Laser cutting uses a highly focused beam of light to heat a small area of material until it melts, burns, or vaporises. A gas jet (often nitrogen or oxygen, depending on the job) helps blow molten material out of the cut, while CNC control guides the beam along the programmed path for accurate, repeatable shapes.

Laser cutting is known for high accuracy, a narrow kerf (less waste), and clean edges with minimal finishing on many materials. It’s fast for complex profiles, supports tight nesting for better material usage, and is ideal for repeatable production because cuts are consistent from part to part.

Laser cutting typically delivers higher precision, finer detail, and a better edge finish, especially on thin to medium thickness material, with a smaller heat-affected zone. Plasma cutting is often faster and more cost-effective on thicker plate, but usually has a wider kerf, more heat input, and may need more finishing depending on the application.

It depends on the laser type (e.g., fibre vs CO₂), but common laser-cut materials include:

• Metals: mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium (machine-dependent), brass/copper (machine-dependent)

• Non-metals (more common with CO₂ lasers): acrylic, paper/card, some plastics, fabrics
  If you share the material and thickness, we can confirm suitability quickly.

Avoid materials that release toxic or corrosive fumes, such as:

• PVC / vinyl (releases chlorine gas)
• Chlorinated plastics (similar hazards)
• PTFE (Teflon) and some fluoropolymers (hazardous fumes)
  Also be cautious with materials that create dangerous dust/fumes (e.g., fibreglass, carbon fibre) or coated metals that require proper extraction.
  
  When in doubt, confirm the material type and any coatings before cutting.