What is a CO2 laser cutter?
A CO2 laser cutter uses a sealed glass tube excited with electricity to create a 10.6 µm infrared beam. The beam is directed by mirrors and focused through a lens to cut or engrave non‑metal materials such as acrylic (PMMA), wood, MDF, plywood, leather, paper, cardboard, fabric, and rubber. It can also engrave coated metals and glass.
If your priority is engraving detail and non‑metal cutting, a CO2 laser engraving machine offers excellent edge quality, small kerf, and low running cost. For cutting bare metals, consider a fiber laser cutter.
Materials & typical thickness
-
Acrylic (PMMA)
Cut 1–20 mm; polished edge finish -
Wood, MDF, Plywood
Cut 1–12 mm; natural char edge -
Leather & Rubber
Cut 0.5–6 mm; crisp engraving -
Paper & Cardboard
Cut 0.1–3 mm; kiss‑cut labels -
Glass & Ceramics
Surface engraving (no cutting) -
Metals
Engrave coated/painted; bare metal cutting requires fiber
How much CO2 laser power do I need?
40–60 W
Best for engraving, thin acrylic/wood (≤3 mm), craft and prototyping.
80–130 W
Balanced cutting/engraving up to ~10 mm acrylic and 6–9 mm wood at good speed.
150–300 W
Production cutting for thicker acrylic/wood, faster cycle times, large beds.
Tip: Add air assist to improve cut quality and reduce flare; use proper exhaust and fume filtration.
CO2 laser applications
- Signage & acrylic letters
- Awards & gifts engraving
- Packaging, inserts & foam
- Leather goods & personalization
- Model making & prototyping
- Textiles & appliqué
Key features & options
Bed sizes
600×400, 900×600, 1300×900, 1600×1000 mm with pass‑through options.
Autofocus & camera
Fast job setup, visual alignment, and consistent engraving depth.
Rotary attachment
Engrave tumblers, bottles, and cylindrical parts with precision.
Safety & filtration
Enclosed cabinet, interlocks, exhaust, and fume filtration options.
CO2 vs fiber vs diode — which should I choose?
| Technology | Best for | Typical power | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CO2 (10.6 µm) | Acrylic, wood, leather, paper, rubber; engrave coated metals & glass | 40–300 W | Clean edges, great engraving; limited for bare metal cutting |
| Fiber (1.06 µm) | Cutting steel, stainless, aluminum; high‑speed marking | 500 W–20 kW | Best for metals; consider our fiber laser options |
| Diode (≈450–1064 nm) | Hobby engraving, thin materials | 5–40 W | Compact and affordable; lower power |
Ownership, maintenance & safety
Cooling & optics
Use a proper chiller; keep lenses and mirrors clean; align optics as needed.
Exhaust & filtration
Vent outside or use fume filtration; never cut PVC or chlorine‑containing plastics.
Running cost
Low electricity use; plan for CO2 tube replacement cycles with heavy usage.
Questions? Answered.
What materials can a CO2 laser cut and engrave?
Cut: acrylic, wood, MDF/plywood, leather, paper/card, rubber, some foams. Engrave: the above plus coated metals and glass/ceramics.
Can a CO2 laser cut metal?
Not efficiently for bare metals. For steel, stainless, or aluminum cutting, use a fiber laser. CO2 can engrave coated metals.
Which power should I choose?
40–60 W for engraving and thin materials; 80–130 W for balanced cutting; 150–300 W for thicker acrylic/wood and faster production.
What accessories are essential?
Chiller, air assist, exhaust/filtration, and lenses for your typical material thickness. Consider autofocus, camera, and rotary.
How much does a CO2 laser cost?
Pricing varies by power, bed size, and options. Contact us for a tailored quote and ROI analysis.
Do you provide setup and training?
Yes — we provide installation guidance, operator training, and North American support.
In the workshop
Ready to choose the right CO2 laser?
Tell us your materials, thicknesses, and part sizes. We'll recommend the best bed size, laser power, and options for your workflow.