Find the right laser for your material & project

Diode, CO₂, fiber or UV? Answer three questions and see which laser types can actually do the job — including the ones that physically cannot, whatever the listing claims.

Matched down to thicknessThree questions and you know which type fits your job
Manufacturer specsCapability data traced to published sources
Safety class explainedClass 1 vs Class 4, before you buy

Find your match

Three questions. Answers update as you go.

What do you need to do to it?
How thick is the stock?

CO₂ is your laser for marking wood / plywood.

CO₂10.6 µm
Best for this
The best photo-quality engraving on wood, with fine grayscale control.
Diode445–455 nm
Works well
Good detail and strong contrast on light woods. The most common use for a diode machine.
UV355 nm
Limited
Marks it, but you pay a large premium for no advantage over CO₂ here.
Fiber1064 nm
Not this one
Poor contrast on wood. Wrong tool for organics.
See CO₂ machines

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CO₂ is your laser for cutting wood / plywood at up to 3 mm.

CO₂10.6 µm
Best for this
The standard choice. Cuts thick ply and hardwood in fewer passes with a cleaner edge than diode.
Diode445–455 nm
Works well
Cuts thin stock cleanly. Past about 6 mm it needs high optical wattage, air assist and several passes, and the edge chars.
Fiber1064 nm
Not this one
The fiber wavelength is absorbed by metal, not organics. It will not cut wood.
UV355 nm
Not this one
UV machines are markers. There is no cutting power here.
See CO₂ machines

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CO₂ is your laser for cutting wood / plywood at 3–6 mm.

CO₂10.6 µm
Best for this
The standard choice. Cuts thick ply and hardwood in fewer passes with a cleaner edge than diode.
Diode445–455 nm
Works well
Cuts thin stock cleanly. Past about 6 mm it needs high optical wattage, air assist and several passes, and the edge chars.
Fiber1064 nm
Not this one
The fiber wavelength is absorbed by metal, not organics. It will not cut wood.
UV355 nm
Not this one
UV machines are markers. There is no cutting power here.
See CO₂ machines

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CO₂ is your laser for cutting wood / plywood at 6–12 mm.

CO₂10.6 µm
Best for this
The standard choice. Cuts thick ply and hardwood in fewer passes with a cleaner edge than diode.
Diode445–455 nm
Works well
Cuts thin stock cleanly. Past about 6 mm it needs high optical wattage, air assist and several passes, and the edge chars.
Fiber1064 nm
Not this one
The fiber wavelength is absorbed by metal, not organics. It will not cut wood.
UV355 nm
Not this one
UV machines are markers. There is no cutting power here.
See CO₂ machines

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CO₂ is your laser for cutting wood / plywood at 12 mm +.

CO₂10.6 µm
Works well
The standard choice. Cuts thick ply and hardwood in fewer passes with a cleaner edge than diode.
Diode445–455 nm
Not this one
Not at this thickness. Cuts thin stock cleanly. Past about 6 mm it needs high optical wattage, air assist and several passes, and the edge chars.
Fiber1064 nm
Not this one
The fiber wavelength is absorbed by metal, not organics. It will not cut wood.
UV355 nm
Not this one
UV machines are markers. There is no cutting power here.
See CO₂ machines

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CO₂ is your laser for marking clear acrylic.

CO₂10.6 µm
Best for this
Frosted white engraving with excellent detail, and the standard for edge-lit signage.
UV355 nm
Works well
Very fine cold marking with no melt bead, though CO₂ handles almost every real acrylic job for far less.
Diode445–455 nm
Not this one
Will not mark clear acrylic. Paint the back, or pick a different material.
Fiber1064 nm
Not this one
Not absorbed by clear acrylic.
See CO₂ machines

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CO₂ is your laser for cutting clear acrylic at up to 3 mm.

CO₂10.6 µm
Best for this
The material CO₂ is famous for. Cast acrylic gives a flame-polished, glass-like edge straight off the machine.
Diode445–455 nm
Not this one
Clear acrylic does not absorb 455 nm light. The beam passes straight through and nothing happens. This is physics, not a wattage problem.
Fiber1064 nm
Not this one
Not absorbed. Fiber will not cut acrylic.
UV355 nm
Not this one
Markers do not cut.
See CO₂ machines

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CO₂ is your laser for cutting clear acrylic at 3–6 mm.

CO₂10.6 µm
Best for this
The material CO₂ is famous for. Cast acrylic gives a flame-polished, glass-like edge straight off the machine.
Diode445–455 nm
Not this one
Clear acrylic does not absorb 455 nm light. The beam passes straight through and nothing happens. This is physics, not a wattage problem.
Fiber1064 nm
Not this one
Not absorbed. Fiber will not cut acrylic.
UV355 nm
Not this one
Markers do not cut.
See CO₂ machines

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CO₂ is your laser for cutting clear acrylic at 6–12 mm.

CO₂10.6 µm
Best for this
The material CO₂ is famous for. Cast acrylic gives a flame-polished, glass-like edge straight off the machine.
Diode445–455 nm
Not this one
Clear acrylic does not absorb 455 nm light. The beam passes straight through and nothing happens. This is physics, not a wattage problem.
Fiber1064 nm
Not this one
Not absorbed. Fiber will not cut acrylic.
UV355 nm
Not this one
Markers do not cut.
See CO₂ machines

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CO₂ is your laser for cutting clear acrylic at 12 mm +.

CO₂10.6 µm
Works well
The material CO₂ is famous for. Cast acrylic gives a flame-polished, glass-like edge straight off the machine.
Diode445–455 nm
Not this one
Clear acrylic does not absorb 455 nm light. The beam passes straight through and nothing happens. This is physics, not a wattage problem.
Fiber1064 nm
Not this one
Not absorbed. Fiber will not cut acrylic.
UV355 nm
Not this one
Markers do not cut.
See CO₂ machines

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CO₂ is your laser for marking colored acrylic.

CO₂10.6 µm
Best for this
Clean white frost on any color. The default for awards and signage.
UV355 nm
Works well
Excellent detail with no heat haze, at a much higher machine cost.
Diode445–455 nm
Limited
Marks dark colors only, with limited contrast control.
Fiber1064 nm
Not this one
Not absorbed.
See CO₂ machines

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CO₂ is your laser for cutting colored acrylic at up to 3 mm.

CO₂10.6 µm
Best for this
Cuts every color and finish with a consistent polished edge.
Diode445–455 nm
Works well
Works only on dark opaque colors that absorb blue light, and the edge is rougher and more melted than CO₂ gives.
Fiber1064 nm
Not this one
Not absorbed.
UV355 nm
Not this one
Markers do not cut.
See CO₂ machines

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CO₂ is your laser for cutting colored acrylic at 3–6 mm.

CO₂10.6 µm
Best for this
Cuts every color and finish with a consistent polished edge.
Diode445–455 nm
Works well
Works only on dark opaque colors that absorb blue light, and the edge is rougher and more melted than CO₂ gives.
Fiber1064 nm
Not this one
Not absorbed.
UV355 nm
Not this one
Markers do not cut.
See CO₂ machines

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CO₂ is your laser for cutting colored acrylic at 6–12 mm.

CO₂10.6 µm
Best for this
Cuts every color and finish with a consistent polished edge.
Diode445–455 nm
Not this one
Not at this thickness. Works only on dark opaque colors that absorb blue light, and the edge is rougher and more melted than CO₂ gives.
Fiber1064 nm
Not this one
Not absorbed.
UV355 nm
Not this one
Markers do not cut.
See CO₂ machines

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CO₂ is your laser for cutting colored acrylic at 12 mm +.

CO₂10.6 µm
Works well
Cuts every color and finish with a consistent polished edge.
Diode445–455 nm
Not this one
Not at this thickness. Works only on dark opaque colors that absorb blue light, and the edge is rougher and more melted than CO₂ gives.
Fiber1064 nm
Not this one
Not absorbed.
UV355 nm
Not this one
Markers do not cut.
See CO₂ machines

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CO₂ is your laser for marking leather.

CO₂10.6 µm
Best for this
Better tonal control and less scorching around the mark.
Diode445–455 nm
Works well
Strong dark burn on veg-tan. Popular for patches and wallets.
UV355 nm
Limited
Works, with no practical benefit over CO₂ here.
Fiber1064 nm
Not this one
Wrong wavelength for leather.
See CO₂ machines

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CO₂ is your laser for cutting leather at up to 3 mm.

CO₂10.6 µm
Best for this
Fast, clean cuts through most hide thicknesses with a sealed edge.
Diode445–455 nm
Works well
Cuts veg-tan and thinner hides fine. Expect a darker, smokier edge than CO₂ and slow going on thick belt leather.
Fiber1064 nm
Not this one
Not absorbed by organics.
UV355 nm
Not this one
Markers do not cut.
See CO₂ machines

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CO₂ is your laser for cutting leather at 3–6 mm.

CO₂10.6 µm
Best for this
Fast, clean cuts through most hide thicknesses with a sealed edge.
Diode445–455 nm
Works well
Cuts veg-tan and thinner hides fine. Expect a darker, smokier edge than CO₂ and slow going on thick belt leather.
Fiber1064 nm
Not this one
Not absorbed by organics.
UV355 nm
Not this one
Markers do not cut.
See CO₂ machines

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CO₂ is your laser for cutting leather at 6–12 mm.

CO₂10.6 µm
Works well
Fast, clean cuts through most hide thicknesses with a sealed edge.
Diode445–455 nm
Not this one
Not at this thickness. Cuts veg-tan and thinner hides fine. Expect a darker, smokier edge than CO₂ and slow going on thick belt leather.
Fiber1064 nm
Not this one
Not absorbed by organics.
UV355 nm
Not this one
Markers do not cut.
See CO₂ machines

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No desktop laser type does this job well.

Diode445–455 nm
Not this one
Not at this thickness. Cuts veg-tan and thinner hides fine. Expect a darker, smokier edge than CO₂ and slow going on thick belt leather.
CO₂10.6 µm
Not this one
Not at this thickness. Fast, clean cuts through most hide thicknesses with a sealed edge.
Fiber1064 nm
Not this one
Not absorbed by organics.
UV355 nm
Not this one
Markers do not cut.

CO₂ is your laser for marking fabric / felt / canvas.

CO₂10.6 µm
Works well
Good distressed and tonal effects on denim and canvas.
Diode445–455 nm
Limited
Can scorch a pattern into denim and canvas, with limited control.
Fiber1064 nm
Not this one
Not absorbed.
UV355 nm
Not this one
No practical application here.
See CO₂ machines

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CO₂ is your laser for cutting fabric / felt / canvas at up to 3 mm.

CO₂10.6 µm
Best for this
Cuts cleanly and seals synthetic edges as it goes, which is why applique and patch work is CO₂ territory.
Diode445–455 nm
Works well
Inconsistent. Light fabrics reflect or scorch and synthetics can flare. Workable with care, but not the right tool.
Fiber1064 nm
Not this one
Not absorbed.
UV355 nm
Not this one
Markers do not cut.
See CO₂ machines

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CO₂ is your laser for cutting fabric / felt / canvas at 3–6 mm.

CO₂10.6 µm
Works well
Cuts cleanly and seals synthetic edges as it goes, which is why applique and patch work is CO₂ territory.
Diode445–455 nm
Not this one
Not at this thickness. Inconsistent. Light fabrics reflect or scorch and synthetics can flare. Workable with care, but not the right tool.
Fiber1064 nm
Not this one
Not absorbed.
UV355 nm
Not this one
Markers do not cut.
See CO₂ machines

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No desktop laser type does this job well.

Diode445–455 nm
Not this one
Not at this thickness. Inconsistent. Light fabrics reflect or scorch and synthetics can flare. Workable with care, but not the right tool.
CO₂10.6 µm
Not this one
Not at this thickness. Cuts cleanly and seals synthetic edges as it goes, which is why applique and patch work is CO₂ territory.
Fiber1064 nm
Not this one
Not absorbed.
UV355 nm
Not this one
Markers do not cut.

No desktop laser type does this job well.

Diode445–455 nm
Not this one
Not at this thickness. Inconsistent. Light fabrics reflect or scorch and synthetics can flare. Workable with care, but not the right tool.
CO₂10.6 µm
Not this one
Not at this thickness. Cuts cleanly and seals synthetic edges as it goes, which is why applique and patch work is CO₂ territory.
Fiber1064 nm
Not this one
Not absorbed.
UV355 nm
Not this one
Markers do not cut.

CO₂ is your laser for marking paper / cardstock.

CO₂10.6 µm
Limited
Light etch effects are possible, though cutting is the real use.
Diode445–455 nm
Not this one
Scorches rather than marks.
Fiber1064 nm
Not this one
Not absorbed.
UV355 nm
Not this one
No practical application here.
See CO₂ machines

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CO₂ is your laser for cutting paper / cardstock at up to 3 mm.

CO₂10.6 µm
Best for this
Fast, precise, minimal scorch. The standard for invitations, packaging prototypes and paper art.
Diode445–455 nm
Works well
Possible, but the fire risk is real and edges scorch brown. Needs constant supervision and good air assist.
Fiber1064 nm
Not this one
Not absorbed.
UV355 nm
Not this one
Markers do not cut.
See CO₂ machines

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CO₂ is your laser for cutting paper / cardstock at 3–6 mm.

CO₂10.6 µm
Works well
Fast, precise, minimal scorch. The standard for invitations, packaging prototypes and paper art.
Diode445–455 nm
Not this one
Not at this thickness. Possible, but the fire risk is real and edges scorch brown. Needs constant supervision and good air assist.
Fiber1064 nm
Not this one
Not absorbed.
UV355 nm
Not this one
Markers do not cut.
See CO₂ machines

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No desktop laser type does this job well.

Diode445–455 nm
Not this one
Not at this thickness. Possible, but the fire risk is real and edges scorch brown. Needs constant supervision and good air assist.
CO₂10.6 µm
Not this one
Not at this thickness. Fast, precise, minimal scorch. The standard for invitations, packaging prototypes and paper art.
Fiber1064 nm
Not this one
Not absorbed.
UV355 nm
Not this one
Markers do not cut.

No desktop laser type does this job well.

Diode445–455 nm
Not this one
Not at this thickness. Possible, but the fire risk is real and edges scorch brown. Needs constant supervision and good air assist.
CO₂10.6 µm
Not this one
Not at this thickness. Fast, precise, minimal scorch. The standard for invitations, packaging prototypes and paper art.
Fiber1064 nm
Not this one
Not absorbed.
UV355 nm
Not this one
Markers do not cut.

CO₂ is your laser for marking glass.

CO₂10.6 µm
Best for this
Frosted etch on glassware and bottles. Add a rotary for cylindrical work.
UV355 nm
Best for this
The cleanest, finest glass marking available, with the least micro-chipping.
Diode445–455 nm
Limited
Only with a coating or marking spray, and results are inconsistent.
Fiber1064 nm
Limited
Marks glass, but chips the surface more than CO₂ or UV.
See CO₂ machines

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No desktop laser cuts glass. Lasers etch the surface; the material fractures rather than parting cleanly. Showing marking results instead.

CO₂ is your laser for marking glass.

CO₂10.6 µm
Best for this
Frosted etch on glassware and bottles. Add a rotary for cylindrical work.
UV355 nm
Best for this
The cleanest, finest glass marking available, with the least micro-chipping.
Diode445–455 nm
Limited
Only with a coating or marking spray, and results are inconsistent.
Fiber1064 nm
Limited
Marks glass, but chips the surface more than CO₂ or UV.
See CO₂ machines

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Diode is your laser for marking slate / stone.

Diode445–455 nm
Works well
Strong white-on-dark contrast on slate coasters, and a genuinely good diode application.
CO₂10.6 µm
Works well
Similar contrast with finer tonal control on photographic work.
Fiber1064 nm
Limited
Works, but offers no advantage on stone.
UV355 nm
Limited
Works, at a price that is hard to justify for slate.
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Desktop lasers do not cut stone. They ablate the surface to leave a light mark. Showing marking results instead.

Diode is your laser for marking slate / stone.

Diode445–455 nm
Works well
Strong white-on-dark contrast on slate coasters, and a genuinely good diode application.
CO₂10.6 µm
Works well
Similar contrast with finer tonal control on photographic work.
Fiber1064 nm
Limited
Works, but offers no advantage on stone.
UV355 nm
Limited
Works, at a price that is hard to justify for slate.
See Diode machines

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Fiber is your laser for marking anodized aluminum.

Fiber1064 nm
Best for this
Crisp, permanent, high-resolution marking with no consumables. The job this tool was designed around.
Diode445–455 nm
Works well
Ablates the dye to leave a bright silver mark. Works well, and is why some diode owners buy anodized blanks.
UV355 nm
Works well
Very fine marking with no heat effect on the surrounding finish.
CO₂10.6 µm
Limited
Needs a marking spray to bond a mark to the surface.
See Fiber machines

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Desktop lasers do not cut aluminum. They remove or alter the anodized layer on the surface. Showing marking results instead.

Fiber is your laser for marking anodized aluminum.

Fiber1064 nm
Best for this
Crisp, permanent, high-resolution marking with no consumables. The job this tool was designed around.
Diode445–455 nm
Works well
Ablates the dye to leave a bright silver mark. Works well, and is why some diode owners buy anodized blanks.
UV355 nm
Works well
Very fine marking with no heat effect on the surrounding finish.
CO₂10.6 µm
Limited
Needs a marking spray to bond a mark to the surface.
See Fiber machines

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Fiber is your laser for marking bare steel / stainless.

Fiber1064 nm
Best for this
Deep engraving, annealing and permanent marking on steel, stainless, brass and titanium. A MOPA source adds color on stainless.
UV355 nm
Limited
Marks metal, but fiber does it faster and cheaper. UV earns its price on heat-sensitive materials.
Diode445–455 nm
Not this one
Only with marking spray, or shallow oxidation on stainless. Not a durable industrial mark.
CO₂10.6 µm
Not this one
Marking spray only. Bare metal does not usefully absorb 10.6 µm.
See Fiber machines

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Cutting sheet metal takes an industrial fiber system in the multi-kilowatt range, not a desktop machine. Desktop fiber machines mark metal. Showing marking results instead.

Fiber is your laser for marking bare steel / stainless.

Fiber1064 nm
Best for this
Deep engraving, annealing and permanent marking on steel, stainless, brass and titanium. A MOPA source adds color on stainless.
UV355 nm
Limited
Marks metal, but fiber does it faster and cheaper. UV earns its price on heat-sensitive materials.
Diode445–455 nm
Not this one
Only with marking spray, or shallow oxidation on stainless. Not a durable industrial mark.
CO₂10.6 µm
Not this one
Marking spray only. Bare metal does not usefully absorb 10.6 µm.
See Fiber machines

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Fiber is your laser for marking powder-coated tumblers.

Fiber1064 nm
Best for this
Fastest and most consistent on coated metal, and handles bare stainless blanks too. Get a rotary either way.
Diode445–455 nm
Works well
Burns off powder coat to expose the metal underneath. A viable low-budget route into the drinkware business.
CO₂10.6 µm
Works well
Clean coating removal with good detail. Widely used for this exact product.
UV355 nm
Works well
Excellent detail with no coating discoloration at the mark edge.
See Fiber machines

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You are removing a coating from the surface, not cutting metal. Showing marking results instead.

Fiber is your laser for marking powder-coated tumblers.

Fiber1064 nm
Best for this
Fastest and most consistent on coated metal, and handles bare stainless blanks too. Get a rotary either way.
Diode445–455 nm
Works well
Burns off powder coat to expose the metal underneath. A viable low-budget route into the drinkware business.
CO₂10.6 µm
Works well
Clean coating removal with good detail. Widely used for this exact product.
UV355 nm
Works well
Excellent detail with no coating discoloration at the mark edge.
See Fiber machines

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UV is your laser for marking plastics (abs, pp, pet).

UV355 nm
Best for this
Cold marking with no melt or discoloration. The reason UV machines exist, and the standard for medical and electronics part marking.
Fiber1064 nm
Works well
Good permanent marking on many engineering plastics, with some heat effect.
CO₂10.6 µm
Limited
Marks some plastics, but tends to melt the surface at the mark edge.
Diode445–455 nm
Not this one
Poor absorption and a melted result on most plastics.
See UV machines

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Most engineering plastics melt rather than cut, and several release hazardous fumes. Check the never-laser list below before putting any plastic in a machine. Showing marking results instead.

UV is your laser for marking plastics (abs, pp, pet).

UV355 nm
Best for this
Cold marking with no melt or discoloration. The reason UV machines exist, and the standard for medical and electronics part marking.
Fiber1064 nm
Works well
Good permanent marking on many engineering plastics, with some heat effect.
CO₂10.6 µm
Limited
Marks some plastics, but tends to melt the surface at the mark edge.
Diode445–455 nm
Not this one
Poor absorption and a melted result on most plastics.
See UV machines

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Buying guidesWhat each spec means for the work you do
Material compatibilityWhich laser works on what, and what fails
Safety, properly explainedLaser classes, venting and eyewear
Running costsTubes, filters and lenses over three years

Explore lasers by category

Most people arrive knowing what they want to make rather than which laser makes it. Every route below works backwards from the job.

The four laser types, side by side

Wavelength decides everything downstream. A material either absorbs a given wavelength or it does not, and no amount of wattage fixes a mismatch.

Eight machine categories run on four wavelengths. CO₂, RF CO₂ and industrial CO₂ all emit at 10.6 µm and cut the same materials — they differ in bed size, tube technology and speed. Fiber and MOPA both emit at 1064 nm; MOPA adds pulse control for color on stainless. A dual-source machine carries both a CO₂ and a fiber tube, so both rows below apply to it. Wavelength decides what you can cut; the category decides how much and how fast.

Covers every machine class we track, from desktop diode up to industrial CO₂. Multi-kilowatt fiber sheet-metal cutting systems are a separate market and are not included.
TypeCutsMarksBare metal?Clear acrylic?Main limitation
Diode445–455 nm Wood, plywood, leather, dark acrylic, thin card Wood, leather, slate, anodized and coated metal No — marking spray or oxidation only No — the beam passes straight through Slow on thick stock, charred edges, often sold open-frame
CO₂10.6 µm Wood, all acrylic, leather, fabric, paper, rubber, foam Glass, stone, coated metal, plus everything it cuts No at desktop power Yes — the flame-polished edge it is known for The tube is a consumable; needs real venting and space
Fiber1064 nm Not a cutter at desktop marking power Steel, stainless, aluminum, brass, titanium; MOPA adds color on stainless Yes — the only type that does No Marks rather than cuts; poor contrast on wood and organics
UV355 nm Not a cutter Plastics, glass, ceramic and coated surfaces at the finest detail Marks it, though fiber is the better tool Frosts rather than cuts Highest cost per watt, smallest work area, no cutting

Class 1 or Class 4: the spec most buyers miss

Two machines can carry identical wattage and pose completely different risks. The difference is whether the beam is enclosed, and it decides what you need in place to run one at home.

Class 1 — enclosed and interlocked

The laser inside may itself be Class 4, but the housing and interlocks mean no hazardous beam reaches you in normal use. No eyewear needed while the lid is shut. This is how most enclosed desktop CO₂ and fiber machines are rated.

Class 4 — open frame

Most bare-gantry diode engravers. The beam and its reflections are directly accessible. Rated eyewear is mandatory for everyone in the room, the work area needs controlling, and scattered reflection off shiny stock is a genuine hazard.

The detail that catches people out: an enclosed machine's Class 1 rating depends on the enclosure staying shut. Defeat the interlock or remove a panel — to align optics, feed long stock, or watch a cut — and it reverts to the class of the laser inside, typically 3B or 4, until everything is back in place.

In the US, laser products are regulated by the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health under 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11. FDA recognises four hazard classes, and labelling for Classes II–IV must carry a warning symbol stating the class and the output power. A machine with no class marking at all is a reason to ask the seller questions before ordering.

Materials never to put in a laser

These damage the machine, your lungs, or both — and a few are exactly what beginners reach for first.

  • PVC and vinylReleases chlorine gas, toxic to breathe and corrosive to the machine's optics, rails and electronics.
  • Faux leather and pleatherUsually PVC-backed. The same chlorine problem behind a friendlier name.
  • Polycarbonate (Lexan)Absorbs badly, yellows, catches fire at the edge, and gives a ruined cut even when it works.
  • ABSMelts rather than cuts and gives off cyanide compounds. Mark it with UV or fiber instead.
  • HDPE and polystyrene foamMelt, stick to the bed, and readily catch fire.
  • Chrome or mirrored surfacesReflect the beam back into the optics and can destroy the laser source.
  • Fiberglass and carbon fiberThe resin binder produces toxic fumes and the fibers wreck the cut edge.
  • Unknown coatingsIf you cannot confirm the surface layer, do not burn it. Ask the supplier for a data sheet.

Starting a business with it?

Bundles pair a machine with the accessories that job actually needs — the rotary, the filtration, the blanks. Cheaper than assembling the same kit piece by piece after the machine lands.

Laser business starterMachine, extraction and the accessories a first paying job needs. Tumbler engravingPowder-coated drinkware. The rotary attachment matters more than wattage here. Metal engravingFiber-based kit for tool marking, serial plates and knife blades. Wood engravingSignage and ornaments, the most forgiving place to start. Glass engravingEtched glassware and bottles, with the rotary to hold them. Jewelry engravingFine marking on silver, gold and brass at small scale.

Resources to help you choose

The four questions that come up before every purchase in this category.

01Fiber vs CO₂ vs diode vs UVWhich laser type is right for your material and your goals.Read the guide →
02Laser material compatibility chartEvery material against every laser type, cutting and marking, in one grid.View the chart →
03What a laser costs to runTubes, filters, lenses and diode degradation over three years of use.See the numbers →
04Venting and filtrationDecide the extraction plan before the machine, not after it arrives.Plan your setup →
4 laser typesDiode, CO₂, fiber and UV compared
12 materialsChecked for cutting and marking
96 combinationsEvery material, job and thickness answered
IndependentCommissions disclosed on every link

How this site works

This site covers CNC laser cutters and engravers that makers, sign shops, schools and small manufacturers buy and run themselves — from desktop diode machines through to industrial CO₂ systems. It does not cover multi-kilowatt fiber sheet-metal cutting systems, which are a different market with different economics and are usually sold by quote rather than off a shelf.

Some links on this site are affiliate links. If you buy through one, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It does not change what the matcher says — it will tell you when no laser can do the job you have in mind.

Capability information comes from manufacturer specifications and published material lists. Safety and regulatory information is linked to its source so you can check it. Where a figure varies by machine or conditions, it is given as a range and labelled as one. We have not personally tested every machine referenced here, and we do not claim to have.

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