FAQ - Frequently asked questions about laser cutting
General questions about laser cutting
Laser cutting often raises questions, especially if you haven't worked with it before. Below you'll find frequently asked questions about laser cutting in general and what Snijlab can do for you.
What is laser cutting?
Laser cutting is a digital technique where a powerful laser beam cuts shapes from sheet material. This is done based on a vector drawing; no molds are needed. The result is a highly precise and clean cut, ideal for prototypes, parts, and design products.
What is the difference between engraving and lasering?
Lasering is a term used for both laser cutting and laser engraving.
With laser cutting, the laser cuts completely through the material.
With laser engraving, the laser only processes the surface: an image, text, or pattern is burned in without cutting through the material.
Engraving is a broader technique where a design is applied to a surface. This can be done with a laser, but also mechanically, for example with a CNC milling machine or an engraving needle.
What is the difference between laser cutting and laser engraving?
With laser cutting, the laser cuts completely through the material. With laser engraving, the laser only removes the top layer of the material to burn in an image or text. Engraving thus provides a marking, not a cut-out.
What is the difference between laser cutting and CNC milling?
Laser cutting uses a light source (laser), while CNC milling mechanically removes material with a rotating tool. Laser cutting is faster, more precise for fine details, and leaves no burrs. CNC milling is suitable for thicker or harder materials such as metal or solid wood.
Can Snijlab also laser cut metal?
No, Snijlab does not laser cut metal. In some cases, POM (Polyacetal) is a great alternative to metal. We specialize in laser cutting and engraving non-metal materials such as wood, plastic, foam, rubber, and cardboard.
What is the maximum size Snijlab can laser cut?
The maximum size Snijlab can laser cut is 1200 x 600 mm. Within this size, you can submit almost any design, from small parts to large panels.
Some materials have a smaller size, which you can see on the material page.
What thicknesses can Snijlab laser cut?
Snijlab cuts materials in thicknesses from 0.5 mm to approximately 10 mm, depending on the material type. Most wood types are available in 3, 4, or 6 mm thick. Foam types go up to 20 mm thick. You choose a material thickness in the uploader.
Can Snijlab engrave on both sides?
Yes, that's possible! Double-sided engraving is available on request. Keep alignment in mind, and note that not all materials are suitable. Contact us if you have a design that needs to be engraved on both sides.
General questions about Snijlab
Curious about how Snijlab works, what we can cut, and how to order from us? Below you'll find practical information about our process, location, and possibilities.
How to order from Snijlab?
Create a free account and upload your drawing. Choose a material and delivery time. You'll see the price instantly and can order online.
What is Snijlab's address?
Snijlab's address is Wisselwachter 1, 3034 KJ in Rotterdam. Feel free to visit our showroom to see some examples.
What are Snijlab's opening hours?
Monday to Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays.
What is the delivery time for laser cutting?
At Snijlab, you choose your own delivery time: 1, 2, 4, or 13 business days. A longer delivery time is more cost-effective.
Picking up your order yourself is one day faster than shipping. Deliveries outside the Netherlands may take longer.
How fast is express delivery for laser cutting?
For express delivery, order before 12:00 PM for same-day pickup from 4:00 PM, or next-day delivery by courier. Valid only in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Express deliveries cost more than other delivery times.
Can I also pick up my order?
Yes, when placing your order, you can choose between shipping or pickup.
What is the maximum size Snijlab can laser cut?
The maximum size Snijlab can laser cut is 1200 x 600 mm. Within this size, you can submit almost any design, from small parts to large panels.
Some materials have a smaller size, which you can see on the material page.
Which materials can I choose at Snijlab?
We offer a wide range of materials, such as wood, MDF, acrylic, cardboard, foam, and rubber. You can find the current selection in the uploader.
What thicknesses can Snijlab laser cut?
Snijlab cuts materials in thicknesses from 0.5 mm to approximately 10 mm, depending on the material type. Most wood types are available in 3, 4, or 6 mm thick. Foam types go up to 20 mm thick. You choose a material thickness in the uploader.
Can I also have my own object engraved at Snijlab?
Yes, you can have individual objects engraved at Snijlab. The object must be flat and made of a suitable material. Please contact us beforehand with a photo or description, and we'll assess if it's possible.
Can Snijlab engrave on both sides?
Yes, that's possible! Double-sided engraving is available on request. Keep alignment in mind, and note that not all materials are suitable. Contact us if you have a design that needs to be engraved on both sides.
Can Snijlab also laser cut metal?
No, Snijlab does not laser cut metal. In some cases, POM (Polyacetal) is a great alternative to metal. We specialize in laser cutting and engraving non-metal materials such as wood, plastic, foam, rubber, and cardboard.
How long is the waiting list at Snijlab?
Snijlab does not work with a waiting list. When you order, we start working for you immediately.
We do work with different delivery times. You choose what suits your budget and project.
Questions about laser cutting costs
What does laser cutting actually cost? Below you'll read how the price is determined and what you can do to laser cut more affordably.
What does laser cutting cost?
Upload your drawing and see the price instantly for laser cutting your design. Read here how to do that
The price of laser cutting depends on the material, the dimensions of your design, the cutting and engraving time, the desired delivery time, and other product options. In our uploader, you'll see the price for your design instantly.
Can I laser cut more cheaply?
You can save money by optimizing your design: fewer lines, more efficient use of material, more affordable material, and a longer delivery time will lower costs.
In the uploader, a volume discount is automatically applied if you order multiple pieces of the same design. The uploader also calculates a recurring material discount if you order different designs in the same material.
Can I get a discount for laser cutting?
Yes. If you order multiple pieces of the same design, you'll receive a volume discount, which lowers the unit price. If you order multiple designs with the same material, you'll receive a recurring material discount. Both discounts are automatically calculated in the uploader.
Can I get a quote for laser cutting?
Create a free account and upload your drawing. Choose a material and delivery time. You'll then see a price instantly. Click through to the order overview, where you'll find the option to download a quote.
Prefer to order for business? Read more about it here
What does it cost to laser cut wood?
Laser cutting wood is a popular option at Snijlab. The price is determined by the type of wood (e.g., MDF, birch plywood, or veneer), the thickness, and the cutting work. A small wood design often starts around €20, including material.
Create an account and upload your drawing, then you'll see a price instantly.
What does it cost to engrave with a laser?
Having your own objects engraved is possible at Snijlab; you'll see the price for your project instantly when ordering.
Why is laser cutting so expensive?
Laser cutting is a high-quality technique that delivers clean, precise, and professionally finished results.
You pay not only for the cutting but also for the quality of the material, the accuracy of the machinery, and the careful processing of your design.
The great thing is: you can have custom pieces made from a single item, without extra mold costs or high setup fees – ideal for prototyping, small runs, or unique products.
Questions about materials for laser cutting
Not every material is suitable for laser cutting or engraving. Here you'll discover which materials you can laser cut, and which materials you cannot.
Which materials can you laser cut?
At Snijlab, you can have materials such as wood, MDF, technical plastics, acrylic (plexiglass), foam, rubber, felt, and cardboard laser cut.
An up-to-date overview of all available materials can be found in the material overview and in the uploader.
Which materials can you laser engrave?
Most materials suitable for cutting can also be engraved. Think of wood, MDF, acrylic, cardboard, leather, rubber, and even certain types of foam. The appearance of the engraving varies by material.
All about laser engraving
Which material should you never cut with a laser cutter?
There are materials that release toxic fumes when laser cut. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is an example of this; PVC is also found in vinyl, faux leather, and imitation leather fabric. The gas released when this is laser cut is very harmful to humans and the environment.
We do not cut these materials.
For materials supplied by yourself, we always request a specification for this reason.
Which plastics can you laser cut?
You can laser cut both decorative and technical plastics. Plastics you can have laser cut at Snijlab include acrylic (PMMA), polyester, engraving laminate. But also POM (Polyacetal), PP (Polypropylene), and HDPE.
Recently, PET felt has also been added to the assortment, allowing you to create colorful designs that also offer acoustic damping.
Is acrylic suitable for laser cutting?
Yes, acrylic (Plexiglass) is one of the most popular materials for laser cutting. It cuts sharply, provides a smooth edge finish, and is available in many colors and thicknesses.
Acrylic is also known as Plexiglas, Perspex, PMMA (Polymethyl methacrylate), artificial glass, plastic glass, Lucite, Altuglas, and Acrylglas. All names for the same clear, hard plastic that is perfectly suited for laser cutting.
View acrylic
Can you laser engrave plexiglass?
Yes, plexiglass (acrylic) can be engraved well. Depending on the type, a matte contrast is created in the top layer, which is ideal for logos, letters, or patterns.
Can you laser cut foam?
Yes, Snijlab cuts various types of foam. Foam rubber is light, flexible, and cuts quickly, making it suitable for applications like inlays or packaging.
Can you laser engrave foam?
Yes, some foam types can also be engraved, although this yields a less sharp result than with hard materials. Feel free to ask us for advice on the best foam type.
Can you laser cut cardboard?
Yes, cardboard is a popular and affordable material for models, packaging, and prototypes. It cuts quickly and precisely.
Corrugated cardboard is a cheap material widely used for prototypes.
Museum board has a luxurious appearance.
Can you laser engrave cardboard?
Yes, cardboard engraves well. The engraving becomes darker in color and provides a nice contrast, for example, for text or patterns.
We advise against engraving corrugated cardboard.
Can you laser cut or engrave PVC?
No, PVC may not be cut or engraved with a laser. Laser cutting or laser engraving PVC releases a gas that is toxic to humans and the environment. Materials containing PVC also may not be laser cut; these include vinyl records, vinyl sticker foil, faux leather, and imitation leather fabric.
Snijlab only works with materials that are safe for laser cutting.
Do you have a question about a material?
Contact us
Questions about business orders at Snijlab
As a company, school, or organization, you can also easily order from Snijlab. Below you'll find answers to frequently asked questions about business orders, quotes, and invoice payments.
Can I place a business order?
Snijlab is happy to collaborate with business clients. That's why we've added payment options specifically for business customers.
For questions, contact our customer service; they'll be happy to assist you.
Can I apply for a business account?
Yes, you can create an account in your organization's name and fill in your company details, including VAT number, during registration or later. This makes business orders smooth and clear.
Do you want to order on invoice? Apply for it using the application form on this page
Can I order on invoice?
Yes, Snijlab offers the option to order on invoice for recurring business customers. The payment term is 30 days after the invoice date.
Please note that a credit assessment is required, and applications will be answered within 5 business days.
How do I order with a purchase order?
At Snijlab, business customers can order with a purchase order. Create a quote and then email us a purchase order.
Step 1. Create a quote
- Log in or create an account
- Upload drawings and choose material and delivery time
- Fill in invoice and delivery address
- Mention your PO or purchase number
- Download the quote
Step 2. Place your purchase order
- Create a purchase order in your own system based on our quote
- Clearly state our quote number
- Email your purchase order to info@snijlab.nl
- We will verify your purchase order and confirm the order
We consider a purchase order as an assignment with payment obligation.
Can I get a no-obligation quote?
Certainly. Log in or create an account, upload your drawing, and choose material and delivery time. Go to the order overview and easily download your no-obligation quote there. If desired, you can create a purchase order (PO) based on this and send it to info@snijlab.nl, mentioning the quote number.
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- Create your design using our drawing guidelines
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