---
title: "CO2 Laser Cutting Service | Acrylic, Wood & Non-Metals | OpenSpindle"
description: "Get quotes for CO2 laser cut and engraved parts from independent shops. Clean cuts in acrylic, wood, MDF, plywood, fabric, leather, and paper, plus laser engraving."
canonical: https://openspindle.com/capabilities/co2-laser-cutting
---

# CO2 laser cutting from independent shops

CO2 lasers cut and engrave non-metals with a clean, often flame-polished edge: acrylic, wood, MDF, plywood, paper, fabric, leather, and many plastics. Ideal for signage, enclosures, displays, packaging, and prototypes, plus engraving in the same setup. Upload a DXF and hear back from CO2 laser shops.

## CO2 laser shops on OpenSpindle

Real shops cutting and engraving non-metals on CO2 lasers. See their equipment and get a competitive quote for your project.

[Browse all laser cutting shops](https://openspindle.com/manufacturers?capability=Laser%20cutting)

## How to design for CO2 Laser Cutting

CO2 laser rules depend on the material and thickness. These keep cuts clean and features intact.

| Design rule | Typical spec | Why |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Min feature / web | >= material thickness | Thin webs between cuts scorch or burn away. |
| Min hole diameter | >= material thickness | Small holes taper and char on thicker stock. |
| Max thickness (typical) | ~1/2 in acrylic, ~3/4 in wood | Thicker stock cuts slower with more edge char. |
| Kerf | 0.004 to 0.02 in | Varies by material and power; account for it on mating parts. |
| Tolerance | +/- 0.005 to 0.01 in | Repeatable; wood moves more than acrylic. |
| Engraving depth | raster or vector | Same machine engraves logos, text, and artwork in one setup. |

Typical values; a shop confirms against its laser, material, and thickness.

## CO2 laser vs other cutting processes

When another cutting process fits better than a CO2 laser.

| Process | Best for | Typical volume | Choose it over CO2 Laser Cutting when |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Fiber Laser](https://openspindle.com/capabilities/fiber-laser-cutting.md) | Metal sheet and plate | Prototype to production | You are cutting metal, which a fiber laser handles and a CO2 laser cannot cut well. |
| [CNC Routing](https://openspindle.com/capabilities/cnc-routing.md) | Thick wood, composites, 3D profiles | Prototype to production | The stock is thick, or you need pockets, chamfers, and 3D features, not just a flat cut. |
| [Waterjet Cutting](https://openspindle.com/capabilities/waterjet-cutting.md) | Thick or heat-sensitive material | Prototype to production | You need thick stock or cannot accept a charred, heat-affected edge. |
| Die Cutting | High-volume flat parts (paper, fabric, gasket) | 1,000+ | You are running high volumes of a simple flat shape and can amortize a die. |

## Industries Served

- Signage & displays
- Consumer products
- Packaging
- Electronics
- Architecture & interiors
- Education & research

CO2 laser cutting is the default for non-metal flat parts, prototypes, and engraved products.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is CO2 laser cutting?

CO2 laser cutting uses a gas laser to cut and engrave non-metal materials. It gives a clean, often flame-polished edge on acrylic and precise cuts in wood, MDF, paper, fabric, and leather, and it can engrave artwork and text in the same setup.

### What materials can a CO2 laser cut?

Acrylic, wood, MDF, plywood, paper, cardboard, fabric, felt, leather, foam, rubber, and many plastics such as acetal and polycarbonate (some plastics need care). It does not cut metal well; for metal use a fiber laser. Avoid PVC and vinyl, which release corrosive, toxic fumes.

### Fiber laser vs CO2: what is the difference?

Fiber lasers cut metal, including reflective alloys, at high speed. CO2 lasers are the right tool for non-metals such as acrylic, wood, MDF, fabric, and leather, and for engraving organics. Choose CO2 for non-metal parts and fiber for sheet metal.

### How thick can a CO2 laser cut?

Typical CO2 lasers cut up to about 1/2 inch of acrylic and roughly 3/4 inch of wood, depending on laser power. Thicker stock cuts more slowly with more edge char; for thick wood or composites a CNC router is often a better fit.

### Can a CO2 laser engrave as well as cut?

Yes. The same machine raster-engraves logos, text, and photos and vector-engraves fine lines, then cuts the part out in one setup. It is common for signage, awards, packaging, and product marking on wood, acrylic, and leather.

## Other Capabilities

- [Laser Cutting (overview)](https://openspindle.com/capabilities/laser-cutting.md)
- [Fiber Laser Cutting](https://openspindle.com/capabilities/fiber-laser-cutting.md)
- [CNC Routing](https://openspindle.com/capabilities/cnc-routing.md)
- [Waterjet Cutting](https://openspindle.com/capabilities/waterjet-cutting.md)

## Get CO2 laser cutting quotes

Upload a DXF and compare quotes from independent CO2 laser shops.