Skip to content What Is a CO₂ Laser Cutter?
A practical introduction to CO₂ laser cutters: how the laser source, optics, gantry, cooling, extraction, air assist and safety systems work together.
Gareth Lewis
How to Laser Cut Foam: Safe Materials, Settings & Clean Cuts
A practical guide to laser cutting foam safely, including material identification, real settings for 30mm polyethylene foam, dot/perforation mode, air assist, focal length, kerf compensation and clean accurate cuts.
What Is the Pre-Ionisation Zone of a CO₂ Laser Tube?
The pre-ionisation zone of a CO₂ laser tube explained: what happens before a stable discharge is established, why low-current behaviour can be erratic, and how it affects laser output.
What Can a Laser Cutter Cut?
I’ve laser cut a wide and varied number of materials …
How Much Does a Laser Cutting and Engraving Machine Cost?
When I was recently researching to buy a new laser …
How To Choose The Best Laser Cutting Machine for You.
Laser Cutting machines come in all shapes, sizes and power …
What Is a Laser Power Meter?
Laser power meters explained: how thermal and photodiode sensors measure optical power, why wavelength and power range matter, and how to choose a suitable meter.
How to Laser Cut Paper Without Burning or Scorching
A practical guide to laser cutting paper and card with clean, scorch-free edges. Includes real CO₂ laser settings, focus, air assist, extraction, acceleration effects, artwork strategy and corrugated-cardboard tips.
How To Laser Engrave Slate
While browsing at a local store, I picked up a …
How to Laser Cut Stencils
If you own or have access to a laser cutting …
How To Use A Laser Power Meter
Having just purchased my very own laser power meter for …
How to Laser Cut Foam Inserts for Tool Boxes: Step-by-Step Guide
A practical guide to laser cutting foam inserts for tool boxes: choosing suitable foam, creating accurate tool outlines, adding clearance, nesting layouts, layered shadow foam, cutting thick PE foam and avoiding unsafe materials.
How Long Does a CO₂ Laser Tube Last?
How long a glass CO₂ laser tube lasts depends on tube quality, operating current, cooling, optical losses and workload. Learn how to judge ageing from current and measured optical power.
Buying a Chinese Laser Engraving and Cutting Machine
50 Watt CO2 Laser with 300 x 500mm Bed Size …
How to Extend CO₂ Laser Tube Life: 9 Practical Tips
Nine practical ways to extend glass CO₂ laser tube life: correct current, effective cooling, clean optics, traceable tube specifications and regular optical power checks.
How to Laser Cut Acrylic
A practical guide to laser cutting acrylic with real CO₂ settings, cast vs extruded guidance, lens choice, air assist, clean-edge techniques, flashback prevention and troubleshooting.
