Jinan Weihua Machinery & Equipment Co., Ltd · Jinan Shandong China
Wood panel engraved with a CO2 laser
Knowledge Centre

Frequently Asked Questions About CO2 Laser Cutter

Published 2025-03-13 by the Weihua Laser engineering desk.

Materials Engraved And Cut By CO2

A CO2 laser processes non-metals. It engraves and cuts wood, acrylic, leather, ABS, PVC, paper, cardboard, and textiles. It engraves but does not cut glass, marble, or bamboo. If you need to process other materials, contact us to confirm feasibility before quoting jobs.

Defining Requirements For Accurate Pricing

Machine cost depends on configuration. To receive a suitable recommendation and price, specify the required work size, the material type you process, and the maximum thickness you need to cut. These three factors determine the machine model and power rating.

Blade Table Versus Honeycomb Table

Blade platforms suit thicker materials like wood and acrylic. They reduce laser reflection to improve cutting accuracy and allow better ventilation for heat dissipation and smoke exhaust. Honeycomb platforms suit thinner materials like fabric, paper, and plastic. They provide even support to prevent deformation and use small holes to remove debris and smoke.

Chiller Function And Power Matching

A chiller controls the temperature of the laser tube and optical components by circulating cooling water. This prevents overheating, ensures stable operation, and extends the laser tube lifespan. Match the chiller to your power: use a water pump or CW3000 for below 80 W, CW5000 for 80 W and 100 W, CW5200 for 130 W to 180 W, CW5202 for double 80 W heads, and CW6000 for 200 W and 300 W lasers.

Engraving Round Materials

To engrave cylindrical items like glass bottles, a rotary axis is used to fix the material. This setup requires a laser engraver equipped with an up-down table, as installing the rotary axis changes the focal distance and working space.

Buyer Questions

Questions On This Topic

Can the CO2 laser cut glass or marble?
No. The CO2 laser can engrave glass and marble but cannot cut them. It cuts wood, acrylic, leather, plastics, paper, cardboard, and textiles.
Which table should I choose for thin fabric?
Choose a honeycomb table. It provides even support to prevent deformation of thin materials and helps remove debris and smoke through its small hole design.
Do I need a chiller for a 100 W machine?
Yes. For a 100 W laser, the CW5000 chiller is recommended. For powers below 80 W, a water pump or CW3000 is sufficient.
What information do you need for a quote?
Please specify the required work size, the material you will process, and the maximum thickness you need to cut. This allows us to recommend the suitable machine and price.
Can I engrave a glass bottle?
Yes, using a rotary axis to fix the cylindrical material. However, this requires a laser engraver with an up-down table to accommodate the rotary attachment.
What is the difference between blade and honeycomb tables?
Blade tables suit thicker materials like wood and acrylic by reducing reflection and improving ventilation. Honeycomb tables suit thinner materials like fabric and paper by providing even support and debris removal.

Still Not Sure Which Machine Fits

Send the material and the thickness. We answer with a model and the settings that go with it, not a catalogue.