Matchmaking: Best Materials by Laser Type

Matchmaking: Best Material by Laser Type

Fiber (e.g., 20W ComMarker B-series)

• Top tier: Anodized aluminum, stainless, brass, titanium, coated metals, slate, many stones.

• Great: Some dark plastics (ABS, PBT) with contrast additives.

• Skip: Wood/acrylic cutting (wrong wavelength).

• Why you’ll love it: Speed + permanence + micro-detail. Ideal for tags, cups, tools, stones, and coasters.

CO₂

• Top tier: Wood, acrylic, leather, paper, glass (with technique), slate.

• Great: Painted/marking-spray metals (adds steps).

• Skip: Bare metals without marking compound (low effect).

• Why you’ll love it: Cuts and engraves; signage powerhouse.

UV

• Top tier: Glass, delicate plastics, some ceramics, electronics housings.

• Great: Micro logos, tiny text, medical/ID marking.

• Why you’ll love it: Pin-sharp with minimal heat.

“Which Material Is Best?” (By Scenario)

• Fastest to produce at scale: Anodized aluminum tags/plates (fiber).

• Highest perceived value per minute: Powder-coated stainless tumblers (fiber) and slate coasters (fiber/CO₂).

• Most emotional, giftable keepsake: Natural stones (fiber/CO₂), especially hearts and memorial stones.

• Cleanest all-black/white art style: Slate, stone, and cast acrylic (CO₂) for bold silhouettes.

• Best for upsells: Matching coaster sets + stands; add name/date bundles.

Yes, that was basically a speed-dating round for inanimate objects.