Cutting vs. engraving—what’s the difference?

Cutting goes through the material; engraving marks the surface.

Which materials are safe to cut?

Common options include acrylic, wood, cardboard, some fabrics, and other laser-safe materials. Avoid PVC and unknown plastics.

Why won’t JPEG or PNG work for cutting?

They don’t contain paths. Laser cutters need vector files like AI, DXF, or PDF.

What software should I use?

Illustrator or LightBurn are common choices. Export clean vectors at the correct scale.

Any quick tips for cleaner results?

Use the right material, nest parts to save stock, keep optics clean, and choose sensible power/speed settings.

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Laser 101: FAQs & Tips for Laser Cutting

New to laser cutting? Start here. We explain the basics—how CO₂ lasers cut and engrave, which materials are safe, and how to set up your file. You’ll learn the difference between cutting and engraving, why vector files matter, and simple ways to avoid burn marks or rough edges. We also cover safety, ventilation, and tips for better results. Whether you plan to rent a laser or have us do the work, this quick guide will help you make confident choices and get cleaner parts.

FAQs

Cutting vs. engraving—what’s the difference?
Cutting goes through the material; engraving marks the surface.
Which materials are safe to cut?
Common options include acrylic, wood, cardboard, some fabrics, and other laser-safe materials. Avoid PVC and unknown plastics.
Why won’t JPEG or PNG work for cutting?
They don’t contain paths. Laser cutters need vector files like AI, DXF, or PDF.
What software should I use?
Illustrator or LightBurn are common choices. Export clean vectors at the correct scale.
Any quick tips for cleaner results?
Use the right material, nest parts to save stock, keep optics clean, and choose sensible power/speed settings.

Jonathan Schwartz 4/1/26 Jonathan Schwartz 4/1/26

Laser Cutting Near Downtown LA: What to Know

If you're in Los Angeles and need laser cutting services...

Laser Cutting Near Downtown LA: What to Know

If you're in Los Angeles and need laser cutting services, you might assume you have to travel across the city or wait weeks for results. The good news: Downtown LA is home to one of the largest laser cutting shops in Southern California, and it's positioned perfectly for quick turnaround and serious capacity.

Location Matters for Speed

Being centrally located in Downtown LA means artists, manufacturers, prop houses, and designers can get to us easily from anywhere in the city. Whether you're in Santa Monica, Silver Lake, or the San Gabriel Valley, 1319 South Los Angeles Street is accessible. We work by appointment to ensure you get dedicated attention and to keep our four large-format CO₂ lasers running at peak efficiency.

What You Can Cut Here

Our shop handles acrylic, wood, cardboard, fabric, leather, rubber, and more. Our machines range from 3' × 4' to 4' × 5'—some of the largest publicly accessible lasers in LA. That means you can bring projects other shops turn down, whether it's a large architectural model, a detailed wedding installation, or prototype parts for a startup.

Who Comes to American Laser Cutter

We've worked with everyone from NASA and USC to Warner Bros and emerging fashion designers. That diversity of clients means we've seen it all and know how to solve problems creatively. When you work with a shop that serves both engineers and artists, you get expertise that matters.

Need laser cutting services in Downtown LA? Contact American Laser Cutter at americanlaserco.com to schedule a consultation. We're standing by.