What materials can be cut on a laser cutter?

The laser tool for cutting has different capabilities than other tools. it's noncontact cutting and small beam diameter (0.007 inch typical) means that it can cut intricate shapes and small features. Mechanical tools with small diameter endmills must run slowly and be careful not to break the tool or heat it too much. You can make intricate parts, such as machine components.

Lasers can also cut materials that would otherwise wear down tooling. Laser cutting carbon steel and stainless steel is commonly done with laser because it costs less than replacing tooling on a CNC machine, and it can be much faster. You can make quarter inch sheet metal parts used in stainless steel tools.

Lasers can cut materials and leave a smooth or polished edge, thus remove a secondary process for grinding, such as that caused by a plasma cutter that leaves a rough edge, or a router that leaves a rough edge. You can make point of purchase displays made of thick polished acrylic.