The Future of Laser Cutting in Art, Design, and Manufacturing
How Innovation in Laser Technology is Reshaping the Creative Landscape
Laser cutting has evolved from a tool for rapid prototyping into a driving force across art, design, and manufacturing. As digital fabrication continues to push boundaries, innovations in laser technology are enabling unprecedented levels of precision, customization, and efficiency.
At Fabberz, we’ve seen firsthand how laser cutting is transforming creative industries from bespoke furniture and architectural models to branded packaging and wearable art. So, where is it all heading?
Smarter Machines, Cleaner Cuts
The latest generation of CO2 and fiber laser cutters offer greater speed, finer tolerances, and the ability to process a wider range of materials — from recycled paper and plywood to acrylic, leather, and even metal foils. These advancements make custom laser cutting more accessible to artists and small-batch makers, not just large industrial operations.
With AI-assisted calibration and camera-guided positioning systems, modern laser cutters reduce errors and material waste, making precision cutting faster and more sustainable than ever.
Artists and Designers Lead the Charge
Laser cutting isn’t just for engineers — it’s a creative superpower. Artists now use laser cut elements for sculpture, marquetry, installations, and wearable pieces. In graphic and industrial design, the ability to rapidly iterate through laser cut design prototypes has streamlined workflows and opened new forms of expression.
At Fabberz, we’ve partnered with designers who use our laser cutting services to create intricate layered works, dimensional typography, and modular displays that wouldn’t be feasible using traditional methods.
The Rise of On-Demand Production
The future of manufacturing is local, agile, and digital. Laser cutting allows for on-demand fabrication with no need for costly molds or tooling. Whether you're creating 10 units or 10,000, custom laser cutting enables scalable, small-batch production — perfect for independent brands, startups, and experimental design practices.
As consumers increasingly demand personalization, laser cutters allow makers to respond quickly with tailored, unique products.
Sustainable and Circular Approaches
One of the most exciting developments is how laser cutting is being integrated into sustainable manufacturing practices. Designers are exploring low-waste layout strategies, biodegradable substrates, and modular products that can be easily disassembled and recycled.
Laser technology also complements biomaterials and compostable substrates, allowing creators to test and fabricate using sustainable alternatives to plastics and MDF.
What’s Next for Laser Cutting?
Expect to see more crossovers between laser cutting and other technologies like CNC, 3D printing, and AR/VR visualization tools. Multi-tool platforms and hybrid systems will continue to blur the line between rapid prototyping and final production.
More importantly, laser cutting in art and design will keep growing as creators find new ways to use the process not just for form, but for meaning — pushing boundaries in both physical and conceptual space.
Need Laser Cutting? Fabberz Can Help.
Based in New York City and shipping nationwide, Fabberz offers fast, affordable laser cutting for artists, designers, and manufacturers. Whether you need prototypes, production runs, or just one perfectly cut piece, we’re here to help.
Contact us today or check out our file prep guide to get started.
FAQs
Q: What files are best for laser cutting?
A: Vector files like .AI, .SVG, .DXF, and .PDF are best. We also accept .3DM and .EPS.
Q: What materials can you laser cut?
A: We cut wood, acrylic, paper, leather, fabric, cardboard and more.
Q: Do you offer custom engraving?
A: Yes! We provide laser etching and engraving on most non-metal materials. It’s perfect for branding, signage, and decorative work.
Q: Can you help with design or file prep?
A: Absolutely. Our team can review your files or offer help converting your designs into cut-ready formats.
The Best Laser Cutting in the San Francisco Bay Area (unranked)
The San Francisco Bay Area is a hotspot for innovation, art, and design—home to startups, architects, engineers, and creatives who need laser cutting they can trust. Whether you're crafting prototypes, custom signage, architectural models, or artwork, finding the right laser cutting shop is key. Below are five standout laser cutting services in the Bay Area (listed without ranking), including one based in New York that ships quickly and reliably to California.
Fabberz
Though Fabberz is headquartered in New York, they offer fast, nationwide shipping—including to the Bay Area—and are known for precision CO₂ laser cutting, custom etching, and excellent customer service. Their per-minute pricing model and average 3–5 business day turnaround (rush options available) make them a smart choice for remote clients. Fabberz gives your project that New York City edge and is especially popular with designers and artists who appreciate their help with file prep and material optimization—ideal for projects that need a polished, professional finish.
Autumn Express Laser
Located in Oakland, Autumn Express Laser specializes in fast-turnaround laser cutting and engraving for both small-scale and bulk projects. They work with wood, acrylic, paper, leather, and more, and offer design consultation services as well. Known for their quick response times and friendly customer service, they’re a go-to for East Bay makers and small businesses looking for fast, local solutions.
Make It NYC SF
The San Francisco outpost of this bi-coastal maker studio offers laser cutting, CNC routing, and fabrication services for creatives across industries. With a sleek and modern workspace in the Dogpatch neighborhood, they cater to interior designers, architects, and artists needing prototyping, signage, or decorative installations. Their team helps optimize your files and materials for the best results and offers full service from cut to install.
Because We Can
This design-build studio in West Oakland combines architecture, CNC fabrication, and laser cutting to create highly detailed, imaginative projects. While not a walk-in laser shop, they’re a great choice if you’re working on something complex that needs both design and fabrication expertise—think custom furniture, architectural details, or branded environments.
OakLabs
Based in Berkeley, OakLabs is a community-focused fabrication studio offering laser cutting, 3D printing, CNC, and small-scale manufacturing services. They’re popular with artists, product designers, and makers looking for local support and hands-on access to tools. With a growing reputation for collaborative projects and sustainable practices, OakLabs brings a personal touch and creative flexibility to custom fabrication in the East Bay.
Let us know if you want to get a quote or get help prepping your files—Fabberz is here to support your Bay Area projects with expert advice and fast delivery.
Laser Cutting vs CNC: Which is Right for Your Project?
When it comes to precision fabrication, laser cutting and CNC routing are two of the most popular technologies available. At Fabberz, we offer expert laser cutting services in Brooklyn and beyond — and we often get asked: “What’s the difference between laser cutting and CNC routing?” This guide breaks down the pros, cons, and ideal uses of each to help you choose the right process for your next project.
What Is Laser Cutting?
Laser cutting uses a high-powered laser beam to cut or engrave materials with extreme accuracy. It’s ideal for intricate designs, tight tolerances, and fine details.
Benefits of Laser Cutting:
Precision: Perfect for detailed cuts and delicate designs.
Speed: Cuts thin materials quickly and cleanly.
Finish: Produces smooth edges with minimal post-processing.
Material Efficiency: Minimal kerf (cut width) reduces material waste.
Great for: Acrylic, wood, paper, leather, fabrics, and certain metals.
Limitations:
Material Thickness: Not ideal for cutting thick or dense materials.
Burn Marks: Heat can cause slight discoloration or charring on some surfaces.
What Is CNC Routing?
CNC routing uses a spinning bit (like a drill) to mechanically cut material along a programmed path. It’s well-suited for larger, thicker, or more rigid materials.
Benefits of CNC Routing:
Thick Material Capability: Cuts deeper and through thicker stock than laser cutting.
3D Contouring: Can mill complex, multi-depth shapes.
No Heat Affected Zones: No burn marks or discoloration.
Great for: Wood, MDF, plywood, plastics, aluminum, foam, and composites.
Limitations:
Less Detail: Not ideal for highly intricate or delicate designs.
Slower on Small Cuts: Takes longer on fine work compared to lasers.
Higher Cost: CNC is typically a more expensive fabrication.
Tool Marks: May require sanding or finishing.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose laser cutting if: Your design involves intricate shapes, engraving, or you’re working with thin materials like acrylic, wood veneer, or paper.
Choose CNC routing if: You’re cutting thicker stock, need 3D contours, or want to work with solid wood or composites.
Still Not Sure?
The best way to choose is to talk to an expert. At Fabberz, we’re here to help you make the right call for your project — whether it’s a custom sign, prototype part, or retail display. Contact us today and we’ll guide you toward the best fabrication method to bring your vision to life.
Need help deciding between laser cutting and CNC?
Visit Fabberz.com or email us at info@fabberz.com for a quote or free consultation.
FAQs: Laser Cutting vs CNC Routing
Q: What’s the main difference between laser cutting and CNC routing?
A: Laser cutting uses a focused beam of light to cut or engrave materials, while CNC routing uses a spinning bit to physically remove material.
Q: Is laser cutting more precise than CNC routing?
A: Yes, laser cutting offers higher precision, tighter tolerances, and finer detail — especially for intricate patterns or delicate materials.
Q: What materials work best for laser cutting?
A: Acrylic, wood, paper, leather, textiles, and thin plastics. Some thin metals can also be laser cut depending on the wattage.
Q: What materials are best suited for CNC routing?
A: MDF, plywood, hardwoods, plastics, aluminum, foam, and thicker stock materials.
Q: What files are best for laser cutting?
A: .AI, .SVG, .DXF, or .3DM — vector-based formats are ideal for clean, scalable cuts.
Q: Can I laser cut thick materials?
A: Laser cutters are best for thin to medium materials. For thickness over 1/4" (depending on the material), CNC routing is usually more effective.
Q: Which process is faster — laser cutting or CNC routing?
A: Laser cutting is faster for thin materials and detailed work. CNC routing takes longer but is necessary for deeper cuts or 3D shapes.
Q: Will laser cutting burn or discolor my material?
A: It can, especially on wood or cardboard. Using protective masking or adjusting power/speed settings helps reduce marks.
Q: Can CNC routers engrave designs like a laser?
A: Yes, but the detail level is lower. Laser engraving is better for logos, text, or fine textures.
Q: Is laser cutting cheaper than CNC routing?
A: For small, detailed jobs and thin materials — usually yes. For large, thick, or structural projects, CNC may be more cost-effective.
The Best Laser Cutting in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is full of creatives, makers, and entrepreneurs who rely on precise, high-quality laser cutting. Whether you're prototyping a product, fabricating custom decor, or producing art pieces, having the right laser cutting partner can make all the difference. Here are five standout laser cutting in LA (listed without ranking), each offering something unique:
Fabberz
While Fabberz is based in New York, they ship nationwide—including LA—and are known for precision CO₂ laser cutting and etching, plus helpful file‑prep services. Their per‑minute pricing model and lead times of 3–5 business days (with faster options) make them a reliable remote partner.
LA Laser Cutting Services
Located in the Brewery Art Complex in Downtown LA, this studio offers laser cutting and engraving, graphic design, custom finishing, even painting and fabrication. With a creative‑studio ethos and a willingness to work nights and weekends, it's perfect for artists, designers, and event planners seeking a collaborative, hands‑on experience.
American Laser Cutter
Claiming to be LA’s oldest and largest laser hub, American Laser Cutter offers both DIY laser rental and professional services using CO₂ systems with beds between 3'×4' and 4'×5'. They also provide expert support for cutter repairs and fast turnarounds—ideal if you need flexibility and hands‑on access.
Lasers Over Los Angeles
This Downtown studio focuses on cutting, scoring, and engraving acrylic, wood, fabric, stencils, and more. With strong Yelp praise—“Excellent laser cutting and customer service”—it’s a solid choice if you're local and need quick, reliable turnaround.
SendCutSend (Online-Service)
While not LA‑based, SendCutSend delivers fast and precise online-tipped metal & plastic laser cutting to Los Angeles. Offering a wide material range (metals, acrylic, carbon fiber, wood, etc.) and metal–grade tolerances of ±0.005″, they're a cost‑effective choice for precision prototype runs and parts design.
7 Steps to Prepare Your Laser Cutting Files
It all begins with an idea.
Laser cutting is an incredible tool for precision manufacturing, prototyping, and creative design, but preparing your laser cutting files correctly is key to getting the best results. Whether you're working with wood, acrylic, or fabric, a properly formatted file ensures clean cuts, smooth engraving, and a hassle-free experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to get your laser cutting files ready.
We're Fabberz, your go-to laser-cutting service in NYC and beyond. From our experience helping multiple clients, we've learned the easiest steps to prep your laser cutting files and wanted to share them.
7 Steps to Prep Your Laser Cutting Files
1. Use the Right File Format
Most laser cutting machines work with vector-based files, as vectors define precise paths for the laser to follow. The most common file formats for laser cutting files include:
.AI (Adobe Illustrator) – Ideal for complex designs and industry-standard for vector graphics.
.3DM (Rhinoceros 3D) – Frequently used in industrial and architectural design, ideal for complex 2D and 3D projects.
.SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) – A versatile format compatible with many design programs.
.DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) – Common in CAD programs like AutoCAD.
If you’re unsure about your laser cutting files format, send us an email at labnyc@fabberz.com to confirm compatibility.
2. Set Up Your Design with Correct Line Types
To ensure your design is cut or engraved as intended, you need to differentiate between:
Cut lines – Should be set to a stroke of 0.001 inches in RGB red (255, 0, 0) to indicate vector cutting.
Scoring lines (engraved lines that don’t cut all the way through) – Should be set to a stroke of 0.001 inches in RGB blue (0, 0, 255) to denote vector etching.
Raster engraving (field engraving) – Used for surface engraving of images or text. These areas should be filled with black or grayscale to define engraving depth.
3. Convert Text to Outlines
If your design includes text, always convert it to outlines (also called curves or paths) before sending it for laser cutting. This prevents font compatibility issues, ensuring your typography appears exactly as intended.
In Adobe Illustrator, select your text and go to Type → Create Outlines (Shift + Cmd/Ctrl + O).
4. Avoid Overlapping or Duplicate Lines
One common mistake in laser cutting files is overlapping lines, which can cause excessive burning or unnecessary cutting passes. Before finalizing your file:
Use the "Join" tool in Illustrator to merge overlapping paths.
In Rhino 3D type SelDup and then delete duplicate paths.
Utilize the "Overkill" command in AutoCAD to delete duplicate lines.
Run a "Pathfinder → Merge" operation to clean up your design.
5. Ensure Correct File Size and Border
The size of a laser bed can vary greatly. Our current laser bed size is 18” x 32”, meaning that unless it’s a special case, we can cut material and projects up to 18” x 32”. Prepare your artboard or workspace accordingly.
Don’t place your artwork right along the edge of the artboard or workspace. We require a 0.25” border around the artwork as a general bleed area, much like printing.
6. Arrange Your Design for Efficient Cutting
To minimize material waste and reduce cutting time:
Nest parts closely to optimize material usage. The distance can vary depending on the material thickness, but a safe general distance is 0.125” between all objects.
Align cuts in the same direction to minimize unnecessary laser head movement.
Group similar cuts together to ensure a smooth workflow.
7. Save Your File Correctly and Double-Check Everything
Before submitting your laser cutting files:
Remove any hidden layers, clipping masks, or unnecessary elements.
Save in the correct format (.AI, .SVG, .DXF, or .3DM).
Ensure the document size matches your material dimensions.
Make sure the file is set to inches and RGB.
Final Thoughts
Properly preparing your laser cutting files saves time, reduces errors, ensures the best results, and saves you money. By following these laser cutting files preparation tips, you'll achieve cleaner cuts, precise engravings, and a more efficient workflow.
About Fabberz
Looking for expert laser cutting file preparation and cutting services? Fabberz specializes in high-quality custom cutting and engraving. Our expertise ensures that your laser cutting files are optimized for the best possible results. Contact us today to bring your project to life!
Visit us at Fabberz.com to learn more about our services and how we can help with your next laser cutting project!
Laser Cutting Files FAQs
Q: What files are best for laser cutting?
A: .AI, .SVG, .DXF, or .3DM
Q: Are SVG files used for laser cutting?
A: SVG is a great alternative to .AI files
Q: What format is needed for laser cutting?
A: Use our file prep page on our website to help create your own laser cutting file or use our file prep service if you don’t have the ability.
Q: Can an STL file be used for laser cutting?
A: Yes we are able to convert STL files to be used for laser cutting
Q: What software do you need for laser cutting?
A: In order to create laser cutting files you will need software like Adobe Illustrator, Rhinoceros 3D, AutoCad, or other specialized drawing software.