Laser 101
Laser cutting, explained.
Plain-English guides on file prep, software, materials, machine brands, industries, troubleshooting, and safety — from 10+ years running industrial lasers in Los Angeles.
File & design
Laser cutting file formats
AI, DXF, and PDF explained — which to use and how to export.
Read more →How to prepare files
The right format, a cleanup checklist, and why files get rejected.
Read more →Vector vs raster
The two things a laser does — cutting vs engraving.
Read more →Cut vs score vs engrave
The three laser operations and when to use each.
Read more →Software for laser cutting
The best vector, CAD, and laser-specific software.
Read more →File submission guide
The full step-by-step for a quote-ready file.
Read more →Cost & planning
How much does laser cutting cost?
The three things that set the price, plus a real five-shop comparison.
Read more →Laser engraving cost
Why engraving is priced by area covered, and what moves the number.
Read more →Laser cutter repair cost
On-site and remote rates, common repairs, and repair vs replace.
Read more →Materials & finish
Cutting by material
Cutting plywood
Best plywood for lasers, thickness, and the void problem.
Read more →Cutting leather
Why only natural leather is safe, and edge sealing.
Read more →Cutting foam
EVA foam, foam core, and what cuts cleanly.
Read more →Cutting paper & cardstock
Fine detail, fragility, and what works.
Read more →Kerf & tolerances
Designing parts for a snug press fit.
Read more →Engraving photos on wood
Preparing an image and choosing the wood.
Read more →Industries
Laser cutting in fashion
Patterns, leather goods, appliqué, and accessories.
Read more →Laser cutting in aerospace
Gaskets, templates, jigs, and precision prototypes.
Read more →Architecture & scale models
Massing, site, contour, and presentation models.
Read more →Signage
Storefront, lobby, wayfinding, and edge-lit signs.
Read more →Schools & education
Studio, robotics, and STEM projects — student discount.
Read more →Electronics & prototyping
Enclosures, faceplates, and mounting plates.
Read more →Events & weddings
Invitations, signage, favors, and decor.
Read more →Retail displays
POP displays, risers, and branded fixtures.
Read more →Troubleshooting & safety
Laser losing power
Symptoms, causes, and how to test it safely.
Read more →Not cutting through
Power, focus, optics, and material — what to check.
Read more →Mirror & lens alignment
How beam alignment works and the signs it is off.
Read more →Tube ignition failures
Why a CO₂ tube will not fire — and a safety warning.
Read more →Ruida & LightBurn errors
Fixing the connection between LightBurn and a Ruida controller.
Read more →Laser fire safety
Why flare-ups happen and the habits that prevent them.
Read more →Ready to start a project?
Whatever you have been reading about, we can cut, engrave, or build it for you — or help you do it yourself.