Laser Cut Cardboard: Precision and Creativity for Every Project

Cardboard is one of the most versatile and cost-effective materials for designers, crafters, and manufacturers. Using a laser cut cardboard technique, you can transform simple sheets into intricate designs, custom packaging, or creative artwork with speed and precision. With a reliable Monport 80W CO2 Laser Engraving & Cutting Machine, cutting and engraving cardboard has never been easier or more efficient.

Whether you are making custom boxes, invitations, or craft projects, laser cut cardboard allows for high-quality results at a low cost.

Why Cardboard Is Ideal for Laser Cutting

Cardboard stands out among other materials due to its:

• Affordability: Low cost and widely available

• Lightweight nature: Easy to transport and handle

• Versatility: Works for packaging, arts, and crafts

• Quick cutting: Corrugated cardboard structure allows for faster laser cutting

Types of Cardboard for Laser Cutting:

Type#1: Various cards

Various types of cards can be used, and they can be called "card boards". Including: thick paper (various types) or pasteboard used for business cards, perforated cards, postcards, playing cards, catalog covers, binding, scrap booking, and other binders that require higher durability than ordinary paper.

Type#2: Corrugated fiberboard 

Corrugated cardboard, sometimes referred to simply as corrugated paper, is a strong packaging material made of three layers of kraft paper. It is named after the inner layer of corrugated paper, also called corrugated paper, which gives the cardboard strength. In the manufacturing process, the inner pages go through a corrugating process to form grooves or hard folds on the paper. Then glue the corrugated paper between two pieces of kraft paper to form an outer lining. Due to the three-layer structure, corrugated cardboard is much stronger than ordinary cardboard. Corrugated fiberboard is sometimes called corrugated cardboard, although the cardboard may be any heavy pulp paper.

Corrugated cardboard has the following main advantages:

• Light:The cardboard corrugated box is light in weight and more convenient to carry.
• Affordable: Because of the raw materials used to make the product, they are also relatively cheap compared to other box alternatives.

 

Type#3: Matboard

 

The most common use of matboard is for photo frames. It helps to protect artwork or photos and give them a competitive appearance while keeping them flat and safe. There are several different types of pads, including standard matboards, white core matboards, black core and color core matboards, and protection boards.

Type#4：Paperboard

This is a very thin cardboard that can be used for everything from cereal boxes to toilet paper rolls. Cardboard is also called particle board or carton, it is not as strong as corrugated cardboard, so it is used for lighter objects or non-load bearing purposes. Basically, really thick paper, that cuts easily and remains light and strong.

• Solid Boxboard (Solid bleached board):

Medium density with a white coated surface that is odorless with a hygienic look. Boxboard is a kind of cardboard, mainly used for packaging items, for cereal boxes or shoe boxes. Some items need to be packaged in durable materials, which are still light enough to carry. Boxboard provides an excellent solution for such items.

• Grey paperboard:

Gray cardboard is made at least partly from recycled paper materials. This type is most commonly used for packaging purposes. It is usually gray because it is made of recycled materials and is usually not bleached.

How to engrave/cut cardboard?

Laser cutting:

Laser cutting involves the use of a powerful and precise laser to cut the material, focusing on a reduced area. Laser cutting thickness can reach 15 mm. There are multiple power sources for the laser. They can be continuous or pulsating. The incision left by the laser when cutting cardboard is very small. Since the heat-affected zone on the cardboard is very small (approximately 0.5 mm), the cut pieces will not deform too much.

At Monport laser, we have 80W CO2 laser engraving machines because they can cut all types of non-metal materials at high speeds. Next, we use the machine to do a comparison experiment of cutting and engraving on the cardboard for your reference.

MACHINE: MONPORT 80W CO2 Laser Engraving & Cutting Machine

MATERIAL: One piece of 3mm Cardboard

PARAMETER SETTINGS（CUTTING）:

• Cutting speed: 15mm/s
• Cutting power: 25%—30%

Laser engraving:

Laser engraving is a subtractive manufacturing method based on using a laser beam to change the surface of an object. This process allows the creation of an image visible to the naked eye on the object. The heat from the laser is enough to smash the substance, creating a cavity that makes up the final image. This is a fast method because every pulse of the laser removes material.

When you import a vector file, we will determine the area to be engraved and cut under your control. For more information, please check our information on transferring vector files.

MACHINE: MONPORT 80W CO2 Laser Engraving & Cutting Machine

MATERIAL: One piece of 3mm Cardboard

PARAMETER SETTINGS（ENGRAVING）:

• Engraving speed: 500 mm/s
• Engraving power: 20%—25%

Cardboard Considerations:

• Flutes: Corrugated flutes present an issue for rastering cardboard, as they can be exposed unevenly and look bad.

• Highly flammable: Corrugated cardboard is particularly susceptible to fire, because this structure creates air bubbles that allow oxygen to penetrate the material.

Applications of Laser Cut Cardboard

Using laser cut cardboard, you can create:

• Arts and crafts projects

• Custom packaging and boxes

• Business cards and professional supplies

• Signs and displays

• Greeting cards and invitations

• Table cards and event décor

FAQs About Laser Cut Cardboard

Q: What thickness of cardboard can I cut with a laser?
A: Most CO2 lasers can cut cardboard up to 15 mm, depending on the power of the machine.

Q: Is cardboard engraving safe?
A: Yes, but ensure proper ventilation and monitor the cutting process due to flammability.

Q: Can I use the same machine for other materials?
A: Yes, Monport 80W CO2 machines handle cardboard, wood, acrylic, and other non-metal materials.

Q: What types of cardboard work best?
A: Corrugated fiberboard, paperboard, matboard, and thick card stock are ideal depending on your project needs.

Q: How do I prepare files for laser cutting cardboard?
A: Vector files (SVG, DXF, AI) are preferred. Determine cutting and engraving areas before sending to the laser machine.

Get Started with Monport Laser Cut Cardboard

With a Monport laser engraving and cutting machine, laser cut cardboard is fast, precise, and professional. Whether you’re crafting custom boxes, creating signage, or producing artistic projects, the Monport 80W CO2 machine delivers consistent results every time.