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Student Material 001: Laser Material Compatibility Quick Reference

Material ID: U3M2-MAT-001 Purpose: Quick reference for material identification, safety classification, and recommended laser settings Format: Safety classification chart, settings tables, and identification guide Updated: 2026-03-19

Material Safety Classification — Post This at Every Laser Station

SAFE (Green) — Approved for Laser Processing

Material Cut? Engrave? Key Notes
Cast Acrylic (PMMA) YES YES Polished edges; leave masking on
Extruded Acrylic YES YES Frosted edges; higher contrast engrave
Birch Plywood YES YES Use laser-grade; slight charring
MDF (standard only) YES YES Formaldehyde fumes — ensure exhaust
Solid Hardwood YES YES Varies by species; test first
Bamboo YES YES Similar to hardwood
Cork YES YES Pleasant smell
Cardboard/Chipboard YES YES Fire risk — low power, air assist
Paper/Card Stock YES YES Fire risk — very low power
Natural Leather (veg-tanned) YES YES Verify NOT chrome-tanned
Cotton/Canvas Fabric YES YES Single layer; sealed edges
Wool/Felt YES YES Low power; slight smell
Denim YES YES Good results
Natural Rubber YES YES For stamps; verify not neoprene
Silicone Rubber YES YES Low fumes

CAUTION (Yellow) — Use With Extra Precautions

Material Cut? Engrave? Precaution
Delrin/Acetal (POM) YES YES Releases formaldehyde — maximum ventilation
Mylar/Polyester Film YES YES Melted edges; strong fumes
Anodized Aluminum NO YES Engraves anodic layer only
Glass NO YES Surface fracturing; thermal shock risk
Ceramic Tile NO YES Slow; produces dust
Stone/Marble/Slate NO YES Very slow; dust mask required
Coated/Stained Wood CAUTION CAUTION Unknown coating chemistry
Thin Plexiglass (<1mm) YES YES May curl/warp during cutting

BANNED (Red) — NEVER PROCESS — TOXIC HAZARD

Material Toxic Product How to Identify
PVC / Vinyl HCl (hydrochloric acid) Recycling #3; flexible sheets; fake leather
Polycarbonate (Lexan) Phosgene, CO Looks like acrylic; very impact resistant
ABS HCN (hydrogen cyanide) Recycling #7; 3D printing filament
HDPE Toxic smoke, fire Recycling #2; milk jugs, containers
Polypropylene Toxic smoke, fire Recycling #5; flexible, waxy
Polystyrene/Styrofoam Toxic smoke, fire Recycling #6; foam
Fiberglass Toxic particulate Visible fiber layers
Carbon Fiber Toxic particulate Black, very stiff, light
Neoprene Rubber HCl (contains chlorine) Often black; wetsuits, laptop sleeves
Chrome-Tanned Leather Chromium compounds Most commercial leather
Unknown/Unlabeled Material UNKNOWN If you can't ID it, don't cut it

Plastic Recycling Symbol Guide

Symbol Material Laser Safe?
#1 PETE/PET Polyethylene Terephthalate CAUTION — melts, poor results
#2 HDPE High-Density Polyethylene BANNED — fire, toxic
#3 PVC Polyvinyl Chloride BANNED — HCl gas
#4 LDPE Low-Density Polyethylene BANNED — fire, toxic
#5 PP Polypropylene BANNED — fire, toxic
#6 PS Polystyrene BANNED — fire, toxic
#7 Other Mixed/Unknown BANNED unless specifically identified

Cutting Settings

Material Thickness Power % Speed (mm/s) Air Assist Passes
Cast Acrylic 3mm 65-75 10-15 ON 1
Cast Acrylic 6mm 85-95 5-8 ON 1
Cast Acrylic 10mm 95-100 3-5 ON 1-2
Birch Plywood 3mm 70-80 12-18 ON 1
Birch Plywood 6mm 95-100 5-8 ON 1-2
MDF 3mm 60-70 15-20 ON 1
MDF 6mm 85-95 6-10 ON 1
Cardboard 2mm 30-40 25-35 ON 1
Leather 2mm 40-55 15-20 ON 1
Cotton Fabric 1mm 15-25 30-40 Low 1
Paper 0.2mm 10-15 40-60 OFF 1
Cork 3mm 50-65 15-20 ON 1

Engraving Settings

Material Power % Speed (mm/s) DPI Result
Wood (light) 15-25 300-400 300 Surface mark
Wood (standard) 30-50 200-300 400 0.3-1mm depth
Wood (deep) 60-80 100-200 300 1-3mm
Acrylic (mark) 15-25 300-400 400 Frosted surface
Acrylic (deep) 40-60 150-250 400 0.5-2mm
Leather 15-30 300-400 300 Darkened mark
Anodized Aluminum 30-50 200-300 400 Layer removal
Glass 40-60 150-250 300 Frosted fracture

Kerf Width Reference

Material Typical Kerf Design Compensation (per side)
Acrylic 3mm 0.15-0.20mm 0.075-0.10mm
Plywood 3mm 0.15-0.25mm 0.075-0.125mm
MDF 3mm 0.15-0.20mm 0.075-0.10mm
Cardboard 0.15-0.20mm 0.075-0.10mm
Leather 2mm 0.10-0.20mm 0.05-0.10mm
Fabric 0.10-0.15mm 0.05-0.075mm

Material Identification Decision Tree

Is the material LABELED with type and source?
├── YES → Check against safety classification chart → Proceed or reject
└── NO → Can you verify material from purchase records/supplier?
    ├── YES → Verify and proceed
    └── NO → Is it a plastic?
        ├── YES → DO NOT CUT — plastics require positive ID
        └── NO → Is it natural wood, paper, cardboard, or fabric?
            ├── YES → Likely safe, but verify no coatings/treatments
            └── NO → DO NOT CUT — unidentified material

Last Updated: 2026-03-19