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Laser Cut Paper: The Perfect Solution for Creative Projects

Outline

How do you make a perfect cut for paper?

Paper is an easy-to-process material that can be transformed into a variety of beautiful or practical products using different methods, and which method will you choose for cutting it? Unlike traditional paper processing tools, laser cutting machines allow you to cut and engrave any paper project with precision. When used effectively, they can even replace tools like carving knives and utility knives, making integration seamless and significantly enhancing processing quality and efficiency.

 

If you had to choose just one tool for efficient and high-quality processing, it would undoubtedly be a laser machine. It saves time and effort while perfectly reproducing your designs, cutting out intricate patterns and fine lines with exceptional accuracy.

laser cutting paper sample

What type of paper can be laser cut?

Paper is a lightweight and versatile material, making it ideal for laser cutting due to its ease of processing. The thin and flexible nature of most paper allows for high precision and intricate designs, while the thick cardboard offers excellent hardness and toughness. 

 

As a result, paper’s widespread availability and variety of types offer numerous creative possibilities. Many types of paper can be used for laser cutting, each offering unique properties for different projects.

Durable and thick, perfect for intricate designs and cards.
Suitable for basic projects and crafts.
Great for eco-friendly projects and packaging.
Semi-transparent, used for delicate designs and overlays.
Thin and light, ideal for decorative projects.
Thicker and textured, used for artistic designs.

Creative laser cut paper ideas

Laser cutting paper opens up the possibility to create a wide variety of exciting products! Compared to manual methods, laser cutting allows for more precise and efficient processing, enabling a broader range of creative possibilities. Some of the most popular and widely used laser-cut paper products on the market include window decals, greeting cards, laser-cut invitations, and business cards, as well as the quick and efficient mass production of cardstock packaging.

laser cutting paper
paper laser engraved gifts
laser paper business card
Greeting cards are a particularly important application of laser-cut paper, enjoying popularity both in the market and among personal creators. You can combine cutting and engraving techniques to create intricate designs, even adding a three-dimensional effect. Check out our projects to get inspired!

Greeting card ideas

5 Videos

How to laser cut paper at home?

To laser cut paper at home, you’ll need a desktop laser cutter, commonly a CO2 laser cutter for paper with a lower power setting (around 5-40W). Here’s how to do it:

Basic steps

Choose a laser cutting machine that suits your need!

You need the right laser machine to power your creativity! If space is limited at home, what kind of machine should you consider? Undoubtedly, a desktop laser machine is ideal.

 

The Thunder Bolt Desktop Engraver perfectly meets the needs of home creators: compact, all-in-one, efficient, convenient, and versatile across materials. With its speed up to 2000mm/s and sufficient 30w power, it’s capable of delivering precise engraving and cutting processes on paper and other materials. You can use it to fully process paper and turn your ideas into reality.

 

Of course, if you’re not limited to hobby projects or home-based work, you might consider larger models. The Bolt Pro offers enhanced precision and size for more advanced engraving, making it ideal for workshop-based, enterprise-level multi-material processing. The Nova Laser Cutter is larger and offers great value, designed for high-volume, large-area production.

Thunder Bolt Laser Engraver

Thunder Laser Bolt

What power laser is needed to cut paper?

A relatively low-power laser is needed to cut paper, as it is a lightweight and easily processed material. Typically, a CO2 laser with a power range of 10 to 40 watts is sufficient for cleanly cutting paper without excessive burning or charring. Lower power settings, such as 10-15 watts, are ideal for thin paper, while slightly higher settings can handle thicker materials like cardstock or cardboard. 

 

The exact power will depend on the thickness and type of paper, but in most cases, low-wattage lasers perform effectively for this application.

What settings do you laser cut paper?

The following parameters of the laser paper-cutting machine Bolt Pro 32 are for reference only. For specific use, small-scale testing can be conducted first to adjust the parameters to fit.

named layers

Speed (mm/S)

Power (%)

Single and Double  Direction

Line Interval/DPI

Blow Type

Blow Value

shallow carving

1500

60

Horizontal Double

300

weak

0.1

deep carving

1000

90

Horizontal Double

300

Strong

1.6

cutting

25

60

 

 

Strong

1.6

running a line

100

10

Horizontal Double

 

weak

0.1

Tips and tricks for better laser cutting paper

How to laser cut paper without burning?

The following methods can be used to prevent ignition because paper is a combustible material.

 

1. Make sure the proper frequency, speed, and power are chosen and using too much power can quickly carbonize the cardboard in laser paper cutting machine.

 

2. Using an air compressor to blow air to provide a flame retardant effect is advised.

How to prevent paper from warping during laser cutting and blowing?

It is well known that paper has a low ignition point and is highly flammable, so we recommend using air assist during processing to reduce fire risk. However, this blowing process can cause the paper to warp. To prevent this, we can implement the following measures:

 

Use High-Quality Paper: Select paper specifically designed for laser cutting or tougher materials like cardboard, as they tend to have better dimensional stability.

 

Adjust Laser Settings: Optimize laser power and speed settings to minimize excessive heat buildup, which can lead to warping. A faster cutting speed with lower power can help.

 

Use a Flat Cutting Surface: Ensure that the paper lies flat on the cutting bed to prevent uneven cutting and subsequent warping. You can also use magnets or weights to secure it in place.

How to store the paper after finishing laser cutting?

1. Keep the board dry and ventilated in a room temperature setting. The laser machining paper should not be exposed directly to heat, sunlight, or moisture.

 

2. The storage room must be kept tidy to discourage rodents and insects from devouring paper products.

 

3. To avoid contamination with dust, which is difficult to remove, the paper material should be laid out properly flat and preferably covered with a plastic protective bag. That is a good storage method to store when not needed to be placed in a laser paper cutter machine for production.

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