Laser cutting and engraving paper is a popular technique in crafting, packaging, art, and industrial applications due to its precision and versatility. However, not all papers perform equally well under a laser. The choice of paper significantly affects cut quality, edge finish, and engraving results. This article compares common paper types for laser cutting and engraving, highlighting their properties, suitability, and best practices for use with diode and CO₂ lasers.

Key Factors in Choosing Paper for Laser Cutting and Engraving

When selecting paper for laser processing, consider the following:

• Thickness (GSM): Measured in grams per square meter (gsm), thicker papers (e.g., 200–300 gsm) are more robust but may require higher power, while thinner papers (e.g., 60–120 gsm) are delicate and prone to burning.
• Composition: Papers made from pure cellulose cut cleanly, while those with coatings, additives, or synthetic fibers may produce inconsistent results or toxic fumes.
• Texture and Coating: Smooth papers yield cleaner cuts, while textured or coated papers may require adjusted settings to avoid scorching or melting.
• Color: Darker papers absorb more laser energy, increasing the risk of burning, while lighter papers reflect more light, requiring careful power calibration.
• Intended Use: Cutting requires clean, through-cuts, while engraving focuses on surface etching for designs or text, affecting the choice of paper and settings.

Common Paper Types for Laser Cutting and Engraving

Below is a comparison of popular paper types, their properties, and their suitability for laser cutting and engraving.

1. Standard Printer Paper (80–120 gsm)

• Description: Lightweight, smooth, cellulose-based paper commonly used for printing.
• Cutting:
  • Suitability: Excellent for both diode and CO₂ lasers due to its thin, uniform structure.
  • Settings (Diode): 5–15% power (0.5–1.5 W for 10 W laser), 200–400 mm/s, single pass.
  • Settings (CO₂): 3–8% power (1.2–3.2 W for 40 W laser), 400–800 mm/s, single pass.
  • Pros: Clean cuts, minimal burning with proper settings, widely available, affordable.
  • Cons: Prone to curling or tearing if not secured; limited durability for structural applications.
• Engraving:
  • Suitability: Good for shallow engravings, such as text or simple patterns.
  • Settings: Reduce power by 20–30% compared to cutting (e.g., 3–10% for diode, 2–5% for CO₂), moderate speed (100–300 mm/s).
  • Pros: Smooth surface ensures consistent engraving depth.
  • Cons: Thin paper may show burn-through with excessive power.
• Best For: Intricate cutouts, lightweight crafts, prototyping.

2. Cardstock (200–300 gsm)

• Description: Thicker, sturdy paper used for cards, packaging, or structural crafts.
• Cutting:
  • Suitability: Ideal for both diode and CO₂ lasers, though diode lasers may require multiple passes for thicker cardstock.
  • Settings (Diode): 20–40% power (2–4 W for 10 W laser), 50–150 mm/s, 1–2 passes.
  • Settings (CO₂): 10–20% power (4–8 W for 40 W laser), 150–300 mm/s, single pass.
  • Pros: Clean edges, suitable for robust designs, available in various colors and finishes.
  • Cons: Dark or coated cardstock may char; thicker cardstock may require higher power.
• Engraving:
  • Suitability: Excellent for detailed engravings due to its thickness, which prevents burn-through.
  • Settings: 10–20% power for diode, 5–10% for CO₂, 100–200 mm/s.
  • Pros: Supports deep, high-contrast engravings; durable for repeated handling.
  • Cons: Textured or coated surfaces may require testing to avoid uneven results.
• Best For: Greeting cards, packaging, 3D paper models.

3. Rice Paper (30–100 gsm)

• Description: Thin, translucent, fibrous paper often used in art or calligraphy.
• Cutting:
  • Suitability: Suitable but challenging due to its delicate, uneven texture; best with CO₂ lasers for cleaner cuts.
  • Settings (Diode): 8–15% power (0.8–1.5 W for 10 W laser), 150–300 mm/s, single pass.
  • Settings (CO₂): 5–8% power (2–3.2 W for 40 W laser), 300–600 mm/s, single pass.
  • Pros: Creates delicate, intricate designs; ideal for artistic applications.
  • Cons: Highly prone to burning and curling; requires precise settings and securing.
• Engraving:
  • Suitability: Limited due to thinness and texture; shallow engravings work best.
  • Settings: 5–10% power for diode, 3–5% for CO₂, 200–400 mm/s.
  • Pros: Subtle engravings enhance its translucent aesthetic.
  • Cons: Fibrous texture can cause inconsistent engraving depths.
• Best For: Artistic cutouts, lanterns, delicate decorations.

4. Coated or Glossy Paper (100–250 gsm)

• Description: Paper with a glossy or laminated coating, often used for brochures or high-end prints.
• Cutting:
  • Suitability: Moderate; coatings may melt or produce toxic fumes, requiring caution.
  • Settings (Diode): 15–25% power (1.5–2.5 W for 10 W laser), 100–200 mm/s, 1–2 passes.
  • Settings (CO₂): 10–15% power (4–6 W for 40 W laser), 200–400 mm/s, single pass.
  • Pros: Produces clean cuts with sealed edges when settings are optimized.
  • Cons: Risk of melting or charring; requires robust ventilation.
• Engraving:
  • Suitability: Good for high-contrast engravings, as coatings can create sharp visuals.
  • Settings: 10–15% power for diode, 5–8% for CO₂, 100–300 mm/s.
  • Pros: Glossy surfaces enhance engraving visibility.
  • Cons: Coatings may bubble or discolor if overheated.
• Best For: Professional packaging, promotional materials, high-contrast engravings.

5. Kraft Paper (80–300 gsm)

• Description: Brown, recycled paper with a rough texture, used for rustic or eco-friendly projects.
• Cutting:
  • Suitability: Excellent for both diode and CO₂ lasers; its organic composition cuts cleanly.
  • Settings (Diode): 15–30% power (1.5–3 W for 10 W laser), 100–250 mm/s, 1–2 passes.
  • Settings (CO₂): 8–15% power (3.2–6 W for 40 W laser), 200–500 mm/s, single pass.
  • Pros: Minimal charring, rustic aesthetic complements slight edge discoloration.
  • Cons: Thicker kraft paper may require multiple passes with diode lasers.
• Engraving:
  • Suitability: Excellent for bold, high-contrast engravings due to its dark color.
  • Settings: 10–20% power for diode, 5–10% for CO₂, 100–200 mm/s.
  • Pros: Deep engravings stand out well; durable for handling.
  • Cons: Rough texture may cause slight inconsistencies in fine details.
• Best For: Rustic packaging, tags, engraved signage.

6. Tissue Paper (20–60 gsm)

• Description: Ultra-thin, delicate paper used for wrapping or decorative crafts.
• Cutting:
  • Suitability: Challenging due to extreme thinness; best with CO₂ lasers for speed and precision.
  • Settings (Diode): 5–10% power (0.5–1 W for 10 W laser), 250–400 mm/s, single pass.
  • Settings (CO₂): 3–5% power (1.2–2 W for 40 W laser), 500–800 mm/s, single pass.
  • Pros: Enables highly intricate designs when secured properly.
  • Cons: Extremely prone to burning, curling, or tearing; requires precise handling.
• Engraving:
  • Suitability: Poor due to thinness; engravings often burn through.
  • Settings: 3–5% power for diode, 2–3% for CO₂, 300–500 mm/s.
  • Pros: Subtle engravings possible with minimal power.
  • Cons: High risk of damage; not recommended for detailed engravings.
• Best For: Delicate decorative cutouts, lightweight art.

Best Practices for Laser Cutting and Engraving Paper

1. Test Cuts and Engravings:

   • Always test settings on scrap material of the same type to optimize power, speed, and focus.
   • Create a test grid with varying power (5–30%) and speed (100–800 mm/s) to find the best combination.

2. Secure the Paper:

   • Use a vacuum table, low-tack adhesive mat, or masking tape to keep paper flat and prevent movement, especially for thin or delicate types like tissue or rice paper.
   • Avoid excessive adhesive to prevent tearing during removal.

3. Use Air Assist:

   • Employ a low-pressure air assist (0.5–2 bar) to cool the paper and clear fumes, reducing burn marks and soot buildup.

4. Apply Masking Tape:

   • For delicate or coated papers, apply low-tack masking tape to protect the surface from scorching. Remove carefully to avoid damage.

5. Ventilation:

   • Use a fume extractor or exhaust system to remove smoke and prevent soot from settling on the paper, especially for coated or kraft papers.

6. Adjust for Color and Texture:

   • Dark papers (e.g., kraft) require 5–10% less power to avoid overburning.
   • Textured papers (e.g., rice or kraft) may need slower speeds for consistent cuts.

7. Safety Precautions:

   • Ensure proper ventilation to manage fumes, as some coatings may release toxic gases.
   • Wear laser safety glasses specific to the laser’s wavelength (400–450 nm for diode, 10.6 µm for CO₂).
   • Never leave the laser unattended, as paper is highly flammable.

Conclusion

The best paper for laser cutting and engraving depends on the project’s requirements and the laser type used. Standard printer paper and cardstock are versatile choices for clean cuts and engravings, suitable for both diode and CO₂ lasers. Kraft paper excels for rustic designs, while rice and tissue papers are ideal for delicate, artistic cutouts but require careful handling. Coated papers offer high-contrast engravings but need robust ventilation. By selecting the appropriate paper, optimizing settings, and following best practices like using air assist and securing materials, users can achieve precise, high-quality results for a wide range of applications.