FLUX Journal

Guide For Choosing The Right Laser Cutter

This buyer guide simplifies the process of finding the right laser engraver by matching your needs with the ideal laser type, work area, and use cases.

Published Updated
Guide For Choosing The Right Laser Cutter
One of the most common questions we receive from customers is: What materials can FLUX Lasers cut and engrave? To answer this, let’s explore laser cutting technology from a machining perspective and look at the different types of lasers and their typical applications.

6 Must Consider Before Getting Your Laser

Laser Sources

Each laser source is tailored for specific materials. Select the one that best fits your material requirements.

Materials

Select the laser wattage based on your material thickness. Higher wattage cuts thicker materials.

Software

FLUX lasers feature intuitive, user-friendly software that's easy to use, even without a design background

Consumable Requirements

Beyond laser materials, each laser cutter has specific consumable needs depending on the laser source. This is a key consideration before purchasing.

Applications

Over the past ten years, FLUX has excelled in creative industries like laser cutting, custom design, and prototyping, amassing a vast user base.

Add-ons

Even though FLUX Lasers handles most creations, special shapes like cylinders, cones, handled tumblers, or extra-large, extra-thick materials require FLUX Laser Add-ons for optimal support.

Get a Grip on All Four Laser Sources

Match Your Needs with the Right Laser Source
Diode Laser Infrared Laser CO2 Laser Fiber Laser
A diode laser cutting a detailed design from a wood sheet

Diode Laser

Diode lasers are ideal for engraving and cutting materials such as wood, leather, and paper. They offer a low-maintenance, beginner-friendly solution with no need for consumables. However, they are not suitable for cutting transparent materials; for such applications, a CO2 laser is recommended.
Infrared laser engraving a metal heart pendant

Infrared Laser

Infrared lasers are designed for engraving pure metals, including gold, silver, and copper, and are also effective on materials like dark acrylic and ABS. This makes them well-suited for professionals engaged in metalworking projects, such as jewelry engraving and custom dog tags.
CO2 laser cutting a sheet inside an enclosed FLUX laser cutter

CO2 Laser

CO2 lasers, known for their high power density and precision, are versatile enough to engrave on a wide range of materials, including wood, leather, paper, and transparent materials like acrylic and glass. This makes them an excellent choice for both industrial and creative applications.
Fiber laser marking a detailed pattern on metal

Fiber Laser

Fiber lasers offer precise, stable marking and engraving on metals, delivering high-quality results with minimal maintenance—ideal for modern metalworking.

Materials

Align the laser source with your specific creative needs.

beamo laser cutter surrounded by engraved and cut projects

beamo 30W Laser Cutter

beamo is compact with an A4 work area, powered by a 30W CO2 laser. It cuts up to 7mm hinoki wood and 6mm acrylic. For more materials, see the beamo material guide.

Beambox CO2 laser cutter in a creative workshop

Beambox 40W Laser Cutter

Beambox offers a large work area of 40 x 37.5 cm², capable of engraving and cutting large sheets, including up to 12mm hinoki wood and acrylic. For more materials, see the Beambox material guide.

Beambox Pro laser cutter processing a wooden sheet

Beambox Pro 50W Laser Cutter

Beambox Pro features a 60 x 37.5 cm² work area, ideal for small-scale production. It can cut up to 14mm hinoki wood and acrylic. For detailed material options, see the Beambox Pro material guide

FLUX laser cutter in a bright workshop

Beambox II 55W Laser Cutter

Beambox II is now upgraded to 55W CO2 Laser, delivering exceptional cutting performance. Now, you can effortlessly cut through 20mm acrylic and 18mm Japanese cypress, whether it's intricate designs or bold creations—precision is guaranteed. Elevate your creative freedom and bring every idea to life without limits.

HEXA industrial laser cutter in a production studio

HEXA 60W Laser Cutter

HEXA's 60W industrial CO2 laser is built for mass production, cutting up to 20mm hinoki wood and 21mm acrylic. For more details, see the HEXA material guide.

FLUX laser cutter in a bright workshop

Ador Color Printing Laser Cutter

Ador’s 10W/20W diode laser cuts up to 15mm hinoki wood and 7mm fabric. Its 2W infrared laser engraves gold, silver, and copper. The color printing module supports CMYKW printing, even on thick materials. See the material guide for details.

beamo 30W Laser Cutter — Materials

beamo Material Table
Materials Cutting Engraving
Black Walnut1 (Wood) 0.20″ (5mm)
Cypress1 (Wood) 0.28″ (7mm)
Plywood1 (Wood) 0.20″ (5mm)
MDF1 (Wood) 0.12″ (3mm)
Acrylic 0.24″ (6mm)
Cardboard2 0.30″ (7.5mm)
Leather3 0.20″ (5mm)
Fabric3 0.31″ (8mm)
Bamboo 0.20″ (5mm)
Cork
Rubber
Glass
Cement
Stone
Anodized Metal
Stainless Steel Spray paint required

Legend

* Certain materials require multiple passes to cut effectively. A higher cutting depth can be achieved by reducing the speed or by performing multiple passes.

* The maximum cutting depth may decrease after a certain period of usage of the laser tube in CO2 laser cutters.

1 The performance of wood cutting may be affected by variations in the moisture content and density of the material.

2 Thick cardboard is a highly flammable material and should be cut with a slight amount of moisture to ensure safety.

3 Although high-power lasers can cut thicker leather and fabrics, due to their higher flammability, we recommend cutting the maximum thickness specified.

Beambox 40W Laser Cutter — Materials

Beambox 40W Laser Cutter — Materials

Beambox Pro 50W Laser Cutter — Materials

Beambox Pro 50W Laser Cutter — Materials

Beambox II 55W Laser Cutter — Materials

Beambox II 55W Laser Cutter — Materials

HEXA 60W Laser Cutter — Materials

HEXA 60W Laser Cutter — Materials

Ador Color Printing Laser Cutter — Materials

Ador Color Printing Laser Cutter — Materials
Meet Beam Studio

Camera Preview

Real-time preview through your FLUX Laser’s built-in camera.

Preset Parameters

Select fine-tuned cutting and engraving settings for common materials.

Versatile Text Tools

Text on path, weld text, vertical text, and more for every typographic need.

Curated Clipart

Choose from over 400 vector elements to start your design.

Already comfortable with LightBurn? FLUX Lasers fully support LightBurn, allowing you to work with the software you’re most familiar with. Simply connect using the LightBurn Bridge Cable, and you’re ready to create with ease—no extra setup required!

Consumable Requirements

CO2 Laser Tube

As CO2 gas in the laser tube depletes with use, laser power diminishes. Regular tube replacement is crucial to ensure consistent performance.

Ador Printing Ink

Ador's color printing module utilizes CMYKW eco-friendly inks, designed to meet the demands of color processing for creators.

Compatible Models: Ador

Consumables

Starting now, all machine consumables and accessories are available on the FLUX Official Shop, ensuring a seamless fit for your maintenance needs.

Materials

Materials essential for your creations, such as wood and acrylic, are all available at the FLUX Official Shop. Get what you need and start creating right away!

What’s Your Creative Niche?

The Right Laser Cutter for Every Creative Project
Laser-cut fashion accessories and jewelry
Custom Jewelry
Ideal Laser Sources: CO2 Laser, Diode Laser, Fiber Laser
For crafting jewelry, earrings, or pet tags, the compact beamo and Ador provide the perfect solution, offering convenience for both home studios and on-the-go customization.

Compatible Models: Ador / beamo

Detailed laser-cut architectural model
Miniature / Automata
Ideal Laser Sources: CO2 Laser / Diode Laser
Miniature and model creation demands precise engraving and cutting of small components, and the Beambox series and HEXA are perfectly suited for the task.

Compatible Models :Beambox (Pro) / HEXA

Laser-cut art and craft prototype
Prototyping
Ideal Laser Sources: CO2 Laser / Diode Laser / Infrared Laser
For creators requiring simultaneous laser engraving, cutting, and coloring, the modular Ador and FLUX CO2 product lines deliver high-efficiency, cost-effective prototyping and processing across a wide range of materials.

Compatible Models: Ador / beamo / Beambox (Pro) / HEXA

Personalized laser-cut products for a creative business
Personalized Crafts
Ideal Laser Sources: CO2 Laser / Diode Laser / Infrared Laser / Fiber Laser
The diverse FLUX laser cutter product line offers versatile material compatibility, effortlessly handling everything from wood, leather, and acrylic to metal.

Compatible Models:Ador / beamo / Beambox (Pro) / HEXA

Add-Ons

Expand Your Creativity—Beyond the Flat Surface

For Cylindrical Objects

With the Chuck Rotary, you can expand beyond flat surfaces, create more diverse products, and unlock even greater profits.

Compatible Models: Ador / beamo / Beambox II / HEXA

For Extra Thick Materials

Explore FLUX Laser’s Open Bottom, Extension Base, and Extension Pocket Add-on—designed to handle thick materials with ease.

Compatible Models: Ador / beamo / Beambox II

For Extra Long Objects

If you're looking to take on extra-long custom orders like house number signs, store signs, or skateboards, the Pass-Through Add-on is your must-have companion.

Compatible Models: Ador / Beambox II

Automize Your Proccess

The FLUX Beambox II offers an automated material feeding add-on, freeing up your hands during the pass-through process for greater efficiency and time savings.

Compatible Models: Beambox II

Make the next move

Start Your Laser Cut Journey With FLUX

See the machines in person, trade ideas with other makers, or bring FLUX to your market.

Explore the range

Find the right FLUX for your work.

From compact creative studios to higher-volume production, explore the core laser lineup.