CO2 laser cutters and engravers, due to their high efficiency, excellent precision, and broad application range, are widely used in workshops for non-metallic fabric cutting and engraving work. Below are some materials best suited for CO2 laser cutters and engravers, along with their characteristics and applicable scenarios:
Plastics
- Acrylic (PMMA): Available in various colors, opacities, and finishes, it cuts and engraves well. The edges of cut acrylic are smooth and aesthetically pleasing, while the engraved surface has good contrast and clarity. Ideal for decorative items, signage, awards, and more.
- Polypropylene (PP): Thin sheets of 0.5-0.8mm thickness are suitable for creating foldable products or as fabric backing. It cuts relatively well but may leave a slightly raised edge.
- Polyethylene (PE): Available in various thicknesses and colors, it cuts better than alternatives and produces minimal smoke and odor. Solid polyethylene sheets leave a raised cutting edge and molten engraving marks.
- Polycarbonate (PC): While not particularly dangerous to laser cut or engrave, it generates significant smoke and charring. Thin sheets may yield acceptable results.
Wood
- Poplar Plywood: A common material for laser cutting, low-cost, and easy to cut. High-quality interior plywood (B/BB grade) is recommended for optimal results.
- Birch Plywood: Harder than poplar plywood, it produces more durable products. Its hardness also results in cleaner and more contrasting engravings. High-quality interior plywood (B/BB grade) is recommended.
- MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard): Popular in laser cutting due to its affordability and relatively easy cutting performance. Eco-friendly MDF or E1-grade low-formaldehyde MDF cuts best.
- Hardboard: Cuts and cleans well but is harder to cut due to its high density. It also produces significant smoke during cutting, which can impact filter longevity.
Fabrics
- Felt (Polyester): Often made of polyester, it cuts quickly and seals edges to prevent fraying. Available in various colors and thicknesses. Eco-friendly felt made from recycled bottles and wool felt are also options. Natural wool felt cuts with darkened edges but does not seal as well as polyester.
- Cotton Fabric: Cuts well and provides good contrast for engraving. Patterns can be cut out for sewing projects.
- Leather: Suitable for creating tags and upholstery items. It engraves beautifully and cuts relatively easily. Use perforation mode in LightBurn for stitching holes. Good ventilation is recommended as leather engraving can produce strong odors. Moistening the leather can improve cut quality and reduce odor.
Paper
- Cardboard: Easy and fast to cut. Corrugated and general card products are ideal for laser cutting. When cutting thick corrugated card, pay attention to potential flames, especially within the card itself.
- Kraft Paper: Ideal for packaging and decorative projects. It cuts well and provides a natural, rustic appearance.
Other Materials
- Glass: Excellent for engraving, particularly for personalized awards and home decor items. A light coating of soapy water can prevent glass from overheating and shattering. Care must be taken to avoid excessive power.
- Ceramics: Can be engraved, though markings may not be very clear. Painted or glazed ceramics often produce better results. Ceramics and stone typically turn white when engraved, but excessive power may cause breakage.
- Anodized Aluminum: Engraves well, turning white at the right settings, allowing for beautiful markings.
- Powder-Coated Metals: Metals coated with polyester powder can be engraved by burning off the coating. Powder-coated powder can also be used for color-filled engraving by first engraving, filling, and then re-engraving to melt the powder in place.
Materials to Use with Caution
- POM (Polyoxymethylene): An engineering plastic that cuts well but releases formaldehyde and carbon monoxide during cutting, making it unsuitable for engraving.
- Polyurethane (PUR/PU): Cuts and engrav es well in both solid and foam forms. However, it releases hydrogen cyanide gas when laser cut, necessitating robust extraction equipment. For this reason, polyethylene (PE) is preferred.
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): Melts easily and produces poor contrast when engraved. It also emits hydrogen cyanide gas, so it is best avoided.
- Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE): Known as Teflon, thin sheets work well but release carbonyl fluoride during cutting.
- Polystyrene (PS): Can be laser cut to produce good results. However, polystyrene foam is highly flammable and requires caution when cutting.
Materials to Avoid
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Releases hydrogen chloride gas when cut, which is extremely harmful to humans and can severely damage the machine through rapid corrosion. Avoid cutting PVC.
- Epoxy Aliphatic Resins: Not explicitly mentioned but generally not recommended for laser cutting.
- Food Items: Engraving food items is possible, but it is not advisable to engrave food in a machine that has processed other materials of varying toxicity. Ideally, use a dedicated food-grade machine.
- Bare Metals: CO2 lasers cannot directly mark bare metals unless used with metal marking solutions. However, anodized or powder-coated metals can be marked.
In summary, CO2 laser cutters and engravers are versatile tools with extensive material compatibility. When selecting materials, consider the project’s specific requirements, the material’s characteristics, and safety factors to achieve the desired cutting and engraving results.
