Material Laser Cutter Guide (UK): Safe and Unsafe Materials to Use

If you use a material laser cutter, you need to know what is safe to cut, and what is not. This simple UK guide explains both in clear words. It also shares safety tips, quick checks, and easy project ideas. Perfect for beginners and young makers.

What is a material laser cutter?

A material laser cutter uses a strong beam of light to cut or engrave. Most home users in the UK have:

• CO₂ lasers (great for wood, acrylic, card, leather)
• Diode lasers (good for engraving and thin cuts)
• Fibre lasers (for cutting metal; more advanced)

CO₂ and diode machines are best for non-metals. They can engrave coated metals, but they cannot cut metal sheets.

Material laser cutter safety basics (UK)

• Use good ventilation or an extractor. Fumes are not good for you.
• Never leave the machine on its own.
• Keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby.
• Use air assist and the right power and speed.
• Test on a small offcut first.
• If you are young, ask an adult to help.

Safe materials for your material laser cutter

Acrylic (PMMA), often called Perspex in the UK

Cuts with shiny, smooth edges and engraves very well. Cast acrylic engraves a crisp white look; extruded acrylic can cut a bit smoother but engraves more grey. Great for signs, keyrings, stands, and displays.

Plywood (laser-grade birch or poplar) and MDF

Choose “laser-grade” sheets with low-formaldehyde glue. Birch gives neat edges; poplar cuts easier. MDF can make more smoke, so use extra ventilation. Ideal for organisers, coasters, puzzles, and model kits.

Paper, card, and cardboard

Very easy to cut, but can catch fire if you use too much power. Stay with the machine. Use fast speed and low power. Good for stencils, greeting cards, and packaging mock-ups.

Fabrics: cotton, linen, denim, and wool felt

Natural fibres cut and engrave well. Polyester and blends may melt on the edges, so test a small bit. Fun for patches, bunting, and costumes.

Leather (vegetable-tanned only)

Veg-tan leather cuts and engraves nicely for bookmarks, straps, and tags. Do not use chrome-tanned leather (see unsafe list).

EVA craft foam (thin sheets)

Cuts cleanly for cosplay armour, stamps, and inserts. Make sure it is EVA, not PVC. Light smoke, so ventilate well.

Rubber marked “laser-safe”

Good for custom stamps and gaskets. Only use rubber that says “laser-safe” on the listing.

Anodised aluminium and painted metals (engraving only)

A CO₂ or diode material laser cutter can mark the coating but will not cut the metal. Perfect for nameplates and tools.

Glass, slate, and ceramic tiles (engraving only)

You can etch names, logos, or patterns. Use low power and steady speed to avoid chips.

Tip: Clean the lens and mirrors often. Dust and soot make the laser weaker and mess up cuts.

Unsafe materials for your material laser cutter (avoid these)

PVC or “vinyl” (includes faux leather, banner vinyl, and Foamex)

Gives off chlorine gas, which is dangerous for you and it can rust your machine. Foamex signs are PVC. Avoid all PVC.

Polycarbonate (PC, sometimes called Lexan)

Turns brown, smokes badly, and often catches tiny flames. Edges look messy and it can block the beam.

ABS plastic

Melts, smells awful, and makes harmful fumes. Cuts look rough. Best to avoid.

Fibreglass/FR4 and carbon fibre with epoxy

The resins and fibres give off nasty dust and fumes. Not safe to laser.

Chrome-tanned leather

Can release chromium compounds when burned. Only use vegetable-tanned leather.

Unknown foams and mystery plastics

If you don’t know what it is, don’t cut it. Do not do a “burn test” at home. Ask the seller for an SDS (safety data sheet) or a note that says “laser-safe” or “PVC-free.”

Metals (cutting) with CO₂ or diode

These hobby lasers cannot cut metal sheets. Reflections from shiny metal can also harm the machine. Use a fibre laser if you need to cut metal.

Material laser cutter quick checks in the UK

• Look for labels: “laser-safe,” “PVC-free,” or “cast acrylic (PMMA).”
• In the UK: Perspex = acrylic (safe). Foamex = PVC (unsafe).
• Check recycling codes: 3 = PVC (no), 7 = mixed/unknown (often no).

PET (1) and HDPE (2) melt and give rough edges, so avoid for cutting.

• Buy from trusted UK suppliers that mark sheets “laser grade.”
• Keep offcuts in labelled bags so you do not mix safe and unsafe plastics.

Easy project ideas with a material laser cutter

• Acrylic name keyrings and bag tags
• Birch ply desk organisers and storage boxes
• Paper stencils and custom greeting cards
• Veg-tan leather bookmarks and cable tidies
• Slate coasters with simple art or a family name

Final tips for your material laser cutter

Use good airflow, the right settings, and never walk away while cutting. Start with safe materials like acrylic, laser-grade plywood, paper, and veg-tan leather. Avoid PVC, ABS, polycarbonate, chrome-tanned leather, and mystery plastics. Test small, write down your settings, and keep your lens clean. With care, your material laser cutter will give tidy, pro-looking results every time.