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Home Xometry Community Manufacturing Materials to Avoid When Laser Cutting

Materials to Avoid When Laser Cutting

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Hi, I have to do a lot of laser cuts for custom cases and parts. I know that some materials are bad for laser cutting, but I’m not sure which ones I should avoid. Does anyone have a suggestion on which materials I should stay away from? And tips for dealing with delicate materials like PVC or polycarbonate would also be very helpful – thanks a lot in advance!

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Solved by Joao Clemencio

Hello LötLöwe,

When it comes to laser cutting, definitely avoid PVC and polycarbonate. PVC releases toxic chlorine gas when cut, which can damage your equipment and is harmful to your health. Polycarbonate tends to melt instead of cutting cleanly, leading to poor edges and potential fire hazards.

PVC: It’s best to completely avoid it. If you must use it, consider alternatives like laser-safe vinyl.
Polycarbonate: Try to use thin sheets (less than 1 mm) for better results, but even then, it’s not ideal for laser cutting. If possible, switch to acrylic, which cuts cleanly and safely.
Stick with materials like acrylic, plywood, and certain metals that are known to laser cut well.

Hello LötLöwe,


when it comes to laser cutting, you should definitely avoid PVC and Polycarbonate. PVC releases toxic chlorine gas when cut, which can damage your equipment and is harmful to your health. Polycarbonate tends to melt instead of cutting cleanly, leading to poor edges and potential fire hazards.


PVC: It is best to avoid it completely. If you have to use it, consider alternatives like laser-safe vinyl.
Polycarbonate: Try to use thin sheets (less than 1 mm) to achieve better results, but even then, it is not ideal for laser cutting. If possible, switch to acrylic, which cuts cleanly and safely.
Stay with materials like acrylic, plywood, and certain metals that are known to cut well with the laser.

    • L
      Hi, I have to do a lot of laser cuts for custom cases and parts. I know that some materials are bad for laser cutting, but I’m not sure which ones I should avoid. Does anyone have a suggestion on which materials I should stay away from? And tips for dealing with delicate materials like PVC or polycarbonate would also be very helpful – thanks a lot in advance!
      Automatically translated from: Deutsch

      See original
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      Reply
    • Xometry Engineer

      Hello LötLöwe,

      When it comes to laser cutting, definitely avoid PVC and polycarbonate. PVC releases toxic chlorine gas when cut, which can damage your equipment and is harmful to your health. Polycarbonate tends to melt instead of cutting cleanly, leading to poor edges and potential fire hazards.

      PVC: It’s best to completely avoid it. If you must use it, consider alternatives like laser-safe vinyl.
      Polycarbonate: Try to use thin sheets (less than 1 mm) for better results, but even then, it’s not ideal for laser cutting. If possible, switch to acrylic, which cuts cleanly and safely.
      Stick with materials like acrylic, plywood, and certain metals that are known to laser cut well.

      Hello LötLöwe,

      when it comes to laser cutting, you should definitely avoid PVC and Polycarbonate. PVC releases toxic chlorine gas when cut, which can damage your equipment and is harmful to your health. Polycarbonate tends to melt instead of cutting cleanly, leading to poor edges and potential fire hazards.

      PVC: It is best to avoid it completely. If you have to use it, consider alternatives like laser-safe vinyl.
      Polycarbonate: Try to use thin sheets (less than 1 mm) to achieve better results, but even then, it is not ideal for laser cutting. If possible, switch to acrylic, which cuts cleanly and safely.
      Stay with materials like acrylic, plywood, and certain metals that are known to cut well with the laser.

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      • L
        Joao Clemencio

        Hello Joao, thank you very much for your comprehensive and helpful tips! This was exactly the kind of insights I was looking for. I will definitely steer clear of PVC and polycarbonate and focus on safe alternatives like acrylic and plywood. The suggestion of laser-safe vinyl as an alternative to PVC is particularly valuable to me. I will also take into account your advice regarding the use of thinner sheets of polycarbonate, although I will try to switch completely to acrylic to avoid any risk.Thank you again for your support and the clear explanation of the risks and alternatives. This helps me enormously to move my projects forward safely and efficiently!

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Materials to Avoid When Laser Cutting
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