Laser 101 · Industries
Laser cutting for electronics and prototyping.
Hardware startups and engineers use laser cutting to turn a design into a real, testable part — before committing to expensive tooling.
Laser cutting for hardware teams
Hardware moves at the speed of its prototypes, and a laser cutter is one of the fastest ways to turn a CAD file into something you can hold. For electronics and product teams, it bridges the gap between a 3D-printed proof of concept and a tooled production part — flat parts, enclosures, and fixtures, cut accurately and cheaply, often the same day.
Enclosures and front panels
Acrylic and plywood make excellent prototype enclosures and front panels. The laser cuts precise openings for displays, connectors, buttons, and ports, and can engrave labels and legends directly into the panel in the same pass.
Layered acrylic panels are a fast way to build a clean housing around a board without machining or tooling — ideal for demos, short runs, and design reviews.
Jigs, fixtures and assembly aids
Beyond the product itself, the laser is invaluable for the things that help you build it: assembly jigs, alignment fixtures, test fixtures, soldering and pick-and-place aids, and acrylic holders. A custom fixture cut to your board outline makes assembly faster and more repeatable.
Iterate fast, iterate cheap
The real advantage is speed and cost. A laser-cut part costs little and is ready quickly, so a team can test revision after revision instead of committing early. Catch a connector clash or a mounting-hole error on a $20 acrylic panel, not on a tooled part.
Materials — and one limit
Acrylic, plywood, and hardboard cover most enclosure and fixture work; EVA foam cuts precise inserts for cases and shipping. One limit worth stating plainly: a CO₂ laser cuts non-metals only. We can engrave and mark anodized and coated metal, but cutting bare metal needs a fiber laser or waterjet.
Common questions
Can you laser cut a prototype enclosure?
Yes — acrylic and plywood make excellent prototype enclosures and front panels, with precise openings for displays, connectors, and buttons, plus engraved labels in the same pass.
Can you cut metal parts for electronics?
No — a CO₂ laser cuts non-metals only. We can engrave and mark coated or anodized metal, but cutting bare metal needs a fiber laser or waterjet.
Can you cut custom jigs and fixtures?
Yes. Assembly jigs, alignment and test fixtures, and board holders are common jobs — send your board outline and we cut fixtures to match.
How fast can I get prototype parts?
Standard turnaround is 3 to 5 business days, with next-day rush available on most jobs — fast enough to iterate a design several times before a deadline.
What file format do you need?
Vector files — AI, DXF, or PDF — at 1:1 scale, exported from your CAD or design software. DXF straight from CAD works well; confirm the units are millimeters.
Prototyping hardware?
Industrial CO₂ lasers, beds up to 46 by 58 inches, in downtown Los Angeles. 3 to 5 business days, rush available.