# What Materials Can a Laser Cut? Diode, CO2 and Fiber > Which materials a blue diode, CO2, fiber or UV laser can cut or engrave: wood, acrylic, leather, glass, slate and metal, plus the plastics you must never… - Source: https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/what-materials-can-a-laser-cut/ - Markdown version: https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/what-materials-can-a-laser-cut.md - Last updated: 2026-10-30 --- - [Home](https://laserengraversguide.com/) - [Guides](https://laserengraversguide.com/guides/) - What Materials Can a Laser Cut or Engrave? Diode vs. CO2 vs. Fiber Materials # What Materials Can a Laser Cut or Engrave? Diode vs. CO2 vs. Fiber Updated October 30, 2026 By [Laser Engravers Guide Editorial Team](https://laserengraversguide.com/about/) [How we research](https://laserengraversguide.com/how-we-research/) Prices are approximate and change often, so check the current price before you buy. ## Key takeaways - The laser's **wavelength** decides what it can process. Power only decides how thick and how fast. - Blue diodes cut wood, leather, cork, card and dark opaque acrylic, but not clear or blue acrylic, and they need a coating to mark glass. - CO2 cuts every color of acrylic, including clear, and frosts glass. Neither CO2 nor diode marks bare aluminum, brass, silver or gold. - Fiber is the bare-metal tool, and it's poor at wood. Coated tumblers, anodized aluminum and slate engrave on every type. - Never laser PVC, vinyl, faux leather, polycarbonate, ABS, HDPE, foam or fiberglass. ## Our top picks - 1![Creality Falcon A1 Pro 20W](https://laserengraversguide.com/_astro/creality-falcon-a1-pro-20w.uHe_1xlH_oxTpc.webp)Wood, leather, dark acrylic: enclosed blue diode[Creality Falcon A1 Pro 20W](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/creality-falcon-a1-pro-20w/)20 W diode · Enclosed · 358 × 268 mm8.2**$$**$$Mid-rangePrice tier: Mid-range[Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDFFN85C?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) - 2![xTool P2S 55W Desktop CO2 Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/_astro/xtool-p2s.Pf-kujUy_ZUoQPB.webp)Clear acrylic and glass: CO2[xTool P2S 55W Desktop CO2 Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-p2s/)55 W co2 · Enclosed · 600 × 305 mm8.7**$$$**$PremiumPrice tier: Premium[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDXQYH36?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) - 3![xTool F2 Portable Dual Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/_astro/xtool-f2.CKt7NejJ_ZI8dC9.webp)Bare metal tags plus wood and leather: diode + IR[xTool F2 Portable Dual Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-f2/)15 W dual laser · Galvo (portable) · 115 × 115 mm8.1**$$**$$Mid-rangePrice tier: Mid-range[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G1LDYYC3?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) ### On this page 10 sections - [How to read this](#how-to-read-this) - [Wood and paper](#wood-and-paper) - [Plastics](#plastics) - [Natural materials and textiles](#natural-materials-and-textiles) - [Stone, glass and ceramic](#stone-glass-and-ceramic) - [Metal](#metal) - [Materials you must never laser](#materials-you-must-never-laser) - [Which laser type fits your material list](#which-laser-type-fits-your-material-list) - [Bottom line](#bottom-line) - [FAQ](#faq) ## Before you choose - [Diode vs CO2 vs Fiber Laser: Which Type Do You Actually Need?](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/diode-vs-co2-vs-fiber-laser/) - [Laser Engraver Safety: Classes, Eyewear, Fire, Fumes and Materials](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/laser-engraver-safety-guide/) - [The Best Laser Engraver for Metal in 2026: Fiber, IR and Diode Options](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-laser-engraver-for-metal/) “Can my laser cut this?” has two parts: can the light be absorbed by the material at all, and is it safe to burn? The first depends on the laser’s wavelength, not its wattage. A 40 W blue diode still can’t cut clear acrylic, because the light passes through. This guide walks through the common materials by laser type. It follows the same conservative data as our [material checker](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/), which covers typical hobby machines: 10–40 W blue diodes, 40–55 W desktop CO2, 20–60 W fiber and 3–5 W UV. Your machine’s own material library and settings come first. What each laser type can do Typical hobby machines. ✓✓ cuts and engraves · ✓ engraves or marks · ◐ only with paint or marking compound · ✕ doesn't work · ⛔ never laser it. | Material | Blue diode | CO2 | Fiber | UV | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Basswood / birch plywood | ✓✓ Cuts & engraves | ✓✓ Cuts & engraves | ✕ Doesn't work | ✓ Engraves / marks | | Clear cast acrylic | ✕ Doesn't work | ✓✓ Cuts & engraves | ✕ Doesn't work | ✓ Engraves / marks | | Black / opaque colored acrylic | ✓✓ Cuts & engraves | ✓✓ Cuts & engraves | ✓ Engraves / marks | ✓ Engraves / marks | | Genuine leather (veg-tanned) | ✓✓ Cuts & engraves | ✓✓ Cuts & engraves | ✕ Doesn't work | ✓ Engraves / marks | | Slate & dark stone | ✓ Engraves / marks | ✓ Engraves / marks | ✓ Engraves / marks | ✓ Engraves / marks | | Glass | ◐ Only with prep | ✓ Engraves / marks | ✕ Doesn't work | ✓ Engraves / marks | | Anodized aluminum | ✓ Engraves / marks | ✓ Engraves / marks | ✓ Engraves / marks | ✓ Engraves / marks | | Powder-coated & painted metal (tumblers) | ✓ Engraves / marks | ✓ Engraves / marks | ✓ Engraves / marks | ✓ Engraves / marks | | Bare stainless steel | ◐ Only with prep | ◐ Only with prep | ✓ Engraves / marks | ✓ Engraves / marks | | Bare aluminum, brass, silver & gold | ✕ Doesn't work | ✕ Doesn't work | ✓ Engraves / marks | ✓ Engraves / marks | | PVC, vinyl & faux leather | ⛔ Never — hazardous | ⛔ Never — hazardous | ⛔ Never — hazardous | ⛔ Never — hazardous | Full list with notes in the [material checker](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/). Cut thickness depends heavily on power and passes. ## How to read this - **Cuts:** cuts through, with thickness depending on power, passes and air assist. - **Engraves:** marks or engraves well, but doesn’t cut. - **Only with prep:** needs paint, tape or a marking compound to take a mark. - **Doesn’t work / never:** no useful result, or hazardous. Each material below links to its entry in the checker so you can share or bookmark it. ## Wood and paper [Basswood and birch plywood](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/?material=plywood): every type engraves; diode and CO2 cut. It’s the default laser material. A 10 W diode cuts about 3 mm in a pass or two; 20–40 W diodes and CO2 go thicker. Maker claims in our data include 8 mm basswood in one pass for the [xTool M2 10W](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-m2-10w/), 18 mm cherry in one pass for the [xTool S1 40W](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-s1-40w/), and 18 mm basswood in one pass for the [xTool P2S](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-p2s/). Cheap plywood has glue voids that leave uncut spots, so buy laser-grade sheets, like the [3 mm basswood 12-pack](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DRG9L2TD?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) (about $25). [Solid hardwood](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/?material=hardwood): engraves beautifully on every type. Dense hardwoods cut slowly on diodes; keep thickness modest and use air assist. [MDF](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/?material=mdf): cuts and engraves, with a catch. The resin binder makes heavy smoke with a strong smell. Vent it outdoors or through a proper filter. [Paper and cardboard](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/?material=paper): diode and CO2 cut fast at low power. It ignites easily, so never leave the job unattended. Fiber doesn’t work. [Cork](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/?material=cork): diode and CO2 cut thin sheets cleanly. Popular for coasters; watch for flare-ups. ## Plastics [Clear cast acrylic](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/?material=acrylic-clear): CO2 only (UV engraves). This is the single biggest reason people buy CO2. Blue diode light passes straight through, so diodes can’t cut it, while a CO2 cuts it with flame-polished edges. xTool lists transparent and mirrored materials, mostly blue materials and some extruded acrylic among the things its S1 diode isn’t suited to. Prefer cast over extruded acrylic for engraving. Our cheapest CO2 is the [OMTech K40+](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/omtech-k40-plus-45w/) at about $760–$800; the [P2S](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-p2s/) claims 20 mm acrylic in one pass. See [clear cast acrylic sheets](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BHSCPS3K?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) (about $46 for 10). [Black and opaque colored acrylic](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/?material=acrylic-dark): diodes can cut thin sheets. Dark acrylic absorbs blue light. Our checker conservatively says around 3 mm with enough power and passes; higher-power diode heads claim more (xTool rates the M2’s 20 W head at 8 mm black acrylic in one pass). Creality’s own listings disagree on whether the 10 W [Falcon A1](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/creality-falcon-a1-10w/) cuts acrylic, so treat that as unconfirmed. Blue and transparent colors still don’t work on a blue diode. [Laser-safe stamp rubber](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/?material=rubber): CO2 cuts, diode engraves. Only rubber sold as laser-safe. Neoprene and many synthetic rubbers contain chlorine; treat them like PVC. ## Natural materials and textiles [Veg-tanned leather](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/?material=leather): diode and CO2 cut and engrave. Chrome-tanned leather releases chromium compounds, and faux leather is often PVC. Never laser those. [Leatherette patch blanks](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BFDQZKPZ?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) are cheap test stock, though they’re not for fiber-only machines. [Cotton, felt and denim](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/?material=fabric): diode and CO2 cut with a sealed edge. Synthetics melt and some release toxic fumes, so check the fiber content. ## Stone, glass and ceramic [Slate and dark stone](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/?material=slate): engraves on every type. It gives a light gray mark on black, which is why [slate coasters](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CDWL9YPH?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) are a best-selling blank. Lasers don’t cut stone. [Glass](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/?material=glass): CO2 frosts it; UV marks it; diode needs prep; fiber doesn’t work. Blue diodes pass through clear glass, so you need a coating. xTool’s F2 FAQ says the same about its galvo machine: apply a black coating or anti-reflection layer first. [Glazed ceramic tile and mugs](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/?material=ceramic): prep on diode, CO2 and fiber. Most hobbyists paint the glaze first (the “tile method”) or use a marking compound. UV marks some glazes directly. ## Metal Metal is where buyers get misled most, because listings say “engraves stainless” without saying how well. [Anodized aluminum](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/?material=anodized): engraves on every type. The laser removes the dyed layer for a crisp white mark. [Black anodized business cards](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JM4YJ13?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) make good test pieces. [Powder-coated and painted metal](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/?material=coated): engraves on every type. The laser burns off the coating to reveal the metal. This is how most tumbler engraving works, and round items need a rotary. See [best laser engraver for tumblers](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-laser-engraver-for-tumblers/). [Bare stainless steel](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/?material=stainless): fiber and UV engrave; diode and CO2 need marking spray. Some makers list stainless as diode-engravable, and the M2, S1, Falcon A1 Pro, Atomstack A20 Pro V2 and Longer Ray5 can leave a mark, but it’s slow, dark and low-contrast. Fiber lasers mark and deep-engrave bare stainless, and MOPA fibers like the [xTool F2 Ultra](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-f2-ultra/) can color-mark it. The [F2](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-f2/)’s 5 W IR head also color-marks stainless, titanium and copper, per xTool. [Bare aluminum, brass, silver and gold](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/?material=bare-metal): fiber only (and UV). These reflective metals bounce diode and CO2 light. Fiber is the tool for jewelry and bare-metal work. The [ComMarker B4 20W](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/commarker-b4-20w/) is the most affordable true fiber in our data (about $1,399–$1,719, now marked clearance by ComMarker), and higher-power fibers can cut thin sheet. ## Materials you must never laser These are “never” for every laser type in our checker, and they match university lab do-not-cut lists such as the University of Illinois’s: | Material | Why | | --- | --- | | [PVC, vinyl and faux leather](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/?material=pvc) | Chlorine gas that harms lungs and corrodes the machine | | [Polycarbonate (Lexan)](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/?material=polycarbonate) | Discolors, catches fire, harmful fumes | | [ABS](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/?material=abs) | Melts; smoke includes cyanide compounds | | [HDPE](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/?material=hdpe) | Melts and catches fire | | [Polystyrene and polypropylene foam](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/?material=foam) | Catches fire fast, drips burning plastic | | [Fiberglass and coated carbon fiber](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/?material=fiberglass) | Toxic resin fumes | Some maker lists are looser than ours. If any source tells you a plastic is fine and our checker says never, don’t risk it. When you can’t identify a plastic, don’t laser it. Our [safety guide](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/laser-engraver-safety-guide/) covers fumes and fire. ## Which laser type fits your material list - **Mostly wood, leather, slate, coated tumblers and dark acrylic:** a blue diode. The [Falcon A1 Pro](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/creality-falcon-a1-pro-20w/) (about $1,099) is an enclosed 20 W example. - **Anything clear or glass:** CO2, from the [K40+](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/omtech-k40-plus-45w/) to the [P2S](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-p2s/) and [P3](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-p3/). - **Bare metal plus organics:** a dual-source machine like the [xTool F2](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G1LDYYC3?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) (about $1,219) or [F1 Ultra](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-f1-ultra/). - **Mostly bare metal:** a fiber laser. See [best laser engraver for metal](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-laser-engraver-for-metal/). Clear acrylic and bare precious metals rarely share one machine. If both matter, plan on two lasers, or read [diode vs CO2 vs fiber](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/diode-vs-co2-vs-fiber-laser/) to decide which to buy first. The [laser matcher](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/laser-matcher/) filters our lineup by the materials you tick. ## Bottom line Wavelength decides the material; power decides the thickness. Blue diodes handle most craft materials except clear acrylic, glass and bare metal; CO2 adds clear acrylic and glass; fiber owns bare metal. Coated metal, anodized aluminum and slate work on almost anything. And the never list is short but absolute. ## Don't guess. Calculate. - [🎯 Laser Matcher](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/laser-matcher/): which lasers fit your projects - [🧪 Material Checker](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/): what each laser can cut - [💰 Profit Calculator](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/profit-calculator/): cost, price and payback - [📊 Compare every laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/): sortable spec table ## Frequently asked questions ### Can a diode laser cut clear acrylic? No. Blue diode light passes straight through clear acrylic, and blue or transparent colored acrylic doesn't work either. Dark opaque acrylic absorbs the light, so diodes can cut thin black sheets. For clear acrylic you need a CO2 laser such as the xTool P2S or OMTech K40+. ### Can a diode laser engrave stainless steel? Only weakly. Some makers list stainless as diode-engravable, but a blue diode leaves a slow, low-contrast dark mark. For a dependable permanent mark, use a marking spray, or a fiber or IR laser. ### Can a laser cut metal? Not hobby diodes or desktop CO2. Some fiber machines cut thin sheet: xTool says the F2 Ultra's 60 W MOPA cuts 2 mm brass and stainless, and the F1 Ultra listing claims 0.3 mm stainless. The F2's 5 W IR engraves metal but doesn't cut it. ### Can I laser engrave glass with a diode? Only with prep. Clear glass passes blue light, so you need a coating such as black tape, paint or a marking paste. CO2 frosts glass directly, and UV marks it cleanly. ## Sources - [University of Illinois Division of Research Safety: Laser Cutters – Safe Use](https://drs.illinois.edu/Page/SafetyLibrary/LaserCutters) · checked 2026-10-30 — Do-not-cut list: PVC/vinyl, polycarbonate, ABS, HDPE, polystyrene and polypropylene foam, fiberglass, coated carbon fiber - [xTool Support: Troubleshoot S1 Yellowed or Blackened Cuts](https://support.xtool.com/article/2055) · checked 2026-10-30 — S1's diode is unsuitable for transparent materials, mirrored surfaces, mostly blue materials and some extruded acrylic - [xTool Support: xTool F2 FAQ](https://support.xtool.com/article/2818) · checked 2026-10-30 — IR marks stainless, aluminum, copper, brass, titanium and precious metals; glass needs a black coating; 5 W IR engraves but doesn't cut metal; avoid PVC, carbon fiber and fiberglass ## Get new guides by e-mail One short e-mail when Laser Engravers Guide publishes a new guide. No spam, no sharing your address, and you can unsubscribe in one click. E-mail address New posts only · Unsubscribe anytime · [Privacy](https://laserengraversguide.com/privacy/) Our #1 pick Wood, leather, dark acrylic: enclosed blue diode ![Creality Falcon A1 Pro 20W](https://laserengraversguide.com/_astro/creality-falcon-a1-pro-20w.uHe_1xlH_1mg606.webp) ### [Creality Falcon A1 Pro 20W](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/creality-falcon-a1-pro-20w/) 8.2 - 20 W diode - Enclosed - 358 × 268 mm - Bare metal Home crafters and side-hustlers who want an enclosed, standalone laser with real 20 W cutting and an easy path to metal marking. [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDFFN85C?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20)[Read the full review](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/creality-falcon-a1-pro-20w/) [🎯 Not sure which fits? Match a laser to your materials, space and budget in 30 seconds.](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/laser-matcher/)[🧪 Can it cut that? Check any material against diode, CO2 and fiber lasers.](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/) ## Keep reading [Laser types ### Diode vs CO2 vs Fiber Laser: Which Type Do You Actually Need? Diode vs CO2 vs fiber lasers explained: how wavelength decides what each cuts and marks, plus speed, upkeep, cost and safety, plus our picks of each type. Updated Oct 30, 2026](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/diode-vs-co2-vs-fiber-laser/)[Safety ### Laser Engraver Safety: Classes, Eyewear, Fire, Fumes and Materials Laser engraver safety in plain English: Class 1 vs Class 4, wavelength-rated goggles and OD, fire prevention, fumes, and the materials you must never laser. Updated Oct 30, 2026](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/laser-engraver-safety-guide/)[Metal ### The Best Laser Engraver for Metal in 2026: Fiber, IR and Diode Options The best laser engravers for metal in 2026: the xTool F2 Ultra MOPA, the budget ComMarker B4 fiber, the F1 Ultra and IR add-ons, plus when a diode will do. Updated Oct 30, 2026](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-laser-engraver-for-metal/) Wood, leather, dark acrylic: enclosed blue diode Falcon A1 Pro $$$$ Mid-range Price tier: Mid-range [Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDFFN85C?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20)