Laser Engraving & Cutting Cardboard

I. The most cost-effective engraving material - Cardboard

Have you ever thought how many materials around you are made of cardboard? For designers and manufacturers, cardboard is a magical material. Not only is it one of the most versatile materials in terms of physical properties, but it is also one of the most cost-effective ways to turn ideas into cardboard laser cutting reality with an engraving machine. Many creators also experiment with carton plume, carton mousse, and cardboard for laser cutting depending on the project. If you're wondering how to do laser engraving cardboard, this guide walks you through everything from material types to laser settings—whether you're engraving, making backing boards for prints, or even testing a cardboard box pic sample for packaging.

Compared with other materials, cardboard has a huge advantage of low price. As a kind of raw material, due to its extensive use in the global packaging industry, its cost is low. Cardboard is light in weight, faster in transportation, and lower in cost. In terms of laser cutting, the unique internal structure of corrugated cardboard means that it can be cut quickly—which makes cardboard one of the materials with the lowest cost of cardboard laser cutting time using an engraving machine. Creators often prefer cardboard for laser cutting because it is easy to handle and works well even for beginners practicing laser engraving cardboard. Even simple testing—like checking a cardboard box pic before final production—helps reduce design mistakes.

Different Types Of Cardboard

Cardboard is a general term for thick paper products, which has greater thickness and superior durability or other specific mechanical properties of paper such as foldability, rigidity, and impact resistance. The structure can range from a thick board called cardboard to a corrugated fiberboard made of multiple corrugated and flat layers. Variations like carton plume, carton mousse, cardboard for laser cutting, and thick backing boards for prints are also considered specialized cardboard types used in laser projects. Many projects even start with a rough cardboard box pic to visualize the final structure.

Type#1: Various cards

Various types of cards can be used, and they can be called "card boards". Including: thick paper (various types) or pasteboard used for business cards, perforated cards, postcards, playing cards, catalog covers, binding, scrap booking, and other binders that require higher durability than ordinary paper. Many artists even save a cardboard box pic as a reference before making a prototype through cardboard laser cutting. Some also mix carton plume for layered effects or combine cards with backing boards for prints for a more stable result.

Type#2: Corrugated fiberboard

Corrugated cardboard, sometimes referred to simply as corrugated paper, is a strong packaging material made of three layers of kraft paper. It is named after the inner layer of corrugated paper, also called corrugated paper, which gives the cardboard strength. During the manufacturing process, the inner pages go through a corrugating process to form grooves or hard folds on the paper. Then they glue the corrugated paper between two pieces of kraft paper to form an outer lining. Due to the three-layer structure, corrugated cardboard is much stronger than ordinary cardboard.

Corrugated cardboard has the following main advantages:

Light: The cardboard corrugated box is light in weight and more convenient to carry.
Affordable: Because of the raw materials used to make the product, they are also relatively cheap compared to other box alternatives.

For extra testing, designers often create a cardboard box pic mock-up before moving forward with full cardboard laser cutting.

Type#3: Matboard

The most common use of matboard is for photo frames. It helps to protect artwork or photos and give them a competitive appearance while keeping them flat and safe. Many matboards serve as backing boards for prints, and users often test designs using laser engraving cardboard or softer carton plume materials before final production. Some artists also pair matboard with carton mousse to create layered or 3D effects.

Type#4: Paperboard

Used for cereal boxes or shoe boxes. These are thinner types of cardboard that cut easily and are perfect if you're learning how to laser cut cardboard for simple packaging or custom designs. These materials are also commonly seen in a cardboard box pic reference before finalizing the layout.

Solid Boxboard (Solid bleached board):
Medium density with a white coated surface that is odorless with a hygienic look. Boxboard is a kind of cardboard, mainly used for packaging items, for cereal boxes or shoe boxes. Boxboard provides an excellent solution for such items.

Grey paperboard:
Gray cardboard is made at least partly from recycled paper materials. This type is most commonly used for packaging purposes. It is usually gray because it is made of recycled materials and is usually not bleached.

Ⅱ. How to engrave/cut cardboard?

Laser cutting

Laser cutting cardboard involves the use of a powerful and precise laser to cut the material, focusing on a reduced area. Laser cutting thickness can reach 15 mm. There are multiple power sources for the laser. They can be continuous or pulsating. The incision left by the laser when cutting cardboard is very small. Since the heat-affected zone on the cardboard is very small (approximately 0.5 mm), the cut pieces will not deform too much. This is why cardboard laser cutting and cardboard for laser cutting continue to be popular for testing packaging, creating backing boards for prints, or crafting models from carton plume or carton mousse. Many designers keep a cardboard box pic nearby just to double-check alignment.

At Monport laser, we have 80W CO2 laser engraving machines because they can cut all types of non-metal materials at high speeds. Next, we use the machine to do a comparison experiment of laser cutting cardboard for your reference.

MACHINE: MONPORT 80W CO2 Laser Engraving & Cutting Machine
MATERIAL: One piece of 3mm Cardboard

PARAMETER SETTINGS (CUTTING):
Cutting speed: 15mm/s
Cutting power: 25%—30%

Laser engraving

Laser engraving is a subtractive manufacturing method based on using a laser beam to change the surface of an object. This process allows the creation of an image visible to the naked eye on the object. The heat from the laser is enough to smash the substance, creating a cavity that makes up the final image. This is a fast method because every pulse of the laser removes material. Designers often test logos using laser engraving cardboard before engraving on expensive materials. Many even try the design first on carton plume or carton mousse to check shading and burn depth.

MACHINE: MONPORT 80W CO2 Laser Engraving & Cutting Machine
MATERIAL: One piece of 3mm Cardboard

PARAMETER SETTINGS (ENGRAVING):
Engraving speed: 500 mm/s
Engraving power: 20%—25%

Cardboard Considerations

Flutes: Corrugated flutes present an issue for rastering cardboard, as they can be exposed unevenly and look bad.
Highly flammable: Corrugated cardboard is particularly susceptible to fire because this structure creates air bubbles that allow oxygen to penetrate the material. Even materials like carton mousse and carton plume need careful monitoring.

Ⅲ. Applications

Cardboard is a reasonably priced and strong material, making it ideal for many different applications, from advertising to packaging, arts and crafts, special wedding invitations and more. Common cardboard laser cutting applications created from laser cut shapes include:

• Arts and crafts
  
• Custom boxes and packaging
  
• Business cards and other professional supplies
  
• Signs and displays
  
• Greeting cards
  
• Invitations
  
• Table cards

Many creative makers also use carton plume, carton mousse, and backing boards for prints for model building, framed artwork, and DIY projects. If you want inspiration, checking a cardboard box pic online often helps visualize your final prototype. Beginners also practice laser engraving cardboard first before engraving more delicate materials.

Ready to laser cut with Cardboard?

With Monport laser engraving and cutting machine you're just a few clicks away from professional cardboard laser cutting. Your engraving machine can be delivered straight to your door.

Enhance Your Metal Engraving with Monport Black Laser Marking Spray

Monport black laser marking spray is designed to provide sharp, high-contrast markings on a variety of metals, including aluminum, brass, and stainless steel. When used with CO2 laser engraving machines, this black laser marking spray ensures a smooth, even application that delivers long-lasting, permanent marks. The quick-drying formula of this spray helps maintain a fast-paced workflow, allowing the markings to dry in just minutes. With its easy-to-use design, Monport black laser marking spray creates professional-grade results for any metal engraving project.

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FAQs

1. Can I use carton plume for laser engraving cardboard projects?
Yes, carton plume works well for simple engraving and prototyping because it is lightweight and easy to engrave.

2. Is cardboard for laser cutting safe for beginners to practice on?
Yes, cardboard for laser cutting is one of the safest and cheapest materials for beginners, as long as proper ventilation and fire precautions are used.

3. Can I laser engrave backing boards for prints?
Absolutely. Many artists lightly engrave backing boards for prints for branding or decorative borders.

4. What’s the difference between carton mousse and standard cardboard?
Carton mousse is softer, more foam-like, and great for crafts, while standard cardboard is stronger and better for structural cardboard laser cutting.

5. Why do people use a cardboard box pic when designing packaging?
A cardboard box pic helps visualize shape, layout, and dimensions before cutting the final packaging material.

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