Laser cutting

The laser cutter is the ideal tool for cutting selected materials with precision and high accuracy with the added ability to engrave.

What you need to know

Cost is $10 per 15 mins of cutting time. You can pay by Eftpos at the lab.

  • Acrylic (up to 8mm)
  • MDF (up to 8mm)
  • Veneer (up to 6mm)
  • Balsa (up to 12mm)
  • Art paper
  • Cardboard
  • Freezer paper
  • Silk
  • Natural fabrics
  • Vellum
  • Wool felt
  • Metal — The cutters are not powerful enough
  • Reflective materials — Will destroy the lens
  • Glass — Tends to shatter, causing potential damage to the lens
  • PVC — Produces harmful, toxic fumes
  • Cintra — Produces harmful, toxic fumes
  • Lexan — Produces harmful, toxic fumes
  • Polycarbonate — Produces harmful, toxic fumes
  • PET-C — Produces harmful, toxic fumes
  • Styrene — Produces harmful, toxic fumes
  • Vinyl — Produces harmful, toxic fumes
  • Rubber — Melts and smells bad
  • Plywood — The adhesive between the layers vaporises and coats the lens. Also, plywood is often treated with formaldehyde, which is toxic when burned.
  • Foamcore — Extremely flammable! The inner layer of foam superheats, causing the top layer of paper to combust across a large surface area.

To be able to use the laser cutter you must complete an introduction and show competency in being able to use the machine. Contact us to book an introduction.

Making sure your material is safe to use

Be cautious.

Some materials that can't be cut look very similar to our approved materials, but will release toxic fumes when cut or engraved.

You must be absolutely certain that your material is appropriate to use on the cutter, before you arrive for your session. When ordering colored acrylic from other sources, specify to your supplier that you need acrylic safe to cut on a laser cutter.

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Use the lab

Have a design project you want to work on? Contact us to discuss how we can help.

Contact details