Trotec 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.
Metallic materials
The Trotec Speedy flexx can engrave some metals when using the fiber laser source. By engraving deeply, some metal foils can be cut. This machine is also capable of engraving glass bottle using the rotary attachment. Also a grey enamel-like material can be baked on metals using a laser cutter, this is called marking.
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 | ✓ | ✓ |