What is CO2 Laser Engraving?
CO2 laser engraving uses a carbon dioxide gas laser to cut or engrave non-metallic materials. It works by focusing an infrared laser beam onto the material surface, which causes the material to vaporize or burn away — leaving a precise, clean engraving.
CO2 lasers operate at a 10,600 nanometer wavelength, which is perfectly absorbed by organic materials like wood, leather, glass, and stone. This makes CO2 the laser of choice for custom gifts, memorials, tumblers, and decorative items.
At The Laser Shop we have one of the largest CO2 laser beds in the Twin Cities — giving us the capacity to handle small 1-piece orders all the way up to bulk production runs of 1000+ pieces.
CO2 LASER FACTS
- Wavelength: 10,600 nanometers
- Best for wood, glass, leather, stone
- Burns or vaporizes material
- Creates rich, deep engravings
- Works on curved surfaces
- Great for photos and artwork
- One of largest beds in Twin Cities
“We started laser engraving in 2003 with the flooring industry — that’s why we have the most powerful lasers in town.”
— The Laser Shop
What Can CO2 Lasers Engrave?
Wood
Cutting boards, plaques, signs, gifts, flooring inlays. The CO2 laser burns a rich, dark mark into wood leaving beautiful contrast and depth.
Tumblers and Drinkware
Yeti, RTIC, Ozark, and similar tumblers. Custom logos, names, and sayings permanently engraved. Perfect corporate gifts and personalized drinkware.
Marble and Granite
Memorial stones, photo engravings, custom markers. We convert photos to grayscale to create stunning, lasting memorial pieces for people and pets.
Glass and Bottles
Wine bottles, stemware, glass awards, mirrors, and decorative glass. Beautiful frosted engravings that catch the light.
Leather
Wallets, belts, bags, and leather goods. The CO2 laser burns a rich color into leather — the shade varies beautifully depending on the hide and coating.
Acrylic and Plastic
Signs, badges, awards, and custom acrylic pieces. CO2 lasers cut and engrave acrylic cleanly for professional looking results.
CO2 vs Fiber — Which Do You Need?
Choose CO2 Laser For:
- Wood, leather, and acrylic
- Glass and stone
- Tumblers (Yeti, RTIC, Ozark)
- Marble and granite memorials
- Organic and natural materials
Choose Fiber Laser For:
- Metals (steel, aluminum, brass)
- Jewelry and precious metals
- Industrial parts and tools
- Hard plastics and polymers
- Fine detail precision work
Not sure which laser is right for your project? Just call us at 612-709-4660 or email thelasershop@comcast.net — we’ll help you figure it out!