Laser Cutting Materials

Introduction

A neatly stacked pile of plywood and MDF sheets in various thicknesses is arranged on a wooden workbench. The smooth surfaces and uniform sizes suggest the materials are prepared for laser cutting or woodworking projects. The sheets are organized in a way that reflects a well-maintained, functional workshop environment, ready for creative production.

Laser cutting opens up a world of creative possibilities, and choosing the suitable material is critical to achieving the best results. This page discusses materials that I’ve found ideal for cutting, scoring, and engraving. Each section provides insights into each material type’s characteristics, benefits, and considerations. I’ve included tips about how to prepare, treat, and finish projects. Also included are comments about safety and where to source materials.

Materials to cut, score or engrave

Plywood

This image shows a close-up of neatly stacked plywood sheets. Each sheet displays thin layers of wood bonded together, highlighting the smooth grain and precise craftsmanship. The edges reveal the layered structure, characteristic of plywood. The background is softly blurred, drawing focus to the wood sheets. Perfect for laser cutting, these plywood sheets are typically used for crafting, DIY projects, or precise laser-engraving tasks due to their even texture and durable yet flexible nature.

Plywood is a composite material created by layering thin sheets of wood veneer, known as “plies,” bonded together with adhesive. Each layer is glued at a right angle to the adjacent one, enhancing its strength and durability. Plywood belongs to the family of manufactured boards, including medium-density fibreboard (MDF), oriented strand board (OSB), and particle board (chipboard).

When cutting plywood, it’s essential to be aware that the process generates smoke and fumes. To ensure a safe and efficient workspace:

  • Ventilation: Always operate in a well-ventilated area to disperse smoke and fumes.
  • Air Assist: Utilise the air assist feature if your laser cutter includes one. This function directs a stream of air at the cutting point, which helps to:
    • Minimize flare-ups
    • Clear away debris
    • Achieve cleaner cuts

Where to buy

  • Bunnings – purchase the Plywood Pine Premium BC Grade (However, their plywood is not laser friendly and will produce toxic fumes)
  • Plyco – for formaldehyde-free laser cutting plywoods

Medium-density fibreboard (MDF)

give me a great description for people who are blind that I can use on website as the alternative description

Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF) is an engineered wood product, crafted by breaking down hardwood or softwood residues into fine wood fibers. These fibers are mixed with wax and a resin binder, then formed into panels through the application of high temperature and pressure. It cuts cleanly, making it ideal for precise laser cutting projects.

Not all MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) is suitable or safe for laser cutting due to the potential release of toxic fumes. When exposed to the high temperatures of a laser beam, this resin vaporizes, releasing harmful formaldehyde fumes.

To minimize health risks associated with laser cutting MDF, follow these guidelines:

  1. Use Laser-Safe MDF: Purchase MDF specifically designed for laser cutting and engraving to ensure it is safer to use.
  2. Ensure Proper Ventilation: Always laser cut MDF in a well-ventilated area. A proper extraction system is essential to remove toxic fumes from the cutting area.
  3. Wear Protective Gear: Protect yourself by wearing appropriate safety gear, including goggles, gloves, and a respirator mask.

Where to buy

  • Bunnings – purchase the standard MDF (However, their MDF is not recommended for laser cutting)
  • Trotet – Purchase their laser-safe MDF

Acrylic

A photograph of an orange acrylic sheet standing upright on a flat surface. The material has a smooth, glossy finish and is semi-transparent with a rich amber hue. The sheet's edges are sharply defined, and the light reflects softly off its surface, giving it a slightly reflective sheen. The acrylic is displayed against a neutral background, highlighting its vivid color and polished texture.

Acrylic provides great precision and smoothness to projects. The material is classified into two types based on their manufacturing process: Cast Acrylic and Extruded Acrylic.

  • Cast Acrylic: Produced by pouring molten acrylic into molds, cast acrylic is defined by the shape, size, and thickness of these molds.
  • Extruded Acrylic: Created through a mechanical pressing process, extruded acrylic is rolled to achieve the desired thickness.

Both cast and extruded acrylic can be effectively laser cut. When it comes to laser engraving, cast acrylic is highly recommended due to its ability to produce sharper and higher-quality engravings.

Where to buy

  • JYCA Plastics – is a retailer with reasonable prices (my local acrylic supplier asked 2-3 times the price!). JYCA have a wide range too and good shipping prices.

Black Slate Coasters

This image shows a stack of four square-shaped, natural black slate coasters with rough, uneven edges. The coasters have a dark, textured stone surface, adding a rustic and natural touch. The coasters are stacked slightly offset, revealing their thickness and texture. These slate coasters are suitable for use in protecting surfaces from heat or water damage. Their solid black color and raw edges give them an organic and handcrafted appearance.

The black slate coasters have a rough, natural texture along the edges, giving them a rustic yet elegant appearance. The flat front side of these coasters provides an ideal surface for laser engraving, allowing for custom designs or text to be etched onto them. These coasters protect surfaces while adding a personalised touch to any home or office décor.

Where to buy

  • Temu – select the range that best suits your needs and budget

Bamboo Magnetic Bottle Opener

This image shows a person holding a small, round bamboo bottle opener, part of a box filled with similar items. The bottle opener has a smooth wooden finish, with an embedded metal component for opening bottles. The items are wrapped in clear plastic packaging, indicating they are either new or prepared for shipping or sale. The bamboo's natural texture is visible, giving the openers an eco-friendly and modern appeal.

The bamboo magnetic bottle opener is perfect for quickly opening drinks from the fridge. It features a sturdy metal opener on the back and a magnetic element for attaching to metal surfaces, such as a fridge. The front side is a smooth bamboo surface, ideal for laser engraving personalised designs, making it a great combination of functionality and customisable style. Be aware that engraving bamboo produces more smoke than other woods.

Where to buy

  • Temu – select the range that best suits your needs and budget

Wooden key chains

This image shows eight wooden keychains, neatly arranged in two rows of four. Each keychain is oval-shaped and made from smooth, light-colored wood. A silver metal ring is attached to each keychain, ready for keys to be added. The keychains appear uniform in size and style, stacked in groups on the side. The natural grain of the wood is visible, highlighting the simplicity and elegance of these customizable items.

Wooden key chains are natural, durable accessories for holding keys or decorating bags. The smooth surface is perfect for laser engraving names, logos, or designs, allowing for personalisation.

Where to buy

  • Temu – select the range that best suits your needs and budget

Wooden key chains with bottle opener

This image showcases a compact bamboo keychain bottle opener, with two of them placed on a dark surface alongside a bottle of beer. The keychain features a rectangular bamboo base with rounded edges, holding a sturdy metal bottle opener embedded in the middle. The keychains are attached to small metal rings, making them practical for easy carrying. The natural bamboo grain gives the opener a sleek, eco-friendly look, suitable for personal use or gifting.

Wooden key chains with a built-in bottle opener are a practical and stylish accessory. They feature a smooth surface that is ideal for laser engraving custom designs or logos. The integrated metal bottle opener adds functionality, making it perfect for everyday use.

Where to buy

  • Temu – select the range that best suits your needs and budget

Materials used to complete laser cut items

Spray paint

The image shows three plastic bins, each containing an assortment of spray paint cans. The cans are organized by color, with various vibrant shades including pink, green, yellow, orange, purple, blue, and more. Some cans have white or clear caps labeled as water-based spray. The bins are neatly arranged on a shelf, likely storing a collection of spray paints for different crafting, DIY, or laser-cutting projects. The paints are accessible and well-organized for easy selection.

Spray paint is an aerosol-dispensed, quick-drying paint that delivers a smooth, even coating to a variety of surfaces. It’s highly versatile for laser cutting projects, perfect for adding vibrant colors or finishing touches to wood, acrylic, or metal laser-cut designs. Its controlled spray allows you to coat intricate shapes evenly, making it ideal for items such as signs, decorative wall art, or even furniture pieces created with laser cutting. I’ve got quite a collection!

Where to buy

  • Bunnings – choose the water-based sprays
  • Paint Factory Outlet – the Boston range of water-based sprays are well priced and has a good range of colours

Paint

The image shows three clear plastic bins, each filled with small jars of paint. The jars have white or dark blue lids and are labeled with numbers. The bins are organized and labeled with hand-written notes, such as “1 to 11,” “12 to 21,” and “Water Based Paint.” These containers store different colors of water-based paint, likely for use in various crafting or painting projects. The paint is neatly organized for easy access.

Paint is a liquid or semi-liquid substance that coats surfaces to provide colour, protection, and texture. In laser cutting projects, it’s ideal for adding a personalised touch to wood pieces. Paint allows for a wide range of creative expression. Acrylic, oil-based, or water-based paints are great for colouring custom laser-cut décor, signs, or artistic creations. However, water-based paints should be used if you paint the wood prior to laser cutting.

Where to buy

Wood stain

The image shows a clear plastic bin filled with small paint cans. Each can has a silver lid labeled with a specific color or wood stain type, written in black marker. The labels include "Lemon," "Maple," "Cedar," "Walnut," "Cherry Red," "Black," "Golden Oak," "Castle," and "Spanish Red." These are likely wood stains or paints, neatly organized for easy identification and access. The bin is used to store and categorize different finishes for wood or laser cutting projects.

Wood stain is a pigmented solution that enhances the natural grain of wood while adding color and protection. It’s an excellent choice for laser-cut wood projects, such as puzzles, furniture, or wall art. Stain allows the texture of the wood to remain visible while giving it a rich, deep hue.

Where to buy

  • Bunnings – select the water based interior stains. My preference is for the Cabot range of stains

Wood dye

The image shows a clear plastic bin containing several bottles with red and white checkered lids, each labeled with a color written in black marker: "Green," "Orange," "Blue," "Red," and "Yellow." These appear to be containers of dye or pigment used for coloring materials. In the back of the bin, there are smaller bottles with black caps, likely holding additional dye or liquid pigment. The bin is organized for easy access, making it convenient to select the desired color for crafting or laser-cutting projects.

Wood dye is a liquid colourant penetrating deep into wood fibres, creating an even and vibrant colour without masking the grain. This makes it perfect for laser cutting projects, where preserving the wood’s natural look is essential.

Where to buy

  • Timbecon – the seven pack of wood dyes are fantastic. I diluted the product into preserving jars

Clear acrylic gloss spray

The image shows a can of "White Knight Crystal Clear Acrylic Gloss Spray." The can is cylindrical with a white base and a transparent cap. The label prominently displays the brand name "White Knight" and the product description, "Crystal Clear Acrylic." The spray is designed to provide a non-yellowing, high-gloss finish to surfaces, protecting and sealing projects with a shiny, durable coat. It is often used for finishing laser-cut items, giving them a polished, professional appearance.

Clear acrylic gloss spray is a protective, high-shine coating that seals and protects surfaces while adding a sleek finish. It’s beneficial in laser cutting projects and can be applied to wood, acrylic, or metal creations. This spray offers a durable, glossy finish while protecting your project from wear, moisture, and UV damage.

Where to buy

  • Bunnings – The White Knight 310g Crystal Clear Acrylic Clear Gloss is a good choice

Glue

The image shows a clear plastic container filled with various types of glue and adhesive products. Some of the recognizable brands include Gorilla Wood Glue, Gorilla Super Glue, and JB Weld SuperWeld. There are also tubes of E6000 glue and other adhesives like Sealant and B-7000 multipurpose adhesive. The container holds a mix of different glue types, from liquid and gel glues to larger tubes for industrial or crafting use. These adhesives are often used for bonding materials like wood, metal, plastic, and fabric in various DIY and repair projects.

Glue is an adhesive that permanently bonds materials like wood, paper, fabric, and acrylic. In laser cutting projects, glue is crucial for assembling multiple components or attaching more minor details. Whether building layered designs, constructing 3D puzzles, or securing decorative embellishments, a strong adhesive ensures that your laser-cut creations hold together effectively.

Where to buy

  • wood glue
    • Bunnings – Selleys 250mL Aquadhere PVA Wood Glue Interior Adhesive
    • Bunnings – Gorilla 236ml Wood Glue
    • Amazon – Gorilla 532ml/18oz Wood Glue
  • acrylic glue
    • Bunnings – Mandala Art Clear Acrylic Craft Mosaic Glue
    • Amazon – B-7000 Glue Clear Acrylic Glue

Borax

The image shows a white plastic container of Borax with a bright green label. The container is topped with a red lid, and the label features the word "Borax" prominently in bold letters, along with text highlighting its uses, such as removing stains, neutralizing odors, and acting as a multi-purpose cleaner. The design includes green rays emanating from the brand name, adding a dynamic touch, and small icons at the bottom indicating eco-friendly features.

Borax is a natural mineral powder that can be a useful aid in laser cutting and engraving projects. When applied to wood before engraving, it helps darken the images, creating a richer and more pronounced finish.

Where to buy

  • Bunnings – Glitz 1kg Borax Multi-Purpose Cleaner

Clock mechanisms

A set of six clock mechanisms, each accompanied by various clock hands in different designs and colors. The mechanisms are black with a gold knob and a white attachment for hanging. The clock hands come in a mix of styles, including classic and modern designs, with colors like black, white, red, and gold. The set also includes washers, nuts, and other small components to secure the hands and mechanisms, making it easy to assemble custom clocks.

Clock mechanisms consist of the internal parts – hands, motors, and gears – needed to assemble and power custom-made clocks.You can laser cut clock faces from wood or acrylic and then attach these mechanisms to bring your creative clock designs to life, adding a practical and stylish element to wall décor or gift items.

Where to buy

  • Temu – select the range that best suits your needs and budget

Tassels

A collection of 120 colorful tassels arranged in a grid pattern. The tassels come in a wide variety of colors, including shades of red, pink, purple, blue, green, brown, and neutral tones. Each tassel features a looped string at the top for easy attachment to keychains, bookmarks, crafts, or decorative items. The assortment allows for versatility in craft projects, adding a touch of color and flair to various designs.

Tassels are decorative embellishments featuring fringed or threaded designs, often used to enhance the look of curtains, pillows, or accessories. In laser cutting projects, tassels can be added to custom-made items such as bookmarks.

Where to buy

  • Temu – select the range that best suits your needs and budget

Need help?

Please leave a comment or question

Leave a Comment

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
LinkedIn
Share