Can cardboard be laser cut?

Many clients struggle with cutting cardboard efficiently—either it's slow, inconsistent, or just too expensive. But what if I told you there's a better way?

Yes, cardboard can be laser cut easily, cleanly, and efficiently using a CO₂ laser cutter. It’s one of the best materials for laser processing due to its composition and structure.

When people come to us at Kirin Laser with cardboard-cutting challenges, I often tell them: a CO₂ laser at 10.6µm wavelength makes cardboard behave like butter under a hot knife. It's fast, clean, and repeatable. That’s not just a theory—we’ve helped many clients turn messy, manual processes into precise digital workflows that scale.

Can laser cut cardboard?

Cutting cardboard is easy. Cutting it well is another story. Many users underestimate the power of a CO₂ laser cutter when working with paper-based materials like cardboard.

Yes, a CO₂ laser cutter can cut cardboard efficiently. The material absorbs the 10.6µm wavelength very well, allowing clean, precise cuts without physical contact.

Why cardboard works so well with laser cutting

Cardboard’s structure—usually cellulose-based with air gaps—makes it a dream for CO₂ lasers. Here's why:

1. High absorption of CO₂ wavelength¹

The 10.6µm beam from a CO₂ laser is perfectly absorbed by cellulose. That means you don’t need high power settings to get clean results.

2. Non-contact process²

No mechanical pressure means no crushing, bending, or deforming edges. The beam simply vaporizes what it touches.

3. Fast and accurate³

Our machines process intricate packaging designs at high speed. You can switch from one design to another with no need for tooling changes.

Feature	Die Cutting	CO₂ Laser Cutting
Setup Time	High	Low
Precision	Moderate	Very High
Tool Wear	Yes	None
Ideal for Small Runs?	No	Yes

One packaging client used to spend days manually die-cutting small batches. After switching to our laser system, they now fulfill short runs in hours with better precision and lower waste.

What materials cannot be cut on a laser cutter?

It’s easy to assume lasers can cut anything. That’s not true—and using the wrong material can be dangerous.

Materials with chlorine, PVC, or vinyl content, as well as highly reflective metals, are not safe for CO₂ laser cutting due to toxic fumes or damage to the laser system.

Know what not to cut

At Kirin Laser, we always help clients understand material compatibility. Safety comes first. Here are the main materials to avoid:

1. PVC and Vinyl⁴

These release hydrogen chloride gas when cut. That’s highly toxic and corrosive. Never use PVC on a laser cutter.

2. Polycarbonate⁵

This material often burns or discolors instead of cutting cleanly. It also produces harmful fumes.

3. ABS Plastic

Tends to melt and leaves a sticky residue. It also smells terrible and can catch fire.

4. Fiberglass

Releases toxic fumes due to its resin content. Cutting also dulls optics quickly.

5. Highly Reflective Metals⁶ (like copper or aluminum)

Unless you use fiber lasers, CO₂ lasers can’t handle reflective metals well. They bounce the beam, which risks damaging internal optics.

Material	Can CO₂ Laser Cut It?	Notes
Cardboard	✅ Yes	Fast, clean cuts
Acrylic	✅ Yes	Ideal for engraving and cutting
PVC/Vinyl	❌ No	Releases toxic gas
Polycarbonate	❌ No	Discolors, burns, poor result
Stainless Steel	⚠️ Only with assist gas	Not ideal without fiber laser
Leather (chrome)	❌ No	Contains harmful chemicals

Whenever clients ask us about new materials, we run tests and give honest recommendations. Your machine—and your health—depend on knowing the difference.

Will a laser cutter burn cardboard?

Many people worry that lasers might burn the cardboard or leave dark, crispy edges. It’s a valid concern, but also manageable.

Yes, a laser cutter can burn cardboard if settings are too high. But with correct parameters—low power, high speed—you can avoid burn marks and achieve clean edges.

Managing heat and edge quality

We’ve seen clients overcook their first few cuts, especially when they treat cardboard like acrylic. But cardboard is soft and fast-burning—it needs finesse.

1. Adjust your power and speed

You don’t need high power. We typically recommend starting at 10–20% power with 300–500 mm/s speed. That avoids burns while ensuring a clean cut.

2. Use air assist⁷

A steady airflow helps blow away smoke and debris, reducing discoloration. It also cools the surface as it cuts.

3. Focus properly

A correct focal point⁸ ensures maximum energy efficiency. Too far off and the beam scorches edges instead of slicing.

4. Clean optics

Dirty lenses scatter energy. Keep your mirrors and lenses clean to avoid hot spots.

Setting	Recommendation for Cardboard
Power	10–20%
Speed	300–500 mm/s
Air Assist	On
Focal Length	Set exactly at surface

When dialed in, your laser cutter becomes a precision tool. One of our clients reduced edge charring by 90% just by adjusting focus height and turning on air assist.

How thick can a laser cut cardboard?

The short answer: thicker than you might think, but with limits. CO₂ lasers can cut a wide range of cardboard thicknesses, but the results depend on machine power and beam quality.

CO₂ lasers can cut cardboard up to about 6–10mm thick, depending on the wattage and cardboard density. Thicker material may require multiple passes or slower speeds.

Thickness vs. power tradeoff

We’ve tested all types of cardboard—from thin folding cartons to heavy corrugated board. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Thin cardboard (≤2mm)

Almost any CO₂ laser⁹, even a 40W desktop unit, can handle this easily. Perfect for packaging prototypes and small crafts.

2. Medium cardboard (3–5mm)

Requires moderate power—around 60–80W. Speed can still be high, and cuts stay clean with air assist.

3. Thick corrugated board (6–10mm)

Needs higher wattage (100W+). Also needs a slower speed and good airflow to avoid burn buildup.

Thickness	Recommended Power	Cutting Notes
1–2mm	40W	Fast, clean cut
3–5mm	60–80W	Balance speed and cleanliness
6–10mm	100W+	Slower, may need multiple passes

Don’t forget to run test cuts¹⁰ when switching cardboard types. Density, glue layers, and coatings all affect results.

One client needed to cut 8mm triple-wall cardboard for shipping inserts. We used a 150W CO₂ laser with dual air assist and 2-pass cutting at slower speed. The results were clean with no charring.

Conclusion

Laser cutting cardboard is not just possible—it’s one of the most efficient and reliable uses of a CO₂ laser cutter. At Kirin Laser, we’ve helped clients transform manual packaging workflows into automated, digital processes that save time, reduce waste, and boost precision. By understanding the right settings, materials, and safety precautions, any business can unlock the full potential of laser cutting cardboard.