Laser Material Guide
Which laser works on which material? Search or tap any combination to see what actually happens in your shop — and why the physics makes it so.
Material
Diode
450nm
CO₂
10.6µm
Fiber
1064nm
UV
355nm
Woods
Dark Woodwalnut, mahogany
Light Woodpine, birch, maple
MDFmedium-density fiberboard
Bamboocutting boards, laminated
Plywoodbaltic birch, basswood
Plastics & Acrylics
Clear Acrylic3mm PMMA
Colored Acryliccast/dyed
PolycarbonateLexan — looks like acrylic, isn't
Delrin / POMacetal — gears, mechanical parts
PETGclear sheet
PolypropylenePP sheet, living hinges
Bare Metals
Stainless Steel1mm sheet
Brassplates, jewelry stock
Coppersheet, jewelry stock
Bare Aluminummill finish sheet
Gold & Silverjewelry, rings, pendants
Coated Metals
Anodized Aluminum1mm sheet
Powder-Coated Metaltumblers, signs
CerMark Coatedmarking spray on bare metal
Leather & Organics
Leatherveg-tanned
PU / Faux Leathervegan leather — verify not PVC!
Corksheet, coaster stock
Fabrics
Feltwool or synthetic
Cotton & Canvastotes, patches, linen
Synthetic Fabricpolyester, nylon
Denimjeans, jackets
Rubber & Foam
Stamp Rubberlaserable rubber sheet
EVA Foamcosplay foam, 2-10mm
Siliconegaskets, bands, mats
Glass & Ceramic
Glassclear soda-lime
Ceramic Tileglazed, Norton method
Stone
Slatecoasters, signs
Granitepolished, memorial/photo
Paper & Cardboard
Papercardstock, invitations
Cardboardcorrugated
Composites
Carbon FiberCFRP sheet — conductive dust!
Never Laser
PVC / Vinylany type
ABSany type
ExcellentGoodModeratePoorNever
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Pick a combination
Tap any cell in the chart to see what happens in your shop — and the physics behind it.
