How the finder decides
Each laser type is absorbed by different materials. Blue diodes (455 nm) work on wood, leather and dark acrylic but pass through clear acrylic and bounce off bare metal. CO2 (10,600 nm) cuts all acrylic and engraves glass. Fiber and infrared (1064 nm) mark metals and plastics. UV (355 nm) marks glass and heat-sensitive plastics. Cut depths come from each model's published figures; when a maker gives no figure we list the machine as "possible" rather than guess. The laser types guide explains more.
FAQ
Can one laser do every material?
No. Machines like the xTool F1 Ultra and F2 Ultra combine a diode with a fiber laser to cover wood and metal, but clear acrylic still needs CO2 and glass inner engraving needs UV.
What laser cuts clear acrylic?
A CO2 laser. Blue diode light passes through clear and many light-colored acrylics without cutting them.