custom laser engraving products

What Materials Can Be Laser Engraved? A Complete Guide

If you’re planning to order a custom engraved gift or start a laser engraving business, one of the most important questions is: “What materials can actually be laser engraved and cut?”

Understanding this helps you choose the right products, avoid costly mistakes, and get the best possible results.

The good news is—laser engraving works on a wide variety of materials, making it incredibly versatile for personalised gifts and business branding.

🪵 Wood (Best All-Round Material)

Wood is one of the most popular and versatile materials for laser engraving and cutting.

✅ Engraves beautifully:

  • Plywood (birch, basswood)
  • MDF
  • Solid wood (pine, oak, bamboo)

✂️ Cuts well:

  • Thin sheets (1–6mm easily)
  • Up to ~10–15mm depending on settings and passes

Wood is ideal for both beginners and high-volume product businesses.

🥃 Glass (Engraving Only)

Glass cannot be cut, but it engraves into a beautiful frosted finish.

✅ Engraves:

  • Whiskey glasses
  • Wine glasses
  • Jars
  • Mirrors

🧵 Leather & Faux Leather

Leather is excellent for small, high-value personalised items.

✅ Engraves:

  • Genuine leather
  • PU leather

✂️ Cuts:

  • Thin leather sheets

🧻 Paper & Cardboard

Paper-based materials are perfect for creative and commercial products.

✅ Engraves & cuts:

  • Cardstock
  • Kraft paper
  • Cardboard

🧵 Fabric & Textiles

Laser engraving can lightly mark or cut certain fabrics.

✅ Works on:

  • Cotton
  • Denim
  • Felt
  • Canvas

🪨 Slate, Stone & Ceramic

These materials engrave very cleanly but cannot be cut.

✅ Engraves:

  • Slate
  • Ceramic tiles
  • Some natural stone surfaces

🥄 Metals

Can mark metals, not deeply engrave or cut them.

✅ Works on:

  • Stainless steel
  • Coated metals
  • Anodized aluminium

⚠️ Materials You Should NOT Use

Some materials are unsafe or unsuitable for diode laser machines:

❌ Avoid:

  • PVC (toxic fumes)
  • Vinyl
  • ABS plastics
  • Polycarbonate
  • Fibreglass

⚠️ These materials can damage our laser machine or release harmful fumes.

At Uncharted Laser, we help customers turn the right materials into beautiful, personalised keepsakes that last.

Back to blog