--- title: Exploring what materials can be used on a laser cutter description: Understanding what materials can be used on a laser cutter is an important aspect of decoding laser cutting as a whole to get the best outcomes. image: https://blog.hobarts.com/hubfs/decoding-laser-cutting-what-materials-can-be-used-on-a-laser-cutter.png --- ![A laser cutter cutting various materials such as metal, acrylic and wood. ](https://blog.hobarts.com/hubfs/decoding-laser-cutting-what-materials-can-be-used-on-a-laser-cutter.png) # Decoding laser cutting: What materials can be used on a laser cutter? 11 January 2024   [Contact Us](https://hobarts.com/pages/contact-us)   Laser cutting has become an established and popular way to cut a range of materials, largely thanks to its accuracy and versatility. The speed of cutting also means it is exceptionally useful for cutting large quantities of materials safely over a short period of time. Thanks to these qualities and the sheer diversity of laser cutter materials, this form of cutting technology has revolutionised production in a number of key industrial sectors. But perhaps the most frequently asked question about these machines is: what materials can be used on a laser cutter?     In the below guide, we’ll outline the types of materials most suited to laser cutting and why. Follow the guidelines and you should be able to achieve incredibly accurate laser cutting - quickly, safely and efficiently.   #### **Metals ** ** ** Various metals, such as aluminium and steel, are ideally suited to laser cutting. Fibre lasers are able to make very clean and extremely accurate cuts in these types of metals, making them a great fit for both industrial processes and education facilities such as schools and engineering workshops. Cuts are of a very high quality, ensuring products and processes are delivered to the highest possible standards, instilling the principles of good workmanship from the outset. ** ** #### **Natural materials **   These are materials made from naturally occurring source materials, and include wood, paper, cardboard, and other types of building materials such as MDF and chipboard. Cuts can be made quickly and cleanly, meaning laser cutters can be an essential part of the construction, craft and prototyping processes. Laser cutting can also be used for fabrics and leather, making it useful in a textile environment. Laser cutting really can carve open a range of different opportunities. ** ** #### **Specialised materials**   As mentioned, laser cutting is highly flexible and versatile. As such, as well as cutting metals and natural materials, it can also be used to make neat and accurate cuts in a variety of specialised materials, including rubber and foam. It’s also suitable for use with a wide selection of composite materials, again expanding laser cutting applications across a huge range of diverse industries.   The sheer variety of laser cutting applications in varied industrial sectors makes a cutter an essential tool for educational facilities looking to give students a solid grounding in engineering and industrial processes. Having established itself as one of the most efficient and safe ways of cutting materials in recent decades, its diverse application makes it a core tool for aspiring students in multiple fields.   If you would like to know more about[laser cutting materials](https://hobarts.com/collections/materials) or to find out how specific cutting devices can be used on various laser materials, then[contact us](https://hobarts.com/pages/contact-us) to discuss your requirements. Our team is always happy to talk through our product range and make recommendations based on the information you provide. As laser cutting continues to change the way many industrial processes are carried out, it is more important than ever to stay up to date with the latest developments in material cutting. [![Frame 2087324629](https://blog.hobarts.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Frame%202087324629.png?width=600&height=150&name=Frame%202087324629.png)](https://hobarts.com/pages/product-data-sheets) Image Source: [Canva](https://www.canva.com/photos/MADI4vC_ugI-cnc-laser-cut-machine/) [facebook-f icon ](https://www.facebook.com/hobartsgroup/) [twitter icon ](https://twitter.com/hobartsgroup) [instagram icon ](https://www.instagram.com/hobartslasersltd) [youtube icon ](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKin4vdWIEwW0qhpjplub9Q) [linkedin-in icon ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/3852549/) ### Posts By Topics - [laser cutting (14)](https://blog.hobarts.com/tag/laser-cutting) - [laser cutters for schools (8)](https://blog.hobarts.com/tag/laser-cutters-for-schools) - [laser machines for architectural models (2)](https://blog.hobarts.com/tag/laser-machines-for-architectural-models) - [fume extraction system (1)](https://blog.hobarts.com/tag/fume-extraction-system) - [laser machine maintenance (1)](https://blog.hobarts.com/tag/laser-machine-maintenance) [see all](https://blog.hobarts.com/what-materials-can-be-used-on-a-laser-cutter#) ### Latest articles [Laser Cutter FAQ: Your First 90 Days Explained](https://blog.hobarts.com/laser-cutter-faq-your-first-90-days-explained) [School Laser Cutter Buying Guide: Choose the Right Machine](https://blog.hobarts.com/school-laser-cutter-buying-guide-choose-the-right-machine) [ULTRA R5000 Laser System: Practical Guide for Buyers](https://blog.hobarts.com/ultra-r5000-laser-system-practical-guide-for-buyers) [LEV Testing: Staying Fully Compliant With HSE Guidelines](https://blog.hobarts.com/lev-testing-staying-fully-compliant-with-hse-guidelines) [Laser cutter maintenance for schools: a practical guide](https://blog.hobarts.com/laser-cutter-maintenance-for-schools-a-practical-guide) [LEV Testing - What Is It & Frequently Asked Questions](https://blog.hobarts.com/hobarts-lev-testing-frequently-asked-questions) [The Benefits Of Using Laminates That Do Not Contain ABS](https://blog.hobarts.com/the-benefits-of-using-laminates) [Factors Model Makers Should Consider When Using Wood For The 1st Time](https://blog.hobarts.com/factors-when-using-wood) [Universal Lasers: Pioneering Precision And Power In Laser Technology](https://blog.hobarts.com/universal-lasers-pioneering-precision-and-power) [How Laser Cutter Projects Can Benefit Students' Creativity](https://blog.hobarts.com/laser-cutter-projects-student-creativity) ### Subscribe to our blog This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 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