Some of the materials xTool P2 CO2 laser cutter can cut include:

Wood: pine, oak, maple, birch, walnut, cherry, plywood and basswood.

Acrylic: all colors and all types, including translucent, mirrored, opaque and clear acrylic.

Fabric: cotton, polyester, nylon, silk, linen, polyester and polyamide fabric.

Leather: genuine, synthetic, faux leather.

Others: EVA foam, felt pad, plastic, rubber, paper, cork and cardboard.

But, xTool P2 cannot cut metal or glass, but it can engrave on it.

Metal: coated metal, anodized aluminum alloy, and anodized titanium steel. For stainless steel, you need to spray a coating on it before marking.

Glass: float glass, insulated glass, frosted glass, tinted glass…etc. Please note that glass that is too hard or too thin may lead to break.

If it can be cut, it can generally be engraved.

For a full list of the engravable and cuttable materials, click here for more information. 

A CO2 laser cutter can be a worthwhile investment if you plan to create and sell crafts online. These machines allow you to produce intricate designs on materials like wood, acrylic, and fabric, making it possible to create unique, high-quality products that can stand out in the market. If you're serious about building a craft business, the precision and versatility of our xTool P2 CO2 laser cutter can help you produce items efficiently and scale your offerings.

Consider the usage effects and environment when choosing the right machine.

For environments like craft studio, living space, or basements that require mobility (such as moving upstairs or downstairs), a desktop CO2 laser machine is convenient.

For ground-level spaces like sheds, warehouses, or woodworking space, opt for a floor-standing CO2 laser cutter to avoid moving up and down.

Floor-standing machines typically have higher power, around 100W, but may lack advanced intelligence and can be challenging to use.

On the other hand, desktop CO2 laser cutters like xTool P2 offer lower power, typically above 50W is sufficient for productivity, and often come with smart features.

Fiber lasers and CO2 lasers differ mainly in their operational wavelengths and applications. Fiber lasers operate at shorter wavelengths (around 1.06 micrometers) and are highly effective for cutting metals and hard materials due to their high beam intensity.

CO2 lasers, on the other hand, operate at longer wavelengths (10.6 micrometers) and are better suited for cutting and engraving non-metallic materials like wood, acrylic, and fabric. Additionally, fiber lasers tend to have higher electrical efficiency and require less maintenance compared to CO2 lasers.

A CO2 laser cutter uses a gas-filled tube with mirrors to amplify light into a high-energy beam. This beam is directed through lenses to focus on the material, vaporizing or cutting it with precision. CO2 lasers efficiently cut wood, acrylic, plastics, and other non-metal materials.

CO2 laser cutters are expensive due to several factors:

1. High-quality components: The laser tube, optics, and precision mechanics are costly to produce.
2. Advanced technology: The CO2 laser system involves complex engineering to maintain stable, high-power output.
3. Durability and precision: These machines are built for long-term, reliable performance with precise cutting.
4. Customization: Many include specialized features for different materials, adding to their versatility and cost. It's especially the case with xTool P2 CO2 laser cutter.

Normally yes, wearing goggles or other eye protection is essential when using CO2 laser cutters. Although CO2 lasers emit infrared light that's invisible to the eye, it can cause serious eye damage. Laser safety goggles specifically designed for the wavelength of the laser provide critical protection.

But for xTool CO2 laser cutters, you don't have to, because xTool P2 CO2 laser cutter is an enclosed machine with light filter screen on the lid that fully protects your eyes from damage.