What Is Laser Cutting? A Simple Guide for UK Buyers

Laser cutting is a way of shaping flat materials such as wood, acrylic, card and leather with a tightly focused beam of light that follows a digital drawing. The beam burns or vaporises the material along the line, leaving a clean edge and very fine detail. The same machine can also engrave, which marks the surface without cutting through.

How does laser cutting work?

A maker loads a flat sheet into the machine and sends it a vector drawing, which is a file made of lines and shapes rather than pixels. The laser head follows those lines, and the power and speed settings decide whether the beam cuts all the way through or only marks the top layer. Air blows across the work to clear smoke and keep the edge tidy.

Because the machine follows a file, it can repeat the same shape exactly. That makes it a good fit for both one-off gifts and small batches.

Laser cutting and engraving: what is the difference?

Cutting goes all the way through the material. Think of a cake topper, a keyring shape or an intricate wooden panel.

Engraving removes a thin layer from the surface to leave a mark. It suits names, patterns and photos on coasters, slate, glass and wood. Engraved wood usually turns a warm brown, and engraved acrylic turns frosted white.

Many jobs use both. A wooden sign, for example, might have its outline cut and its lettering engraved.

The main types of laser machine

You do not need to be an engineer to choose a maker, but a quick picture of the machines helps you understand what is possible.

• CO2 lasers are the usual choice for wood, acrylic, leather, card and fabric. If you are searching for laser cutting wood or laser cutting acrylic, most makers will be using a CO2 machine.
• Diode lasers are smaller and lighter, often used by hobby makers. They handle thinner wood, card and leather well and can engrave many surfaces, though they work more slowly and cut thick material less easily.
• Fibre lasers are built for metal. They are used to mark stainless steel, anodised aluminium and similar surfaces, and larger industrial versions can cut metal sheet.

Common materials

• Plywood and MDF, popular for signs, decorations and craft kits
• Acrylic, in clear, mirror, glitter and many solid colours
• Leather and card, for keyrings, wallets, invitations and packaging
• Slate and glass, usually engraved rather than cut, for coasters and gifts
• Anodised aluminium, marked with a fibre laser for tags and plaques

Makers also decline some materials for safety reasons. PVC and vinyl release chlorine-containing fumes when heated, which is harmful to people and corrodes the machine. Some other plastics melt, smoke or catch fire instead of cutting cleanly. If you are unsure, ask the maker what they can use, and expect them to suggest an alternative such as acrylic or a laser-safe sheet.

Popular custom laser-cut jobs

• Personalised signs and house numbers
• Cake toppers, including names and ages
• Keyrings and bag tags
• Wedding favours, place names and wedding signs
• Engraved coasters and gifts
• Business signage and shop display pieces
• Replacement acrylic panels, shelves or small parts

What file does a maker need?

Makers work from vector files. The common types are SVG, DXF, AI and vector PDF. If you have one, send it along.

If you only have a sketch, a photo of a drawing or an idea in words, that is fine too. Many makers will draw the design for you. Take a clear photo of your sketch, include the size you want, and say which words or shapes matter most. Our guide to briefing a maker covers what to include.

If your design uses a brand, logo, sports team or character, makers need permission to reproduce someone else's artwork, so ask for an original design or supply your own.

What affects the price?

Makers set their own prices, so quotes vary. As a rough guide, a small personalised piece such as a keyring or coaster often costs from a few pounds to around £15, while a larger engraved or cut sign often runs from around £15 to £60 or more. The main drivers are:

• Material and thickness, since mirror acrylic and hardwood cost more than plywood
• Size, because bigger pieces use more material and machine time
• Design complexity, as detailed engraving takes longer than a simple outline
• Quantity, where larger runs often bring the cost per item down
• Design work, if the maker has to draw your idea from scratch
• Finishing and delivery, such as painting, assembly, packaging and Royal Mail postage

Finding a laser cutting service near you

Searching for a laser cutting service near me will show larger companies, but many independent makers work from home studios and workshops and post across the UK. Local makers are handy if you want to collect or talk through a design in person.

On Hire a Maker you can find a maker by craft and location, or post a request and let makers come to you. See the laser cutting and engraving page for makers who offer it.

Questions people ask

Can a laser cut metal?

Fibre lasers can mark metal, and stronger industrial machines can cut it. A typical CO2 craft laser will not cut bare metal, though it can mark some coated or anodised surfaces. Ask the maker which machine they use.

Is laser engraving permanent?

Engraving removes or alters the surface, so it does not rub off like printed ink. How long it lasts still depends on the material and how the item is used.

How long does a laser cutting order take?

Simple jobs can be quick, but makers usually have a queue. Allow a few days to two weeks, and longer in busy seasons such as Christmas and wedding season. Tell the maker your date when you ask.

Can I send my own material?

Some makers will work with material you supply, as long as it is safe for their machine. Ask first, because they will want to check it.

Ready to get something made? Post a free request describing your idea, add a photo or sketch if you have one, and makers who cover your area can reply with ideas, prices and timings. You can also read how it works.