What Materials Can the xTool P2S Cut and Engrave?
The xTool P2S is a 55W CO₂ laser cutter designed mainly for acrylic, wood, paper, leather, fabric and other compatible non-metal materials. It can also engrave glass, stone and selected coated metals, but material identification and testing are essential.
Quick Answer
The xTool P2S can cut and engrave many compatible non-metal materials, including solid wood, selected plywood, acrylic, paper, cardboard, verified laser-safe leather, fabric, felt, cork and certain foams.
It can engrave but not cut materials such as glass, slate, stone, ceramic and selected coated or anodised metals.
It must not be used on PVC, vinyl, unidentified plastics or materials that may release corrosive or toxic fumes. Artificial leather, foam, coated products and composite boards should be processed only when their composition has been verified.
Cutting, Engraving and Marking Are Different Processes
Passing through the material
Laser cutting follows vector paths and removes enough material to separate a shape from the sheet. It normally requires greater power, slower movement or multiple passes.
Removing or changing the surface
Engraving creates text, photographs, patterns or recessed areas without cutting through the complete material.
Changing a coating or finish
Some metals and coated products are marked by removing or changing the surface coating rather than engraving deeply into the base material.
A material that can be engraved cannot automatically be cut. The xTool P2S can engrave suitable glass and coated metal, but it is not designed to cut glass or metal.
Read Laser Cutting vs Laser Engraving for a more detailed explanation.
xTool P2S Material Compatibility Table
| Material | Cut | Engrave | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid wood | Yes | Yes | Species, density, moisture and resin affect the result. |
| Plywood | Yes | Yes | Glue layers, voids and internal construction affect cutting consistency. |
| MDF | With caution | With caution | Produces heavy smoke; confirm the board and adhesive composition. |
| Cast acrylic | Yes | Yes | Often produces a frosted engraving and polished-looking cut edge. |
| Extruded acrylic | Yes | Possible | Cutting is usually good; engraving may appear clearer and less frosted. |
| Clear acrylic | Yes | Yes | A major advantage of a CO₂ laser compared with many blue-diode systems. |
| Paper and cardstock | Yes | Yes | Highly flammable; use appropriate low-power settings and supervision. |
| Cardboard | Yes | Yes | Corrugation, coatings, adhesives and recycled content affect cutting. |
| Natural leather | When verified | When verified | Use only material confirmed safe for laser processing. |
| Artificial leather | Verify first | Verify first | Many synthetic leathers contain PVC and must not be laser processed. |
| Cotton and linen | Yes | Possible | Loose fibres and flame risk require careful settings. |
| Polyester fabric | Yes | Possible | Edges may melt and seal; coatings and dyes must be verified. |
| Felt | Yes | Yes | Natural and synthetic felt behave differently. |
| Cork | Yes | Yes | Useful for coasters, mats and decorative products. |
| Verified EVA foam | Possible | Possible | Confirm composition and provide strong extraction. |
| Laser engraving rubber | Possible | Yes | Use material specifically sold as laser-safe engraving rubber. |
| Glass | No | Yes | Thin or very hard glass may crack; testing is required. |
| Slate and stone | No | Yes | The laser changes or removes the surface rather than cutting through it. |
| Ceramic | No | Surface marking | Results depend on the glaze, coating and preparation. |
| Coated metal | No | Yes | The laser normally removes or changes the surface coating. |
| Anodised aluminium | No | Yes | Suitable for marking the anodised surface. |
| Bare stainless steel | No | With marking compound | A CO₂ marking spray or coating is normally required. |
| PVC and vinyl | Never | Never | Can release highly corrosive and harmful chlorine-containing fumes. |
| Polycarbonate | Avoid | Avoid | May produce harmful smoke and poor cutting results. |
| Unknown plastic | Never | Never | Identify the exact composition before laser processing. |
This table is a starting guide, not a universal settings chart
Materials with the same general name can use different resins, glues, dyes, coatings and additives. A small test and reliable material documentation are required before commercial production.
Wood and Plywood
Wood is one of the most common materials processed with the xTool P2S. A CO₂ laser can cut shapes and engrave photographs, text, logos and decorative patterns.
Common solid woods
- Basswood
- Balsa
- Pine
- Birch
- Maple
- Cherry
- Walnut
- Oak
- Bamboo products
Different species do not cut or engrave identically. Dense hardwood generally needs slower movement or more power than lightweight softwood.
Factors that affect wood results
- Species and density
- Moisture content
- Natural resin
- Grain direction
- Surface finish
- Actual thickness
- Flatness
- Previous treatment or preservative
Plywood
Plywood is made from multiple veneer layers bonded with adhesive. Voids, overlapping layers and glue pockets can cause incomplete cutting even when the sheet appears uniform.
Laser-grade plywood normally produces more consistent results than low-cost construction plywood.
xTool advises caution with thick plywood because repeated high-power cutting can increase fire risk. Thickness claims should not be treated as guaranteed across every plywood brand.
MDF and composite wood
MDF can be cut and engraved, but it usually creates more smoke and residue than natural wood. The resin and adhesive formulation must be known, and effective extraction is essential.
Pressure-treated wood, unknown painted wood and reclaimed material should not be processed until coatings, preservatives and contaminants are identified.
Wood engraving colour varies naturally
The same setting may produce a light brown mark on one board and a dark mark on another. Natural grain, resin and moisture make every piece slightly different.
Acrylic
Acrylic is one of the strongest applications for the xTool P2S. Its CO₂ wavelength can process clear, translucent, tinted, opaque and mirrored acrylic that many blue-diode lasers cannot cut effectively.
Suitable acrylic types
- Clear acrylic
- Coloured opaque acrylic
- Translucent acrylic
- Fluorescent acrylic
- Frosted acrylic
- Glitter acrylic
- Mirrored acrylic with suitable construction
- Two-colour engraving acrylic
Cast acrylic
Cast acrylic generally engraves with a frosted white appearance and is popular for awards, signs, display products and edge-lit graphics.
Extruded acrylic
Extruded acrylic often produces a smooth cut edge but may engrave more clearly and with less frost than cast acrylic.
Read Cast Acrylic vs Extruded Acrylic for a detailed comparison.
Acrylic cutting factors
- Actual sheet thickness
- Cast or extruded construction
- Colour and additives
- Protective-film type
- Focus position
- Air-assist setting
- Lens cleanliness
- Cutting speed and number of passes
xTool publishes examples of the P2S cutting acrylic up to 20 mm in a single pass under its test conditions. This is a manufacturer test example rather than a guaranteed result for every acrylic sheet.
Acrylic is not the same as polycarbonate
Acrylic and polycarbonate may look similar, but they react differently to laser energy. Polycarbonate is not recommended for the P2S because it can produce harmful smoke and poor cutting results.
Read Acrylic vs Polycarbonate before processing an unidentified clear sheet.
Do not assume every transparent plastic is acrylic
Clear PVC, PETG, polycarbonate and acrylic can be difficult to distinguish by sight. Obtain reliable supplier documentation before laser cutting.
Paper, Cardstock and Cardboard
The xTool P2S can cut detailed paper shapes, score fold lines and engrave selected paper products.
Common applications
- Wedding invitations
- Greeting cards
- Paper-cut artwork
- Packaging prototypes
- Stencils
- Decorative sleeves
- Gift tags
- Cardboard models
- Display mock-ups
Suitable materials may include
- Uncoated paper
- Coloured cardstock
- Kraft paper
- Chipboard
- Corrugated cardboard
- Mounting board with verified composition
- Paper-backed wood veneer
Important cautions
- Paper ignites easily
- Printed coatings may release additional fumes
- Metallic foil can reflect heat
- Adhesive-backed paper requires verified adhesive composition
- Corrugated board may contain recycled contamination
- Dense black areas may scorch more easily
The lowest effective power and fastest clean cutting speed should be identified through testing. The machine must remain supervised throughout production.
Natural and Synthetic Leather
Compatible leather can be cut and engraved to produce patches, tags, wallets, notebook covers, keychains and personalised accessories.
Natural leather
Vegetable-tanned leather is commonly selected for laser work because its composition is generally easier to establish. Thickness, tanning method, oil and surface finish still influence smoke, odour and colour.
Synthetic leather
Synthetic leather must be identified before processing. Some products described as PU leather are laser-compatible, while others may contain PVC backing, vinyl coatings or unknown additives.
Do not rely only on the words “faux leather”, “vegan leather” or “synthetic leather”. Request a material safety data sheet or written confirmation from the supplier.
Leather-processing considerations
- Strong odour and smoke
- Visible soot on cut edges
- Possible shrinkage
- Variation between hides
- Surface-finishing chemicals
- Need for post-cleaning
- Possible colour change around the engraved area
Never process unidentified artificial leather
PVC-containing artificial leather can release highly corrosive and harmful fumes and can damage the machine.
Fabric and Felt
The P2S can cut many compatible fabrics. The laser may seal the edges of certain synthetic textiles, while natural fabrics normally leave a cut edge that may still fray.
Commonly processed fabrics
- Cotton
- Linen
- Polyester
- Nylon with verified composition
- Silk
- Polyamide fabrics
- Natural felt
- Laser-compatible synthetic felt
Typical applications
- Fabric appliqué
- Fashion templates
- Textile labels
- Decorative shapes
- Felt ornaments
- Packaging inserts
- Craft components
Fabric risks
- Loose fabric can move under extraction airflow
- Thin natural fabric can ignite quickly
- Synthetic fabric may melt or curl
- Waterproof coatings may contain unsafe chemicals
- Flame-retardant treatments may release fumes
- Printed dyes and coatings can react unpredictably
Fabric should be held flat using suitable laser-safe methods. Coated or treated textiles require reliable composition information.
Cork, Foam and Rubber
Cork
Cork cuts and engraves well for coasters, mats, gift tags, bulletin-board components and decorative products.
Cork density and binder content vary. Agglomerated cork containing unknown adhesives should be tested and processed with suitable extraction.
EVA foam
Verified EVA foam may be cut for packaging inserts, stamps, craft products and protective components.
Foam composition must be confirmed because materials that look similar may contain PVC, chlorine compounds or other unsuitable additives.
Laser engraving rubber
Rubber made specifically for laser engraving may be used for stamp production and selected industrial markings.
Ordinary rubber can create strong odour, smoke and residue. Do not process tyre rubber, unidentified rubber or mixed recycled rubber without reliable documentation.
Appearance is not enough to identify foam
EVA, polyethylene, polyurethane and PVC foams can look very similar. The supplier must confirm the exact material before laser processing.
Glass and Ceramic
Glass engraving
The xTool P2S can engrave many suitable glass products by creating a controlled surface fracture or frosted mark.
Possible applications include:
- Glass awards
- Bottles
- Drinking glasses
- Mirrors
- Photo frames
- Decorative panels
- Glass coasters
Very thin, highly tempered, stressed or unusually hard glass may crack. A test sample should be used before processing a valuable product.
Curved glass
Bottles and glasses may require a compatible rotary accessory or curved-surface workflow. Product diameter, taper, handle clearance and engraving position must be checked.
Ceramic
Ceramic tiles, mugs and coated ceramic products may be surface marked depending on the glaze or coating.
The P2S does not cut ceramic. Results may range from a light surface mark to removal of a coloured coating.
Laser engraving does not establish food or dishwasher safety
Engraved drinkware should not be described as food-safe or dishwasher-safe without testing the exact product, coating and finished surface.
Stone, Slate, Marble and Similar Surfaces
The xTool P2S can engrave selected stone products by changing the appearance of the upper surface.
Possible materials
- Slate
- Marble
- Granite with suitable composition
- Brick
- Cement products
- Stone coasters
- Coated stone tiles
The laser does not cut through normal stone sheets. Engraving contrast depends on mineral composition, colour, polish and surface coating.
Stone dust and residue should be removed carefully. Avoid blowing fine dust into machine optics or mechanical components.
Metal: What Can the P2S Engrave?
The P2S is not a metal-cutting laser. Its CO₂ laser can mark selected metals when the surface has a compatible coating, anodised layer or laser-marking compound.
Coated metal
The laser can remove paint, powder coating or another compatible surface layer to expose the metal underneath.
Examples include:
- Painted metal cards
- Powder-coated tumblers
- Coated aluminium tags
- Painted tools
- Coated nameplates
Anodised aluminium
The laser can mark the anodised layer to create text, logos, numbers and patterns.
Bare stainless steel
Bare stainless steel normally requires an appropriate CO₂ laser-marking compound. The marking product is applied before engraving and bonds to the metal under laser heat.
Limitations
- The P2S does not cut metal sheets
- It does not provide the same direct metal engraving as a fibre laser
- Reflective surfaces require careful positioning
- Unknown coatings may release unsafe fumes
- Marking compounds require their own safety instructions
Businesses focused on direct metal engraving should compare the P2S with the F1 Ultra in xTool P2S vs xTool F1 Ultra.
The difference between CO₂ and fibre technology is explained in CO₂ Laser vs Fibre Laser.
Materials That Must Be Avoided
PVC and Vinyl
PVC and vinyl can release chlorine-containing fumes that are harmful to people and highly corrosive to the machine.
This includes many vinyl stickers, PVC foam board, PVC sheet and some artificial leather.
Unknown Plastics
A material should never be processed simply because it looks like acrylic. Clear and coloured plastics can have very different chemical compositions.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate can produce harmful smoke, discoloration and poor cutting. It should not be treated as a substitute for acrylic.
ABS Plastic
ABS can release hazardous fumes and commonly melts rather than producing a clean laser cut.
Unknown Artificial Leather
Many synthetic leathers contain PVC, vinyl or mixed layers. Obtain verified composition before processing.
Unknown Foam
Different foams look similar but may contain chlorine compounds or create unsafe smoke. Confirm the exact polymer first.
Unknown Coatings and Paint
Paints, varnishes, adhesives and flame-retardant treatments can release hazardous compounds when heated.
Unidentified Composite Materials
Composite boards may contain glass fibre, epoxy resin, metal layers, adhesives or other substances unsuitable for laser processing.
Do not use a flame test or smell test to identify plastic
Burning or heating an unidentified material can expose the operator to the same fumes that make it unsafe for laser processing. Use supplier documentation or recognised material-identification methods.
How Thick Can the xTool P2S Cut?
Maximum cutting thickness is not a single fixed number. It depends on the material, density, colour, composition, moisture, focus, air assist, optical condition and required edge quality.
xTool publishes laboratory examples that include cutting thick acrylic and solid wood in one pass. These results are achieved under particular test conditions and should not be treated as guaranteed production specifications for every sheet.
Why two sheets of the same thickness cut differently
- One may contain more moisture
- One may have denser grain
- Plywood may contain internal glue pockets
- Acrylic formulations and pigments differ
- Sheet thickness can vary from its nominal label
- The sheet may not be flat
- The lens or mirrors may require cleaning
Multiple passes
Multiple passes may help with some materials, but they can also create more heat, smoke, charring and fire risk. Repeated passes are not always the correct solution for an unsuitable material.
Choose thickness according to the final product
A thicker sheet may provide more rigidity but requires more cutting time, creates wider kerf and may increase smoke or edge melting. Product strength, finishing and assembly should be considered together.
Material Settings and Test Grids
xTool provides recommended material settings through its software and material library. These values are useful starting points, particularly when using official xTool materials.
Third-party materials can behave differently even when they have the same name and thickness.
Run a material test when:
- The supplier or material batch has changed
- The exact thickness is unfamiliar
- The material contains a coating
- A particular engraving colour is required
- The job uses an expensive customer-supplied item
- The cut must have a clean polished edge
- The material has been stored in high humidity
- The machine optics or focus have recently changed
Common setting variables
- Laser power
- Movement speed
- Number of passes
- Line interval
- Engraving direction
- Focus position
- Air-assist strength
- Processing order
Save settings together with material details
Record the supplier, product code, thickness, colour and batch together with the machine settings. Saving only “3 mm acrylic” is not enough for repeatable commercial production.
Artwork Preparation for the xTool P2S
Vector files for cutting
Cut lines should be supplied as clean vector paths. Common file formats may include SVG, PDF, AI, DXF or other formats supported by the production software.
- Remove duplicate paths
- Join open shapes where required
- Convert text to outlines
- Use clear layer names
- Separate cutting, scoring and engraving
- Check the artwork at final size
- Allow for laser kerf in fitted components
Raster images for engraving
Photographs should have sufficient resolution and contrast for the finished engraving dimensions.
- Use a clear original image
- Avoid heavily compressed screenshots
- Adjust brightness and contrast for the material
- Remove unnecessary backgrounds
- Use suitable dithering for photographic engraving
- Test small text before production
Kerf and fitting
The laser removes a narrow width of material called kerf. Slots, tabs and press-fit joints may need compensation according to the material and settings.
A fit test should be produced before cutting a complete box, display stand or assembled product.
Products That Can Be Made with the xTool P2S
Acrylic Products
- Display stands
- Name signs
- Menu holders
- Awards
- Keychains
- Table numbers
- Edge-lit signs
- Product fixtures
Wooden Products
- Gift boxes
- Wedding signs
- Coasters
- Layered wall art
- Decorative panels
- Model parts
- Educational products
- Packaging inserts
Paper Products
- Invitations
- Greeting cards
- Paper-cut art
- Gift tags
- Packaging prototypes
- Decorative sleeves
- Stencils
- Cardboard displays
Engraved Products
- Glass bottles
- Slate coasters
- Anodised aluminium tags
- Coated tumblers
- Leather patches
- Wooden corporate gifts
- Stone plaques
- Ceramic tiles
Ventilation, Fire Safety and Supervision
Laser cutting and engraving create smoke, fumes, particles and heat. The P2S must be operated with appropriate extraction or filtration and continuous supervision.
Essential practices
- Identify every material before processing
- Do not process PVC, vinyl or unknown plastics
- Do not leave the machine unattended
- Keep the residue tray clean
- Remove scraps before starting a new job
- Keep flammable liquids away from the machine
- Maintain the exhaust and filtration system
- Keep suitable fire-safety equipment nearby
- Do not bypass the lid interlock or safety system
- Allow hot material to cool before handling
Extraction requirements vary
Paper, leather, acrylic, MDF and rubber do not produce the same fumes. Production volume, duct length, filter condition and the discharge location all affect extraction performance.
An enclosed machine can still catch fire
The enclosure and built-in safety features reduce risk but do not remove it. Incorrect settings, accumulated residue, warped material or mechanical faults can still cause ignition.
Common Material Mistakes
Assuming every clear plastic is acrylic
Clear polycarbonate, PETG and PVC can resemble acrylic. Obtain reliable identification before processing.
Processing vinyl stickers
Vinyl commonly contains PVC and must not be laser cut or engraved.
Using unknown artificial leather
Some artificial leather contains PVC or mixed backing layers that release corrosive fumes.
Expecting all plywood to cut evenly
Internal glue, voids and overlapping veneers can prevent complete cutting.
Using the thickest possible material
Maximum test thickness may not produce the cleanest, fastest or safest commercial result.
Using one setting for every colour
Pigments and additives can change how acrylic, leather, fabric and coated products absorb laser energy.
Assuming engraving means deep engraving
Glass, stone and coated metal normally receive a surface mark rather than a deep recessed cut.
Ignoring supplier coatings
Paint, adhesive, waterproofing and flame-retardant treatments can change both safety and engraving quality.
Skipping a material test
A test grid can prevent wasted sheets, damaged customer items and inconsistent production.
Leaving the laser unattended
Paper, wood, acrylic and other materials can ignite when settings or airflow are unsuitable.
What Image Magic Recommends
For acrylic signs and display products
Use verified cast or extruded acrylic according to the required engraving and edge appearance. Confirm thickness, colour and final dimensions before production.
For wooden products
Use consistent laser-grade plywood or known solid wood. Avoid unknown reclaimed, treated or heavily coated wood.
For customer-supplied products
Request reliable material information and allow an inconspicuous test where possible. Image Magic should not process an item when its composition cannot be confirmed.
For leather products
Use natural leather or synthetic leather specifically confirmed as laser-safe. Do not process material labelled only as faux leather without composition details.
For metal products
Use the P2S for compatible coated or anodised surfaces. Direct engraving into bare metal is generally better suited to a fibre laser such as the xTool F1 Ultra.
For unfamiliar materials
Check the supplier’s safety documentation and the current xTool material library before processing. Do not guess based on appearance.
Important Material and Performance Note
This guide provides general information. Actual compatibility and settings vary between manufacturers, material batches, coatings, adhesives, thicknesses and machine conditions.
Manufacturer cutting figures are obtained under specific test conditions and do not guarantee that every third-party sheet will cut at the same thickness or speed.
Material safety must be confirmed before processing. Do not laser cut PVC, vinyl, unidentified plastics or unknown composite materials.
Laser engraving does not automatically make a product food-safe, dishwasher-safe, fire-rated or suitable for medical, structural or electrical use.
Engraved colour, depth and surface appearance can vary between material batches. A sample test may be required for colour-sensitive or high-value production.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can the xTool P2S cut clear acrylic?
Yes. Clear acrylic is one of the main advantages of a CO₂ laser such as the P2S. The cutting result depends on acrylic type, thickness and machine settings.
2. Can the xTool P2S cut wood?
Yes. It can cut many solid woods and suitable plywood. Density, moisture, glue layers and thickness affect the result.
3. Can the xTool P2S cut metal?
No. It is not designed to cut metal. It can mark selected coated or anodised metal surfaces.
4. Can the xTool P2S engrave stainless steel?
Bare stainless steel normally requires a suitable CO₂ laser-marking compound. Direct metal engraving is generally better suited to a fibre laser.
5. Can the P2S engrave glass?
Yes, many suitable glass products can be surface engraved. Thin, stressed or highly tempered glass may crack, so testing is required.
6. Can the P2S cut polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate should be avoided because it can produce harmful smoke, discoloration and poor cutting results.
7. Can the P2S cut vinyl stickers?
No. Vinyl commonly contains PVC and can release dangerous, corrosive fumes when laser processed.
8. Can the P2S cut leather?
It can cut verified laser-safe natural and synthetic leather. Unknown artificial leather must not be processed because it may contain PVC.
9. Can the P2S cut fabric?
Yes, many cotton, linen, polyester, nylon and felt materials can be cut when their composition and coatings are confirmed.
10. Can the P2S cut MDF?
MDF can be processed, but it creates heavy smoke and contains binders. Good extraction and verified board composition are necessary.
11. What is the thickest acrylic the P2S can cut?
xTool publishes a test example of cutting 20 mm acrylic in one pass. Actual production results depend on the acrylic, optics, focus and settings and are not guaranteed for every sheet.
12. Can the P2S engrave stone?
It can create surface marks on suitable slate, marble, brick and stone products. It does not cut through normal stone sheets.
13. How do I know whether a plastic is safe?
Obtain the exact polymer name and safety information from the supplier. Do not identify plastic only by colour, flexibility or appearance.
14. Do all materials use the same settings?
No. Power, speed, focus, passes and air assist must be adjusted for the exact material, thickness and desired result.
Need Help with xTool P2S Cutting or Engraving?
Share the material name, supplier information, thickness, finished dimensions, quantity, artwork and required result with the Image Magic Printing team. We will assess whether the material is suitable for the xTool P2S and whether testing is required before production.
Request a Laser Service Quotation