What materials should not be laser engraved?

Alban BredouUpdated: Sep 19, 2022

Several materials should NEVER be laser engraved or cut:

  • Many plastics - Do not engrave but simply melt
  • PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) / Vinyl / Pleather / Artificial leather - Emits chlorine gas when cut, ruins the optics and the machine's motion control system
  • Polycarbonate/Lexan - Catches fire ABS - Emits cyanide gas and tends to melt
  • HDPE/milk bottle plastic - Catches fire and melts
  • Polystyrene/PolyPropylene Foam - Catches fire
  • Fiberglass - Emits fumes Coated Carbon Fiber - Emits noxious fumes