CO2 laser cutting

CO₂ laser cutting uses a gas laser with a wavelength around 10.6 µm. This energy is well absorbed by materials such as acrylic, wood, cardboard, textiles and leather, as well as thin metal sheets. The result is narrow cuts and often shiny edges in plastics. The method is relevant when you want high detail, small radii and low heat impact. Compared to mechanical processing, there is no tool wear. Compared to fiber laser, CO₂ is strong in non-metals. Compared to waterjet, it is faster on thinner materials, but requires extraction for flue gases. 

Table of contents

The basic principle of CO2 laser cutting 

A CO2 laser excites a gas mixture to emit infrared light (~10.6 µm). The beam is focused to a small spot. In the cut zone, the material melts or vaporizes. An assist gas blows away the melt and keeps the cut clean. The kerf (width of cut) becomes small, saving material. If the focus is too high, the cut becomes wide and the edge becomes dull. If the focus is too low, the heat effect increases. 

Immersion: energy absorption, focal length, HAZ and kerf 

  • Energy absorption: Organic materials absorb 10.6 µm effectively. Consequence: lower power is enough → finer edge. 
  • Length of focus (lens focal length): Short focus gives narrow kerf and high detail, but less tolerance to thickness variation. Long focus gives greater tolerance, but slightly wider kerf. 
  • HAZ (Heat Affected Zone = heat affected zone): More power or too low speed → greater HAZ and risk of yellowed edge in wood/plastic. 
  • notch: Typically from a few tenths of a millimeter. Increases with thickness, lower gas flow and incorrect focus. 

Cause and effect: Increased power → faster cutting but larger HAZ. Therefore: increase speed or use nitrogen/air for cooler edge. 

Materials & thicknesses 

Which materials work best: 

  • Acrylic/PMMA: Clear edges, often polished surface directly. Thickness typically up to ~20-25 mm depending on effect. 
  • Wood/MDF: Fast cuts. Risk of yellowing/ burnt edge at low speed. Thickness typically up to ~15-18 mm. 
  • Textile/cardboard/leather: Very fast cuts, minimal mechanical impact. 
  • Thin metals: Thin stainless or steel sheet can be cut. Limit depends strongly on power and gas. 

When CO2 is the right option 

Process Strength Restriction Edge quality Typical uses 
CO₂ laser Non-metals, thin metals, small radii Less effective on shiny metals Very good in plastic/wood Acrylic signs, gaskets, decors 
Fiber laser Metals, high efficiency Weaker on organic materials Very good in metal Sheet metal production, thin-medium thickness 
Plasma Thicker steel, lower cost per meter Coarser kerf and HAZ Coarse goods Thick plate, rough cutting 
Water jet All materials, no HAZ Slower, abrasive handling Very good Thick composites, heat sensitive 

Do you need help with laser cutting?

Send your drawings for a quote. We will get back to you with price, lead time and suggested parameters. 

Please send prototype files