What Can A CO₂ Laser Cutting Machine Cut?

Materials, Thickness & Applications

As demand for precision, efficiency, and customization continues to grow, CO₂ laser engraving and cutting machines have become an essential tool for non-metal material processing.
But one common question customers ask is:

What materials can a CO₂ laser cut, and how thick can it handle?

In this article, we’ll clearly explain the materials, typical cutting thickness, and main applications of CO₂ laser cutting machines—helping you decide whether this solution is right for your production needs.

What Materials Can a CO₂ Laser Cutting Machine Process?

CO₂ laser machines are specially designed for non-metal materials, offering clean edges, fine details, and stable performance.

✔ Wood & Plywood

• Solid wood, plywood, MDF, balsa

• Smooth cutting edges with minimal charring

• Widely used in furniture, crafts, and decoration

✔ Acrylic (PMMA)

• Clear and frosted acrylic

• Polished, flame-like edges after cutting

• Ideal for signage, displays, and light boxes

✔ Paper & Cardboard

• Paper, cardboard, kraft paper, packaging paper

• High-speed cutting with extreme precision

• Perfect for packaging, labels, and paper products

✔ Leather & Fabric

• Genuine leather, PU leather, textile fabrics

• No tool wear, flexible pattern cutting

• Used in fashion, shoes, bags, and upholstery

✔ Rubber & Foam

• Rubber sheets, EVA foam, sponge materials

• Accurate cutting for seals, gaskets, and inserts

Typical Cutting Thickness Reference

Cutting thickness depends on laser power, material type, and machine configuration.
Below is a general reference for CO₂ laser cutting:

• Paper / Cardboard: High-speed cutting, very thin materials

• Wood / Plywood:

• 3–5 mm → Fast and clean cutting

• 10–15 mm → Stable cutting with proper settings

• Acrylic:

• 3–10 mm → Smooth, high-quality edges

• Leather & Fabric: Single or multi-layer cutting possible

Tip: For thicker materials or higher productivity, higher laser power and stable machine structure are recommended.

Main Industries Using CO₂ Laser Cutting Machines

CO₂ laser machines are widely used across multiple industries:

Advertising & Signage

• Acrylic letters, logos, display boards

• High precision and design flexibility

Woodworking & Furniture

• Decorative panels, furniture components

• Custom designs and repeatable accuracy

Packaging & Paper Products

• Packaging boxes, gift boxes, prototypes

• Ideal for short runs and customized packaging

Gifts & Crafts

• Personalized items, souvenirs, awards

• High value-added customization

Education & Maker Spaces

• Prototyping, model making, creative projects

• Easy operation and versatile applications

Why Choose a CO₂ Laser Cutting Machine?

Compared with traditional cutting methods, CO₂ laser cutting offers clear advantages:

• Clean, precise edges without physical contact

• No tool wear, reducing maintenance costs

• Flexible design changes, no molds required

• Low operating cost for non-metal materials

• Perfect for engraving and cutting in one machine

These benefits make CO₂ laser machines an ideal choice for both small workshops and industrial production.

Is a CO₂ Laser Cutting Machine Right for Your Application?

If you are working with wood, acrylic, paper, leather, or other non-metal materials, a CO₂ laser cutting machine can significantly improve your efficiency and product quality.

Not sure which model or laser power you need?
Tell us:

• Material type

• Thickness

• Working size

• Daily production volume

Our team will recommend the most suitable CO₂ laser solution for your application.

Contact us today to get a professional recommendation and quotation.