Where CO₂ laser cutting makes a difference

The right manufacturing method for each part of the prototype. CO2 laser cutting suits flat components where a digital design change can become a physical iteration without mould tooling. It can be a standalone process or part of prototype manufacturing.

Front panels, control panels and enclosure components.
Display windows, transparent acrylic parts and guards.
Templates, jigs, fixtures and spacers.
Signs, marking and graphic details.
Prototype packaging and design iterations.
Repeatable parts for low-volume production without mould tooling.

Transparent acrylic

Acrylic absorbs the CO₂ laser's wavelength, allowing transparent acrylic to be cut. An ordinary blue diode laser does not process clear acrylic in the same way. Acrylic laser cutting opens up display windows, transparent panels, guards, indicator windows and prototype enclosures.

Light-related and design components may also suit the process. Material, edge quality and function are assessed for the intended use; optical surface quality and specific tolerances are not promised without verification.

Gaskets and industrial components

We laser-cut suitable, verified laser materials. Industrial applications can include gaskets, seals and shims in suitable verified laser materials, as well as insulating parts and spacers. The exact material grade and compound are assessed against the manufacturing process and intended function before accepting an industrial gasket job. Not every rubber or gasket material is suitable for laser processing.

Other applications include front panels, machine panels, display windows, guards, fixtures, assembly templates, drilling/positioning templates and identification plates. Digital design information supports prototype iterations and recurring small-series parts, with the process selected for each component's function.

Materials are verified before laser processing. PVC/Vinyl is not laser-cut.

Long panels and batch layouts

Automatic conveyor feed allows material up to 3 000 mm long to be processed step by step through the machine. Applications can include long panels, signs, templates, flat profiles and repeated parts along a longer sheet.

The normal work area is 600 × 300 mm. The conveyor extends material length, not the active laser-processing width of 600 mm. Larger layouts and more efficient batching are possible where the material and application suit incremental feeding.

From CAD to physical part without mould tooling

For flat 2D components, geometry can be changed in CAD and another physical iteration manufactured without investing in a press tool, mould or equivalent. This supports proof of concept, functional prototypes, design iterations, one-offs and small production runs.

The process depends on geometry, material, quantity and function. Laser cutting is not always cheaper or faster than other methods. CAD and engineering provide the manufacturing information, while product development and prototyping connect design, manufacture and verification.

A prototype does not need a single manufacturing method

A product does not have to be designed around one process. Innovatio Brutalis combines CAD, additive manufacturing, subtractive machining, CO₂ laser cutting, 3D scanning/reverse engineering and embedded/mechatronics to address the complete product problem. Each component is made using the method that best suits its function.

A possible product prototype could combine:

A 3D-printed enclosure.
A laser-cut front panel and transparent display window.
A CNC-machined metal bracket.
ESP32/Arduino, sensors and actuators.
An e-ink display and RFID/NFC where required.
BLE or Wi-Fi and communication with an iOS app.

This is an illustration of process selection, not a claim about a newly delivered project. Mechatronics and connected prototypes bring together mechanics, electronics, firmware and app communication. Laser-cut panels and fixtures can complement printed mechanics without forcing every part to use one manufacturing method.

Materials and engraving

According to the manufacturer, the CO₂ laser can cut and engrave acrylic, wood, leather, paper and textiles, and engrave glass, stone and coated metals. Engraving coated metal does not mean laser cutting metal; CNC machining may be a suitable process for metal components.

Materials are verified before laser processing. PVC/Vinyl is not laser-cut or laser-engraved. PVC/Vinyl in our service offering belongs to 3D printing, not CO₂ laser processing. Materials and maximum thickness are assessed per application; manufacturer demonstrations are not guaranteed production specifications.

See the CO₂ laser in action

A demonstration of the Bambu Lab R1 and how CO₂ laser cutting can support fast prototype development, panels and low-volume production.

CO₂ laser capability

Bambu Lab R1 with a 55 W CO₂ laser.
Normal work area: 600 × 300 mm.
Auto-feed Conveyor: installed, for material up to 3 000 mm long.
Riser Base: installed as part of the extended professional configuration.
Transparent acrylic: can be processed.
Cutting and engraving of verified laser-suitable materials.

Material, thickness, edge quality and the appropriate process are assessed per application.

Laser cutting in Malmö, Sweden

Based in Malmö, Innovatio Brutalis serves businesses in Skåne, Southern Sweden and throughout Sweden. Send the part's intended function and available design information to discuss laser cutting, 3D printing, CNC machining or a combination.

CO₂ Laser Cutting & Engraving