The Top 10 Materials for Laser Cutting

Are you a designer or maker who regularly uses a laser cutter? Maybe you have a laser cutting service or an educational institution where these devices are used? Anyone who has ever done laser cutting knows the frustrations: poor quality materials that are difficult or impossible to cut, only available in large quantities, and high delivery costs..
 
It all starts with the best material. Not every sheet material can be laser cut and engraved. The glue in plywood and MDF does not always react well to the laser cutter. A knot in the sheet and you have to start all over again. This regularly leads to frustrations, and it is not necessary.
 
At Lasersheets, we know which sheet materials can be laser cut well and which are most commonly used. We have 12 years of experience as a laser cutting service (with our sister company Snijlab) and are happy to share our knowledge and insights with everyone who engraves and cuts with a laser machine.
 
Do you work in a Makerspace, Fablab, or a school? Then these might be materials you want to have in stock. Each target group is different, so make your own selection as well. To give you a quick start, we share our 10 successful materials for laser cutting here.

The best materials for laser cutting and engraving

These 10 sheet materials for laser cutting and engraving all have different characteristics, making them suitable for different purposes. Some are soft and flexible, others are sturdy and modern, and others are natural and stylish. 

Read more about our 10 top products of the moment.

1. Birch plywood

Birch plywood is an excellent wood for the laser cutter. It is a hard, strong wood type, with a beautifully subtle visible grain. The typically atmospheric and natural appearance of this material is very recognizable. Therefore, it is widely used.

When birch plywood is assembled, multiple layers are glued crosswise. Also handy to know is that the sheets are stiffer along the main grain direction. Our birch plywood is virtually knot-free, to minimize problems during processing.

It is important to be sure that the glue used is suitable for laser cutting. The variants you find in the hardware store usually are not. You notice this because your laser has difficulty cutting through and leaves charred edges. 

Our birch plywood is specially made for use in laser cutters, with the right glue. This makes it quick to laser cut with beautiful golden brown edges that do not rub off. The wood comes from sustainably managed forests in Scandinavia. The most commonly used thicknesses, 3mm and 6mm, are even FSC® certified.

2. MDF

Also MDF is a favorite material among many laser cutters. It consists of pressed and glued wood fibers and not different layers, as is the case with plywood. The advantage of MDF in laser cutting is that it is homogeneous, which means that the material is equally thick and hard everywhere. This makes it a predictable and pleasant material to work with when you are going to laser cut it.

Another plus of MDF is the low price. It is widely used for prototypes and objects that still need to be finished. Also check out our MDF sheets for laser cutting that already have a finish, for example with a veneered oak top layer.

The MDF sheets with a thickness of 3, 4, 6, and 9 millimeters from our range are also FSC® certified. We always look for the most sustainable option wherever possible. For model building, or laser cutters with lower power, we also have 1mm thick MDF and 2mm thick MDF. Of course, all our MDF can be used without any problem in the laser cutter and is made with the right glue.

3. Matte acrylic

Acrylic is a versatile plastic that can be supplied in all kinds of colors and finishes. Especially matte acrylic is very popular with us, due to its modern and stylish appearance. The beauty of acrylic is that it is UV-resistant and colorfast. So you don't have to worry about discoloration, even if you use it outdoors.

With our matte acrylic, you can laser cut anything from facade signs to models to hobby projects. Finishing is not necessary.

4. PE hard foam

Our foam types can also be processed in the laser cutter. PE hard foam is slightly harder than an average mattress. For this reason, it is widely used as the interior of cases and toolboxes, but also for logos and layered sculptures. Also handy to know: PE hard foam is waterproof and resistant to chemicals. Therefore, it is a good choice for use in workshops.

sheets of PE hard foam are available in different thicknesses and sizes. By cutting certain shapes into it, you create a safe storage place for your tools, musical instruments, or other fragile items. And if you want, you can engrave text or a logo next to it.

5. Crystal clear acrylic

Crystal clear acrylic , unlike our matte acrylic previously discussed, allows light and visibility through. Clear acrylic is also UV-resistant and colorfast. Outdoor use is therefore not a problem. It is also a relatively stiff material, making it versatile and widely applicable. 

Because you can see through clear acrylic and because it is weather-resistant, it is often ordered from us for facade advertising, logos, and front panels. Use it also instead of glass, for example in your children's playhouse, for a safer choice.

6. PP (Polypropylene)

Unlike the rigid acrylic, PP is very flexible. It is supplied as a thin plastic film. It is unique because it can be folded. The surface has a light texture. You have undoubtedly come into contact with this material, as it is used for file folders and protective covers, for example.

We offer PP in various colors and despite its flexibility, it is also quite tough and scratch-resistant. By cutting it to size with the laser cutter and engraving fold lines, you can make a foldable box or lampshade yourself.

7. Bamboo

Bamboo is a fast-growing and therefore sustainable wood for the laser cutter. These bamboo sheets are solid, unlike plywood. They are made by gluing strips of bamboo together. If you bend it along the grain, you will notice how stiff and tough the material is. But be careful, across the grain it is also sensitive to fractures.

Even though bamboo is not the easiest material to work with, it is a sustainable material with a unique and warm appearance. Use it, for example, for making enclosures or as front panels for your kitchen cabinets.

8. Black MDF

You have already read about our uncolored MDF, but did you know that there are also MDF sheets that are pre-colored? In this case, it is black MDF and finishing is no longer necessary. The advantage is that our sheets are tinted throughout and have not just received a top layer. This makes scratches and other damages much less visible. Of course, like standard MDF, it is also homogeneous and easy to use.

Black MDF is somewhat stronger and significantly heavier than standard MDF. Both sides look the same. It is colorfast but not waterproof. So, give it a coat of varnish first if you want to use it outdoors. Our black MDF can be applied in various fields, from hobby to professional, and is available in multiple thicknesses.

9. Acrylic Gold Mirror

Check out our acrylic with a gold mirror and you can clearly see how versatile this plastic is. In this version, it resembles a standard mirror with a beautiful golden sheen. These mirrors have no ripples and perfectly reflect the image. You can laser cut them into various shapes, which can result in a stunning effect.

Cut this acrylic with gold mirror into the right shape and you create much more than just a unique mirror. It is also ideal for displays and billboards, lamps, and other lighting. And because it is acrylic, you can also use it outdoors without any problems.

10. Poplar Plywood

We conclude the list of our 10 best materials for laser cutting with poplar plywood. You can immediately recognize this wood for the laser cutter by its light color and low weight. Poplar is a soft wood type and therefore less strong and stiff than birch plywood.

The advantage of the lower weight is that the sheets can be supplied in higher thicknesses. It is widely used in model building. Do you want to use it outdoors, for example, as a signboard? Then make sure to finish it well and make it weather-resistant first.

The ideal materials for your laser cutter

What is the ideal material for your next laser cutting project? We always recommend choosing quality. Then you can be sure that you can cut it safely, that you won't encounter knots, and that the seams and edges come out of your laser cutter neat and undamaged.

If you order from us, you will always receive materials that are perfect for laser cutting. After all, that is our specialty! We accept all orders, both in small quantities and in bulk, we deliver by mail, and all our materials are of high quality. 

Everyone with a laser cutter can come to us, so take a look at our extensive webshop or contact us for further advice.