Laser Cutter/Engraver and Materials

Laser Cutter/Engraver and Materials

Operating Notes

Materials you should not process with a laser machine

Although laser machines can process a broad range of materials, there are materials that should NEVER be lasered. These materials must not be engraved or cut with a laser because of their chemical make-up.

Laser processing these materials creates dangerous gases or dust. Here is an incomplete list of materials that are not laserable:

  • Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
  • Polyvinyl butyrate (PVB)
  • Polytetrafluoroethylenes (PTFE /Teflon)
  • Artificial leather containing chromium (VI)
  • Carbon fibers (Carbon)
  • Beryllium oxide
  • Any materials containing halogens (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine and astatine), epoxy or phenolic resins
  • Any "Mystery Plastic" if you are not confident of it's composition

Materials You will not be able to engrave or cut.

  • Our lasers will not cut metal, regardless of thinness
  • Polycarbonate / LEXAN
  • Overly thick wood or acrylic
  • Some MDF/HDF products are too dense

Laser Control PC

Attached to each laser is a Windows PC that includes the necessary Lightburn software to drive the system. This system also has Inkscape and other design applications. Please do not tie up this PC for extended design sessions if other users are waiting to produce output on the laser.

The user profile on the laser is limited, you may not install additional software on this system.

Please note: Laser tubes are a consumable and have a limited life. You can help extend the life of our laser tube by shutting down the laser when not in use. Always logout and power off the laser and PC when you are done.

Never share the Laser PC password or allow uncertified people to use the laser.