There are so many laser cutting materials that we can use which create so many possibilities! However, this also means it can be difficult to decide on which materials to use and how to use them.

　　Every material reacts differently under a laser and you should be prepared. Knowing what to expect will ensure your safety while laser cutting.

　　Serious Note: Never laser cut anything without doing extensive research on the material first, as some materials (especially plastics) can release harmful gasses.

　　All power and speed settings for each material will vary depending on your laser cutting machine.

　　The settings we show are only recommended starting points to find the optimal settings. Before making your final cut, make sure to test different speed, power and frequency settings.

　　Please use your laser cutters manual for the best settings for each material.

　　Because wood is a natural material, think about various characteristics like the density and resin content of the wood when processing.

　　Woods that are oily/resinous are more likely to catch fire.

　　What is the Best Wood For Laser Cutting?

　　The best wood for laser cutting depends on your goal.

　　Cardboard

　　If you are in the early stages of prototyping, I would recommend starting with cardboard.

　　Cardboard is cheap, easy to cut and easy to come by. It can also be engraved on. I wouldn’t recommend it for later stages of prototyping or a final product, however.

　　Plywood

　　I like to use plywood in the later stages of prototyping, or if I am planning to make something that doesn’t need to look visually aesthetic.

　　Plywood is stronger than cardboard and it is still easy to cut, but it’s not as cheap or easy to find.

　　Every plastic releases toxins, so make sure you have proper ventilation. Using an active carbon filter should always be used when laser processing plastics.

　　Vynil type plastics are especially dangerous because they release fumes that are known to make people faint.

　　Best Plastics For Laser Cutting

　　Acrylic (Plexiglas, Lucite, PMMA)

　　Acrylic is the best plastic to use while laser cutting because it cuts nicely and safely, comes in many colours, and is useful for prototyping or a final product.

　　Most places that have laser cutters will use acrylic.

　　Foams

　　There are so many great uses for different types of foams. They are lightweight and cheap, which makes it good for prototyping, signs, and models.

　　My favourite use for it is laser cutting case inserts.

　　Laser Cutting Foam

　　Laser cutting foam is usually not recommended, but it can be done. The problem with foam is that it melts easily and can catch fire, so it must always be watched. A lot of toxic fumes are also released.

　　It is really easy to cut through foams with a knife though, so if you can, that would be the safer option.

　　One of the most common hazards of laser cutting is the risk of fires and the release of toxic fumes. A lot of materials are also highly flammable or melt. Be careful not to use these.

　　If you’re going to be cutting or engraving items around the house, make sure you know exactly what the material is beforehand.

　　Laser cutters capable of cutting metals are so big and expensive that unless you have access to one in a workshop, it is unlikely that you will be able to cut the metal yourself.

　　Common laser cutters that hobbyists use cannot cut metal, but you can send your files to a laser cutting service.

　　All of the materials that you can laser cut can be laser etched or engraved. You can also etch on some materials that you can’t cut such as:

　　Glass (flat for best results)

　　Ceramic tiles

　　Painted/coated metals

　　Stone

　　Most materials will have optimal speed and power when used on your machine. Using those settings will make a clean, smooth cut in most cases.

　　Not using the optimal settings could lead to charred or bent edges. Even worse, too much power on certain materials could create flames.

　　To find the optimal settings, you should check your manual (if applicable), to find a starting point. You can also use my recommendations.

　　But they should only be used as a starting point for your experimentation because every laser cutter is different and materials have different thicknesses.

　　Check this article for the next steps on how to quickly find the optimal settings.

　　Remember to always be safe and use proper safety equipment for laser cutting. It is highly rewarding as long as you are protected from the possible hazards.

　　Did we miss anything in our lists? Let us know in the comments below!