Laser material safety lookup

Showing 49 of 49 materials

• PVC (polyvinyl chloride)

  Plastic

  Avoid

  Cut: No · Engrave: No

  Heated PVC releases chlorine-based gases (hydrogen chloride) that harm lungs and, with air moisture, form hydrochloric acid that corrodes optics, the motion system and the machine frame.

  Kydex contains PVC and carries the same hazard. Many mystery films, foams and faux leathers are PVC.

  Also known as: vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, PVC sheet, sticker vinyl, adhesive vinyl, Kydex

  Sources: Epilog Laser — Laser machine unsafe materials · UT Austin SoA Digital Tech — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials · Emory TechLab — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · University of Florida EHS — Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · StyleCNC — Materials you cannot laser cut · MCAD Digital Lab — Laser Cutter Material Guidelines (PDF)

• Faux leather / pleather

  Textile and leather

  Avoid

  Cut: No · Engrave: No

  Artificial leathers are often made from PVC and give off harmful fumes and gases when lasered.

  Also known as: artificial leather, synthetic leather, leatherette, PU leather

  Sources: Emory TechLab — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · UT Austin SoA Digital Tech — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials · Fizzpop Makerspace wiki — Laser Cutting Materials

• PVB (polyvinyl butyral)

  Plastic

  Avoid

  Cut: No · Engrave: No

  Listed with PVC as a prohibited material because of toxic gas formation.

  Also known as: laminated glass interlayer

  Sources: UT Austin SoA Digital Tech — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials

• Vinyl-containing foam

  Rubber and foam

  Avoid

  Cut: No · Engrave: No

  Creates hazardous gases when lasered.

  Also known as: vinyl foam

  Sources: Emory TechLab — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials (PDF)

• ABS

  Plastic

  Avoid

  Cut: No · Engrave: No

  Melts rather than cleanly vaporising, can ignite, leaves gooey deposits on the cutting bed and emits hydrogen cyanide.

  Also known as: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, 3D print ABS, ABS plastic

  Sources: UT Austin SoA Digital Tech — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials · Emory TechLab — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · University of Florida EHS — Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · MCAD Digital Lab — Laser Cutter Material Guidelines (PDF) · StyleCNC — Materials you cannot laser cut · Fizzpop Makerspace wiki — Laser Cutting Materials

• Polycarbonate

  Plastic

  Avoid

  Cut: No · Engrave: No

  Absorbs infrared strongly, so it melts, browns and may ignite instead of cutting. Sources also report hazardous fumes that can damage the machine.

  Also known as: Lexan, PC sheet, Makrolon

  Sources: UT Austin SoA Digital Tech — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials · Emory TechLab — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · University of Florida EHS — Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · MCAD Digital Lab — Laser Cutter Material Guidelines (PDF) · StyleCNC — Materials you cannot laser cut · Fizzpop Makerspace wiki — Laser Cutting Materials

• HDPE

  Plastic

  Avoid

  Cut: No · Engrave: No

  Melts and catches fire readily; one source also lists formaldehyde among the emissions.

  Also known as: high-density polyethylene, milk bottle plastic, polyethylene

  Sources: Emory TechLab — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · MCAD Digital Lab — Laser Cutter Material Guidelines (PDF) · UT Austin SoA Digital Tech — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials · StyleCNC — Materials you cannot laser cut

• Polypropylene

  Plastic

  Avoid

  Cut: No · Engrave: No

  Burns and melts; a fire risk that can also damage the equipment.

  Also known as: PP, polypropylene foam

  Sources: Emory TechLab — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · UT Austin SoA Digital Tech — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials · MCAD Digital Lab — Laser Cutter Material Guidelines (PDF)

• Polystyrene foam

  Rubber and foam

  Avoid

  Cut: No · Engrave: No

  Highly flammable and gives off toxic styrene / benzene-type fumes. Sources name it as a leading cause of laser fires.

  Also known as: Styrofoam, foam board, foam core, Depron, Gator foam, styrene

  Sources: University of Florida EHS — Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · UT Austin SoA Digital Tech — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials · Emory TechLab — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · MCAD Digital Lab — Laser Cutter Material Guidelines (PDF) · Fizzpop Makerspace wiki — Laser Cutting Materials

• PTFE (Teflon)

  Plastic

  Avoid

  Cut: No · Engrave: No

  Decomposes into highly toxic fluorine compounds such as carbonyl fluoride.

  Also known as: Teflon, polytetrafluoroethylene, PFTE

  Sources: UT Austin SoA Digital Tech — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials · Emory TechLab — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · University of Florida EHS — Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · MCAD Digital Lab — Laser Cutter Material Guidelines (PDF) · StyleCNC — Materials you cannot laser cut

• Delrin / POM (acetal)

  Plastic

  Avoid

  Cut: No · Engrave: No

  Releases formaldehyde and hydrogen fluoride when lasered.

  Also known as: POM, polyoxymethylene, acetal, Delrin

  Sources: UT Austin SoA Digital Tech — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials · Emory TechLab — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials (PDF)

• Nylon (solid)

  Plastic

  Avoid

  Cut: No · Engrave: No

  Materials with carbon–nitrogen bonds, nylon included, can release toxic hydrogen cyanide.

  Also known as: polyamide, PA6, PA12

  Sources: University of Florida EHS — Laser Cutter Materials (PDF)

• Polyurethane

  Plastic

  Avoid

  Cut: No · Engrave: No

  Can release toxic hydrogen cyanide when lasered.

  Also known as: PU foam, PU

  Sources: University of Florida EHS — Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · UT Austin SoA Digital Tech — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials

• PETG

  Plastic

  Caution

  Cut: Not stated · Engrave: Not stated

  Sources disagree. Two university and makerspace lists prohibit PET/PETG over toxic emissions, while one vendor guide treats a verified grade as an alternative to prohibited plastics. Do not laser it without the supplier's SDS and a clear go-ahead.

  Also known as: PET-G, glycol-modified PET

  Sources: Fizzpop Makerspace wiki — Laser Cutting Materials · UT Austin SoA Digital Tech — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials · StyleCNC — Materials you cannot laser cut

• Tritan copolyester

  Plastic

  Caution

  Cut: Not stated · Engrave: Not stated

  Not enough manufacturer data to be labelled safe; one lab keeps it off its approved list.

  Also known as: Tritan

  Sources: Emory TechLab — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials (PDF)

• Acrylic (PMMA)

  Plastic

  Generally OK

  Cut: Yes · Engrave: Yes

  Cuts cleanly and is not very combustible, but still needs extraction and fire watch. Check the SDS: some rubbery acrylic grades are reported to release hydrogen cyanide.

  Cast acrylic is preferred for engraving; extruded acrylic cuts cleanly but engraves poorly.

  Also known as: Plexiglas, Perspex, plexiglass, cast acrylic, extruded acrylic

  Sources: Fizzpop Makerspace wiki — Laser Cutting Materials · University of Florida EHS — Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · Protohaven wiki — Material Safety · MCAD Digital Lab — Laser Cutter Material Guidelines (PDF)

• Clear acrylic on a diode laser

  Plastic

  Caution

  Cut: No · Engrave: Not stated

  Safety is not the issue here, capability is: the blue diode beam passes through clear acrylic, so it will not cut it. Only dark or opaque acrylic can be processed by diode lasers.

  Also known as: transparent acrylic, diode laser acrylic, blue laser acrylic

  Sources: LightBurn forum — Acrylic cutting and engraving

• Mirrored acrylic and reflective surfaces

  Other

  Caution

  Cut: No · Engrave: No

  Mirrored surfaces reflect the beam and cut poorly. One lab only processes mirrored acrylic with the mirror side facing away from the laser, after a staff check.

  Also known as: mirror acrylic, mirrored surface, reflective material

  Sources: MCAD Digital Lab — Laser Cutter Material Guidelines (PDF) · UT Austin SoA Digital Tech — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials

• Fiberglass / epoxy composites

  Composite

  Avoid

  Cut: No · Engrave: No

  The epoxy or polyester resin binder produces toxic fumes and the glass fibre does not cut; the resin can contain compounds unsafe for laser cutting.

  Also known as: FRP, glass fibre, G10, FR4, fibreglass

  Sources: University of Florida EHS — Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · Emory TechLab — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · UT Austin SoA Digital Tech — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials · MCAD Digital Lab — Laser Cutter Material Guidelines (PDF) · StyleCNC — Materials you cannot laser cut · Fizzpop Makerspace wiki — Laser Cutting Materials

• Carbon fiber (and coated carbon fiber)

  Composite

  Avoid

  Cut: No · Engrave: No

  The resin emits toxic fumes, can burn and damages equipment; the fibre itself cuts poorly.

  Also known as: carbon fibre, CFRP, coated carbon fiber

  Sources: Emory TechLab — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · UT Austin SoA Digital Tech — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials · MCAD Digital Lab — Laser Cutter Material Guidelines (PDF) · Fizzpop Makerspace wiki — Laser Cutting Materials

• Epoxy and phenolic resins

  Composite

  Avoid

  Cut: No · Engrave: No

  Emit toxic fumes when lasered and can burn.

  Also known as: epoxy, phenolic, Bakelite, ecoresin, resin sheet

  Sources: MCAD Digital Lab — Laser Cutter Material Guidelines (PDF) · UT Austin SoA Digital Tech — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials · Emory TechLab — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials (PDF)

• Materials marked flame-retardant

  Other

  Avoid

  Cut: No · Engrave: No

  Often contain bromine or other halogens, which create harmful fumes.

  Also known as: FR, flame retardant, fire retardant

  Sources: Emory TechLab — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · Fizzpop Makerspace wiki — Laser Cutting Materials

• Self-adhesive / sticky-backed materials

  Other

  Avoid

  Cut: No · Engrave: No

  Many adhesives, some chlorine-containing, create harmful fumes and can damage optics.

  Also known as: adhesive sheet, glued materials, sticker sheet, self-adhesive cork tile

  Sources: Emory TechLab — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · UT Austin SoA Digital Tech — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials

• Unidentified plastics and composites

  Plastic

  Avoid

  Cut: No · Engrave: No

  If you cannot identify the material, assume it can be any of the hazardous ones above. Mystery faux leather, foam and film are frequently PVC.

  Identify it first via label, supplier SDS or recycling code.

  Also known as: mystery plastic, unknown material, unlabelled plastic

  Sources: University of Florida EHS — Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · MCAD Digital Lab — Laser Cutter Material Guidelines (PDF) · Fizzpop Makerspace wiki — Laser Cutting Materials · StyleCNC — Materials you cannot laser cut

• MDF / HDF

  Wood

  Caution

  Cut: Yes · Engrave: Yes

  Sources disagree. Several labs allow it with extraction running, others prohibit it: the glue binder can release formaldehyde (a carcinogen) and it chars heavily and leaves heavy smoke and residue.

  Also known as: medium-density fibreboard, fibreboard, hardboard

  Sources: Fizzpop Makerspace wiki — Laser Cutting Materials · University of Florida EHS — Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · MCAD Digital Lab — Laser Cutter Material Guidelines (PDF) · UT Austin SoA Digital Tech — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials · Emory TechLab — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials (PDF)

• Plywood

  Wood

  Caution

  Cut: Yes · Engrave: Yes

  Laser-grade plywood is widely accepted, but ordinary plywood glues may contain formaldehyde or other unsuitable adhesives and char heavily.

  Also known as: birch ply, poplar ply, laser ply, engineered wood

  Sources: Fizzpop Makerspace wiki — Laser Cutting Materials · University of Florida EHS — Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · UT Austin SoA Digital Tech — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials · Emory TechLab — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials (PDF)

• Solid hardwood

  Wood

  Generally OK

  Cut: Yes · Engrave: Yes

  Generally accepted, but always watch for flare-ups and use extraction. Safety varies by species.

  Also known as: wood, maple, alder, cherry, walnut, basswood

  Sources: Fizzpop Makerspace wiki — Laser Cutting Materials · University of Florida EHS — Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · MCAD Digital Lab — Laser Cutter Material Guidelines (PDF)

• Resinous, oily and coniferous wood

  Wood

  Caution

  Cut: Yes · Engrave: Yes

  Higher resin content makes these woods more susceptible to fire and gives inconsistent results; some labs prohibit them.

  Also known as: pine, spruce, cedar, teak, exotic wood, oily wood

  Sources: University of Florida EHS — Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · Emory TechLab — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · UT Austin SoA Digital Tech — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials

• Cork

  Other

  Generally OK

  Cut: Yes · Engrave: Yes

  Cuts well and is not very combustible. Self-adhesive cork tiles are a different matter because of the adhesive.

  Also known as: cork sheet, cork board

  Sources: University of Florida EHS — Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · Fizzpop Makerspace wiki — Laser Cutting Materials

• Paper, card stock, matboard, chipboard

  Paper

  Generally OK

  Cut: Yes · Engrave: Yes

  Cuts well but should be watched for fires.

  Also known as: paper, cardstock, card, matboard, chipboard

  Sources: University of Florida EHS — Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · Fizzpop Makerspace wiki — Laser Cutting Materials · MCAD Digital Lab — Laser Cutter Material Guidelines (PDF)

• Corrugated cardboard

  Paper

  Caution

  Cut: Yes · Engrave: Not stated

  Sources disagree. Some list cardboard as safe, while others warn that air gaps in the corrugation can cause fires. Never leave it unattended.

  Also known as: cardboard, corrugated board, box board

  Sources: Fizzpop Makerspace wiki — Laser Cutting Materials · University of Florida EHS — Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · MCAD Digital Lab — Laser Cutter Material Guidelines (PDF)

• Vegetable-tanned leather

  Textile and leather

  Generally OK

  Cut: Yes · Engrave: Yes

  Natural-tanned leather is accepted. Natural dyes are best.

  Also known as: natural leather, veg-tan, vegetable tanned

  Sources: Fizzpop Makerspace wiki — Laser Cutting Materials · MCAD Digital Lab — Laser Cutter Material Guidelines (PDF) · StyleCNC — Materials you cannot laser cut

• Chrome-tanned leather

  Textile and leather

  Avoid

  Cut: No · Engrave: No

  Tanning and dyeing contain chromium; burning it can release harmful, carcinogenic chromium compounds. Most colourful leathers fall in this group.

  Also known as: chromium tanned leather, coloured leather, dyed leather

  Sources: Emory TechLab — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · StyleCNC — Materials you cannot laser cut

• Felt and fleece

  Textile and leather

  Caution

  Cut: Yes · Engrave: Not stated

  Sources disagree. One lab lists felt and fleece as prohibited because of cyanide risk, another accepts felt. Synthetic felt and fleece are the main concern.

  Also known as: wool felt, fleece, synthetic felt

  Sources: UT Austin SoA Digital Tech — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials · MCAD Digital Lab — Laser Cutter Material Guidelines (PDF)

• Cotton and natural fabric

  Textile and leather

  Generally OK

  Cut: Yes · Engrave: Yes

  Natural materials work best, but cotton is a fire hazard and needs close supervision.

  Also known as: linen, canvas, natural fibre, natural fabric

  Sources: MCAD Digital Lab — Laser Cutter Material Guidelines (PDF) · Protohaven wiki — Material Safety · University of Florida EHS — Laser Cutter Materials (PDF)

• Synthetic fabric

  Textile and leather

  Caution

  Cut: Yes · Engrave: Not stated

  Sources disagree by fibre. One list prohibits several (cyanide or formaldehyde risk), while another accepts polyester cloth. Synthetics tend to melt, and coated or other synthetic cloths must not contain hazardous materials.

  Also known as: acetate, rayon, viscose, spandex, cellophane, polyester, Tyvek, coated fabric

  Sources: University of Florida EHS — Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · UT Austin SoA Digital Tech — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials · MCAD Digital Lab — Laser Cutter Material Guidelines (PDF)

• Neoprene

  Rubber and foam

  Avoid

  Cut: No · Engrave: No

  A halogen-containing material (chlorine) that releases toxic and corrosive gases.

  Also known as: chloroprene, wetsuit rubber

  Sources: University of Florida EHS — Laser Cutter Materials (PDF)

• Laser-safe rubber

  Rubber and foam

  Generally OK

  Cut: Yes · Engrave: Yes

  Accepted only when sold specifically as laser-safe.

  Also known as: rubber stamp sheet, laserable rubber

  Sources: Fizzpop Makerspace wiki — Laser Cutting Materials · MCAD Digital Lab — Laser Cutter Material Guidelines (PDF) · Emory TechLab — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials (PDF)

• Other rubber and elastomers

  Rubber and foam

  Avoid

  Cut: No · Engrave: No

  Some rubbers create hazardous gases such as carbonyl fluoride and hydrogen fluoride. Use rubber sold as laser-safe instead.

  Also known as: rubber, silicone rubber, elastomer, EPDM

  Sources: Emory TechLab — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · UT Austin SoA Digital Tech — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials

• Linoleum printmaking blocks

  Other

  Avoid

  Cut: No · Engrave: No

  Emits toxic fumes when lasered.

  Also known as: lino block, linocut

  Sources: MCAD Digital Lab — Laser Cutter Material Guidelines (PDF)

• Glass

  Stone and glass

  Generally OK

  Cut: No · Engrave: Yes

  Engrave only. The laser frosts the surface but cannot cut glass.

  Also known as: glassware, bottle, mirror glass

  Sources: MCAD Digital Lab — Laser Cutter Material Guidelines (PDF) · Protohaven wiki — Material Safety

• Stone, slate, marble

  Stone and glass

  Generally OK

  Cut: No · Engrave: Yes

  Engrave only; cutting is not possible.

  Also known as: slate, marble, granite, quartz

  Sources: MCAD Digital Lab — Laser Cutter Material Guidelines (PDF) · Protohaven wiki — Material Safety

• Ceramic tile

  Stone and glass

  Generally OK

  Cut: No · Engrave: Yes

  Engrave-only material; the laser lightly etches the surface.

  Also known as: tile, porcelain tile

  Sources: Protohaven wiki — Material Safety

• Anodized or painted metal

  Metal

  Caution

  Cut: No · Engrave: Yes

  A CO2 laser can mark certain coated metals but cannot cut metal, and reflections can damage optics. Follow your machine manual and local rules.

  Also known as: anodized aluminum, anodised aluminium, painted metal, coated metal

  Sources: Protohaven wiki — Material Safety · UT Austin SoA Digital Tech — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials · Emory TechLab — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials (PDF)

• Bare metal (aluminium, steel, copper, brass)

  Metal

  Avoid

  Cut: No · Engrave: No

  A CO2 laser cannot cut metal, and bare reflective metal can bounce the beam and damage the laser or its optics. Marking compounds are machine-specific; check your manual.

  Also known as: aluminum, stainless steel, steel, copper, brass, titanium

  Sources: UT Austin SoA Digital Tech — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials · Emory TechLab — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · Protohaven wiki — Material Safety

• Corian / solid-surface

  Composite

  Caution

  Cut: Yes · Engrave: Yes

  Only one source in our review lists it as approved for cutting and engraving; check the manufacturer's SDS before use.

  Also known as: solid surface, acrylic stone

  Sources: Protohaven wiki — Material Safety

• Mylar / PET film

  Plastic

  Caution

  Cut: Yes · Engrave: Not stated

  Sources disagree: one makerspace approves Mylar and PET sheet, while others list PET/PETG as prohibited. Confirm the exact film with its SDS.

  Also known as: polyester film, PET, stencil film, Mylar

  Sources: Protohaven wiki — Material Safety · Fizzpop Makerspace wiki — Laser Cutting Materials

• Painted, varnished or coated materials

  Other

  Caution

  Cut: Not stated · Engrave: Not stated

  The finish chemistry must be verified as laser-safe; paints, glues and laminates can add hazardous fumes.

  Also known as: lacquered, finished wood, painted wood, laminate

  Sources: Fizzpop Makerspace wiki — Laser Cutting Materials · UT Austin SoA Digital Tech — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials

• Food

  Other

  Avoid

  Cut: No · Engrave: No

  Can burn or melt and contaminate the machine; consumables should not be processed in a laser used for other materials.

  Also known as: edible, chocolate, bread

  Sources: UT Austin SoA Digital Tech — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials · University of Florida EHS — Laser Cutter Materials (PDF) · Emory TechLab — Prohibited Laser Cutter Materials (PDF)