Choosing the right blank
General characteristics of common blank materials. Always check the individual product page for verified specifications, and test on scrap before production.
| Material | Typical uses | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Baltic birch plywood | Signs, ornaments, door hangers | Layered plywood with a light face; edges show plies. |
| MDF | Painted signs, UV printing, sublimation-style projects | Smooth, uniform surface with no grain; edges darken when laser-cut. |
| Maple | Cutting boards, plaques | Light, tight-grained hardwood; engraving contrast is usually crisp. |
| Walnut | Premium boards, gifts | Dark hardwood; engraving contrast is subtler. |
| Cherry | Boards, keepsakes | Warm tone that naturally darkens over time. |
| Clear acrylic | Signs, displays, ornaments | Cast acrylic engraves frosted white; extruded acrylic behaves differently. |
| Colored acrylic | Keychains, signage, layering | Check whether a sheet is solid color or two-tone/laminate. |
Safety
Never laser-cut or engrave PVC/vinyl. Follow your machine manufacturer's ventilation and fire-safety guidance.