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The xTool P3 is a powerful CO₂ laser cutter and engraver, but the machine itself is only half of the system. To turn an idea into a finished object, you also need software that can prepare your design, communicate with the laser, control the operation, and help you make safe, repeatable decisions. For the P3, […]

Cutting, Engraving, Scoring, Layout, Signs, Packaging, Jigs, and More A compressed gas laser, most commonly known in maker spaces as a CO₂ laser, is one of the most versatile tools in a modern fabrication shop. It can turn a flat sheet of material into a finished product, a prototype, a sign, a package, a template, […]

Compressed gas lasers—most commonly CO₂ lasers in maker spaces, sign shops, schools, and small production studios—are among the most versatile tools for cutting, engraving, and marking non-metal materials. They are especially useful because they interact well with many organic materials, plastics, coatings, and surface finishes. But not every material belongs in a laser. The best […]

Not all materials behave the same under a laser. Two pieces may look similar on the workbench but perform completely differently once the laser beam hits them. One sheet may cut cleanly, while another scorches, melts, catches fire, gives off dangerous fumes, or damages the machine. For anyone using a laser cutter or engraver, understanding […]

When people compare laser cutters and engravers, they usually look at power, bed size, speed, and material compatibility. One important specification that gets overlooked is object height: how short, tall, thick, flat, round, or irregular an item can be while still fitting inside the laser and staying in focus. Object height affects more than whether […]

When people first learn how to use a laser cutter or engraver, they usually focus on laser power. Power matters, of course, but speed is just as important. In many cases, speed is the setting that determines whether your project comes out clean, scorched, melted, incomplete, or beautifully finished. Laser speed controls how fast the […]

When people compare laser cutters and engravers, they often focus on laser power first. Power matters, of course, but the working area of the machine can be just as important. The working area determines how large your project can be, how many items you can process at once, what kinds of materials you can use, […]

Laser cutters and engravers are often advertised by wattage: 5W, 10W, 20W, 40W, 60W, 80W, 100W, and beyond. It is tempting to think “more watts equals better laser,” but laser power is only part of the story. The type of laser, the wavelength of light it produces, the material being processed, the lens, the speed, […]

An enclosed CO2 laser cutter and engraver is one of the most versatile digital fabrication tools in a modern makerspace. At first glance, it looks a little like a large printer with a glass lid, a work bed, a moving laser head, and an exhaust system. But instead of putting ink onto paper, it uses […]