CO₂ lasers can cut and engrave many non-metal materials At JP Laserworks (Virginia Beach) we routinely work with:
- Wood: (plywood, hardwood, balsa) – precise, clean cuts and deep engravings.
- Acrylic (Plexiglas): polished edges, ideal for signs and awards.
- Leather & Fabric: wallets, bags, apparel – laser cuts without fraying.
- Paper, Cardboard & Foam: precise cuts for cards, packaging, and crafts.
- Rubber & Cork: custom stamps and coasters.
- Glass & Stone: engrave only (frosted etched finish) – drinkware, trophies, and memorials.
Important: CO₂ lasers cannot cut metal like stainless steel or aluminum. We can mark coated metals (with sprays or on anodized surfaces), but not slice through them. Local customers often request signage, awards, and personalized gifts (like engraved plaques, cutting boards, or leather keychains). Our lasers deliver crisp, professional results every time for Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads customers.
In-Depth Blog Post
At JP Laserworks in Virginia Beach (serving all of Hampton Roads), customers often ask what our CO₂ laser cutter can do. Simply put, CO₂ laser cutters are incredibly versatile, capable of processing a wide range of non-metal materials with precision and speed. Let’s break down the most common materials it can cut or engrave, plus some limitations.
Materials Our CO₂ Laser Can Cut and Engrave
Custom wooden sign cut and engraved by our CO₂ laser. Wood is one of the most common materials we process – the laser makes clean cuts and deep engravings on plywood and hardwood without the sawdust mess.
Our CO₂ system regularly handles:
- Acrylic (Plexiglas/PMMA): Acrylic cuts extremely smoothly to a polished edge. We use it for vibrant signs, nameplates, trophies, and edge-lit decor because of the crystal-clear finish.
- Leather & Fabric: Natural and synthetic leather, cotton, denim, felt and more. The beam cuts through these without fraying and can engrave logos/patterns on the surface. (In fact, CO₂ lasers seal synthetic fabric edges, stopping them from unraveling.)
- Paper, Cardboard & Foamboard: These thin materials cut with high precision, perfect for invitations, packaging prototypes, or art projects.
- Rubber & Cork: Special laser-safe rubber can be cut/engraved for custom stamps or gaskets. Cork sheets and coasters also cut cleanly for crafts.
- Glass, Stone & Ceramic: While we cannot cut glass or stone, our laser can engrave them. The laser etches a frosted, sandblasted look into glass, granite, marble, etc.. This is perfect for personalized drinkware, mirror artwork, memorial plaques, and more.
Materials Our Laser Cannot Cut
A common question: what about metals? Standard CO₂ lasers cannot cut raw metals like stainless steel or aluminum. The CO₂ wavelength (10.6µm) isn’t absorbed by shiny metals, so the beam mostly bounces off. Other machines (like fiber lasers) are required for steel cutting. We can mark or etch coated or anodized metal with spray coatings or specialized processes, but we can’t slice through a metal sheet.
Popular Local Uses
In Hampton Roads, popular laser projects include signage, awards, corporate plaques, and personalized gifts. Customers get engraved wooden cutting boards, leather keychains, laser-etched glassware, and acrylic trophies, among others. The high-resolution engraving ensures clear, sharp text and images without chipping or smudging.
Whether you need laser engraving in Virginia Beach or custom cutting in Hampton Roads, our team is ready to help. From business logos and wedding gifts to custom home decor, we bring your ideas to life with precision and local service. We love creating unique, high-quality laser-engraved products just for you!
