🚫 NEVER LASER THESE MATERIALS

These materials should never be used in the laser.
This is not an exhaustive list. If you are not sure, don't use it and find out.
PVC, vinyl, neoprene, pleather, PTFE (Teflon)
When heated, these materials release chlorine or similar gases. This is a respiratory hazard, but also combines with moisture in the air to create acids which will seriously damage the laser through corrosion.
Polypropylene sheet and foam
Highly flammable and likely to catch fire whilst cutting
Coated carbon fibre
The resin coating can give off toxic fumes and is a significant fire risk
Mirror-finish metals
The mirror finish is likely to reflect the laser straight back along the laser path and damage the optics. A CO2 laser will not cut or mark metals anyway.
ABS plastic
Emits cyanide fumes when lasered and is likely to melt and burn rather than cut cleanly
HDPE plastic (e.g. milk bottles)
Likely to melt and burn rather than cut cleanly
Chromium tanned leather
Releases toxic chromium oxide fumes during laser cutting
Use vegetable tanned leather instead
Fibreglass
Both glass dust and resin fumes will damage the machine and cause respiratory problems
Expanded polystyrene/polystyrene foam
Very high fire risk, with toxic smoke
There are some foams, e.g. EVA, that are laser safe alternatives
Cured epoxy resins
High fire risk, with toxic smoke including cyanide and chlorine
 
 
 
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