acrylic (PMMA, often sold as Plexiglas) is the other favourite. There are two kinds:
- Cast acrylic engraves to a bright frosted white — ideal for signs, keychains and anything that should glow.
- Extruded acrylic is cheaper and cuts with very smooth, almost polished edges, but engraves less evenly.
Other good materials
Cork (coasters, boards), natural leather, card and paper, felt and many fabrics all cut or engrave well. Glass, stone, slate and ceramic tiles cannot be cut by a typical workshop laser, but they can be engraved with a frosted or light mark.
Never under the laser
- PVC and vinyl release chlorine gas, which is harmful to breathe and corrodes the machine.
- Polycarbonate discolours and burns instead of cutting cleanly.
- ABS melts into a sticky mess and gives off unpleasant fumes.
- Fibreglass and coated carbon fibre produce harmful fumes and dust.
If a plastic is unidentified, a careful workshop simply does not laser it. Metals are a separate story — they need a different kind of laser altogether, as explained in CO2, diode or fibre.
Photo: Grant Durr / Unsplash
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