Overview
CO2 or diode lasers cut and engrave wood, acrylic, leather, and mark metals with vector paths.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Best for
- 2D · CNC light
- Typical output
- Wood signs, Acrylic keychains, Leather patches
- Typical cost
- Diode $200–$1,500; CO2 $3,000–$15,000+
Excellent for
- Signs★★★★★
- Earrings★★★★★
- Boxes★★★★★
- Engraved tumblers (with rotary)★★★★★
Compatible with
Production
Machines
Pros & cons
Pros
- ✔Signs
- ✔Earrings
- ✔Boxes
- ✔Engraved tumblers (with rotary)
Creator & maker guides
Equipment
- CO2 laser
- Diode laser
Materials
- Birch plywood
- Cast acrylic
- Leather
- MDF (with ventilation)
- Anodized aluminum (marking)
Machine settings
No items yet.
Quality control
No items yet.
Best practices
- 1Send closed paths in SVG/DXF with kerf compensation if needed.
- 2Specify material thickness; designs must match sheet gauge.
- 3Avoid chlorine-containing plastics entirely.
Common mistakes
PVC or unknown plastics releasing toxic fumes (n…
PVC or unknown plastics releasing toxic fumes (never cut)
Flame flare
ups on oily woods
Open vector paths failing to cut closed shapes
Open vector paths failing to cut closed shapes
Kerf too tight for press
fit designs
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| PVC or unknown plastics releasing toxic fumes (never cut) | See guides below for context | Review creator/maker tabs and troubleshooting table |
| Flame flare-ups on oily woods | See guides below for context | Review creator/maker tabs and troubleshooting table |
| Open vector paths failing to cut closed shapes | See guides below for context | Review creator/maker tabs and troubleshooting table |
| Kerf too tight for press-fit designs | See guides below for context | Review creator/maker tabs and troubleshooting table |
Helpful tools
DPI & resolution calculator
SoonImage size calculator
SoonBleed generator
SoonAspect ratio calculator
SoonHeat press time & temperature
SoonSublimation wrap calculator
Soon