Epilog suitable materials

The laser cutter can handle a lot of materials, provided these materials are thin enough. Some can be cut and engraved, others can only be engraved and some materials cannot be used at all. It is allowed to bring your own material. Be aware that cheap materials are not always what they seem to be, so always check with a FabLab employee before using them. Below is an overview of the most common materials used in FabLab Enschede, as well as a list of materials prohibited for use.

Forbidden materials

Some materials produce toxic or corrosive fumes when laser cut. These cannot be used in our laser cutters. Forbidden materials are:

• PTFE/Teflon, PVC, PVB, Beryllium oxide.
• Materials that containing halogens (fluorine, chlorine, bromine), epoxy or phenolic resin.
• Materials that smoke a lot when cut or engraved, like most rubbers, including vinyl.
• Tanned leather
• Carbon fiber

Also be careful with using materials labelled as ‘flame retardant’, this may contain bromine.

Most common materials

Material	Cutting	Engraving
Acrylics (PMMA)	✓	✓
ABS	✓	✓
PLA	✓	✓
PS	✓	✓
Wood	✓	✓
Paper	✓	✓
Cardboard	✓	×
Polyester (PES)	✓	×
Microfiber	✓	×
Leather	✓	✓
Fake leather	✓	✓
Natural fabric (cotton, linen)	✓	✓
Wool	✓	×
Felt	✓	✓
Glass (including mirror)	×	✓
Metal	×	✓
Metal foils	✓	✓
Stone	×	✓
Crepla	✓	✓