The information presented by The Crafter Lab is done so with a "best effort" attempt to provide safe and accurate information; but every laser, material, chemical, etc is different and may yield different results including possibly adverse results. While we want Even when following the information provided exactly as presented, risks and hazards still remain and The Crafter Lab bares no responsibility for damage, injuries, or deaths that may result.
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Failure to follow warnings and instructions may result in property damage, serious bodily injury, and/or death.
‡Read, understand, and follow all instructions provided by the manufacturer for any equipment, materials, or chemicals before using them.
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Laser cutting/etching on the wrong material or with the wrong settings can result in fire, toxic fumes, and damage to your laser including but not limited to the following hazards:
- Plywood - Plywood is sometimes made from materials that release irritating, toxic, or corrosive fumes during printing that could harm you or your equipment. These include the glue which binds the wood together, the chemicals added to provide weather resistance, and surface finishes to improve the plywood’s appearance. In addition, some plywood is prone to catching fire, which could be hazardous to you, your laser or your surroundings.
- Hardwoods - Hardwoods are sometimes coated with stains or finishes that can release toxic or corrosive fumes during printing that could harm you or your laser. Some species of hardwoods can create fumes or dust that is irritating or triggers allergic reactions. Some hardwood is prone to catching fire, which could be hazardous to you, your laser or your surroundings.
- Plastics - Some plastics like acrylic and acetal are laser-compatible; many more, like vinyl, PVC, ABS, and HDPE can melt or release toxic or corrosive fumes that could harm you or your equipment. It can be difficult to tell the difference between types of plastics. Even with laser-compatible plastics, some sizes are susceptible to particularly hot, intense, and long-lasting fires, which could be hazardous to you, your equipment or your surroundings.
- Leather - Leather is sometimes prepared with toxic heavy metals that can be released in the air during the printing process that could harm you or your equipment.
- Cardboard/Paper - Cardboard and paper are extremely prone to catching on fire. They are sometimes prepared with inks or protective chemicals that can release toxic or corrosive fumes during printing that could harm you or your equipment. They may have metal staples or fasteners that can redirect the laser beam, causing damage to your laser cutter
- Fabric - Fabric is sometimes made from materials or made with dyes and inks that can release toxic or corrosive gasses during printing that could harm you or your equipment. Some fabrics are extremely flammable, which could be hazardous to you, your equipment or your surroundings
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Other - There is no simple and accurate way to tell if a material is laser compatible without the advice of an expert. Many materials are laser compatible, but many more are not - and the differences may not be obvious or intuitive. It’s your responsibility to verify that any material you use will be safe for you and your equipment.