Newbury And District Hackspace

LaserCutter Materials

Important

Find someone to show you how to use the cutter before you turn anything on.
Do not cut PVC.
Do not leave the laser running unattended, even for a toilet break.

Known good materials

Plastics
- Acrylic/Perspex
- Mirrored Acrylic - Cuts well and looks good if the mirror coating is removed from the back by engraving.
- ABS
- Acetal
- Delrin
- HDPE
- Mylar (Polyester Film) Very good for stencils
- Polycarbonate - Discolours badly, leave protective film on when cutting to reduce discolouration.
Wood/paper
- MDF
- Laser-compatible plywood
- Balsa wood
- Paper
- Card
- Untreated natural wood
Real Leather
Cotton and other natural fabrics
Laser-friendly rubber - Note that the smell is really bad!
Coated glass (e.g. mirrors, mirror coating can be removed from the back) [See note below]
Anodised or pre-marked aluminium [See note below]
Painted copper (e.g. paint ablation for etch resist) [See note below]

Reflection note: These processes expose bare glass/metal causing laser reflections. Ensure that you cut quickly and with the minimum power required to expose the underlying metal.

Known bad materials

Do not try to cut/engrave these

Bare metal – Note that coated metal may become bare metal during the engraving process!
Mirror finish materials (e.g. foil covered mirror card, chromed plastic) from either side
PVC (Releases noxious chlorine gas and/or hydrochloric acid which will corrode the machine)
PETG - just doesn't work, melts rather than cuts
Fake leather (probably PVC)
Synthetic fabrics
Vinyl graphics film (PVC)
Any woods of unknown composition (e.g. generic plywood, chipboard)
Any woods containing formaldehyde (e.g. generic plywood)

Any other materials

Do some research and ask other members’ opinions before using it. If it releases poisonous fumes or can damage the machine do not use it.