CNC Router vs. Laser Cutter: Which Do You Need?
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Short answer: use a CNC router to cut thicker material and larger parts: plywood, hardwood, HDPE, foam, composites and aluminum plate. Use a laser for fine engraving and detail on smaller, thinner pieces like cutting boards, drinkware, leather and thin acrylic. Many projects use both: the router cuts the part and the laser engraves it.
How they differ
| CNC router | CO2 laser | |
|---|---|---|
| How it cuts | A spinning bit removes material | A focused beam burns or vaporizes material |
| Best for | Parts, panels, signs, inserts, enclosures, carving | Engraving, marking and fine detail |
| Material thickness | Thick stock, from thin sheet up to heavy boards and slabs | Thinner material |
| Metals | Cuts aluminum | Does not cut metal (it can mark coated metals) |
| Edges | Clean, unburned edges; inside corners keep a small radius from the bit | Very fine detail and sharp corners; wood edges come out darkened |
| Size at our shop | 5×10' working area (ShopSabre IS510) | 14×20" working area (Boss LS1420, 70 watt) |
Choose a CNC router when
- Your part is thicker than about 1/4", or larger than the laser's bed
- You need aluminum, HDPE, G10 or other material a laser can't handle
- You want carved depth, such as dimensional signs or V-carved lettering
- You need parts with clean, unburned edges
Choose a laser when
- You want a logo, names or artwork engraved on finished products
- The detail is very fine, like small text or photos
- You're engraving drinkware, cutting boards, leather, slate or pens in bulk
Not sure which you need?
Send us your drawing and tell us the material, size and quantity. We run both machines in our Cincinnati, Ohio shop and will recommend the right one. See CNC manufacturing and laser engraving, or read what files you need for CNC cutting.