Questions? We’ve Got You Covered
From choosing the right laser machine to daily operation, maintenance, and application guidance, our FAQ helps you get clear answers and make confident decisions.
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Materials & Applications
How do I get optimal results on a new material I haven't used before?
Thunder Laser's Application Lab continuously tests new materials and processes, publishing a refined parameter library to help users get great results from day one. The USB drive included with your machine contains an extensive library of starting parameters for common materials.
For materials not in the library, follow this approach:
The Thunder Laser user community (Facebook groups, forums) is also a great resource for community-shared parameters for unusual materials.
For materials not in the library, follow this approach:
- Confirm the material is laser-safe (not PVC or other prohibited types)
- Run a power/speed grid test on a scrap piece — a small matrix of squares at varying power and speed combinations
- Identify the result that best matches your needs (clean cut, minimal char, desired depth)
- Record those settings for future use
The Thunder Laser user community (Facebook groups, forums) is also a great resource for community-shared parameters for unusual materials.
Can Thunder Laser machines be used for STEAM education?
Yes — Thunder Laser has a dedicated STEAM Education Solution that brings laser-powered creativity into classrooms and makerspaces. The Thunder Bolt series is specifically well-suited for educational environments thanks to its compact footprint, enclosed safety design, and easy setup.
Thunder Laser's education offering includes:
Thunder Laser machines have been installed in schools and universities across the US, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Thunder Laser's education offering includes:
- LaserMaker — free in-house modeling software designed for learning, with built-in templates, one-click box generators, image libraries, and a laser simulation preview
- Age-appropriate project-based curriculum resources
- Teacher training programs (national and provincial)
- Integration with open-source hardware platforms (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, micro:bit)
- Maker competition support
Thunder Laser machines have been installed in schools and universities across the US, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Can I engrave cylindrical objects like cups, bottles, or pens?
Yes — all Thunder Laser machines are compatible with a rotary attachment accessory. The chuck rotary axis holds and rotates cylindrical or irregular objects while the laser head moves across them, producing seamless 360° engraving. It works with tumblers, wine glasses, water bottles, pens, bamboo cups, rolling pins, and more.
The Thunder Bolt series ships with a rotary tray included, offering extra stability for cups and oddly shaped items. The rotary is controlled directly from LightBurn or RDWorks and can be powered automatically via the TL-Timer smart board. Personalized drinkware engraving is one of the most profitable business applications for Thunder Laser users.
The Thunder Bolt series ships with a rotary tray included, offering extra stability for cups and oddly shaped items. The rotary is controlled directly from LightBurn or RDWorks and can be powered automatically via the TL-Timer smart board. Personalized drinkware engraving is one of the most profitable business applications for Thunder Laser users.
What industries use Thunder Laser machines?
Thunder Laser machines serve a broad range of industries:
- Personalized gifts & e-commerce — tumblers, cutting boards, keychains, jewelry boxes, phone cases
- Signage & advertising — acrylic signs, wood signs, illuminated lettering
- Fashion & textiles — leather goods, fabric patterns, custom apparel
- Architecture & product design — scale models, prototypes, packaging mock-ups
- Medical devices — component identification and engraving
- Education (STEAM) — school makerspaces, university labs, robotics education
- Industrial manufacturing — part marking, batch production, jigs and fixtures
- Wedding & event — invitations, venue signage, favors, seating charts
- Maker & craft business — Etsy sellers, craft fairs, custom order production
Can I make stamps and rubber seals?
Yes — stamp-making is one of the classic applications for Thunder Laser machines. CO2 lasers precisely ablate rubber and polymer stamp material to create custom stamps in minutes, replacing manual carving entirely. You can produce any design — logos, signatures, addresses, artwork — directly from a digital file in LightBurn or RDWorks.
Stamp rubber and photopolymer materials are widely available. Good ventilation is essential when laser-cutting rubber, as it produces strong fumes. Always run with the exhaust system active.
Stamp rubber and photopolymer materials are widely available. Good ventilation is essential when laser-cutting rubber, as it produces strong fumes. Always run with the exhaust system active.
Can I engrave leather?
Yes — leather is an outstanding material for laser engraving and cutting. CO2 lasers produce rich, dark, high-contrast engravings on genuine leather and clean, sealed-edge cuts on faux leather. Common leather products made with Thunder Laser machines include wallets, belts, handbags, keychains, dog tags, phone cases, journal covers, and custom accessories.
Use low to medium power for surface engraving to preserve leather texture and avoid excessive burning. Test a small hidden area first, as different leather treatments and dyes react differently to laser energy.
Use low to medium power for surface engraving to preserve leather texture and avoid excessive burning. Test a small hidden area first, as different leather treatments and dyes react differently to laser energy.
Can I engrave or mark metals?
CO2 lasers can engrave and mark:
For direct marking on bare metals (stainless steel, carbon steel, brass, titanium, gold, silver), a fiber or MOPA laser is required. The Titan Pro Series supports a combined CO2 + MOPA fiber laser configuration for users who need to work across both non-metallic and direct-metal applications. Contact our sales team to discuss the right configuration for your metal marking needs.
- Anodized aluminum (removes the anodized layer to expose metal beneath)
- Coated metals and painted steel
- Tin and coated brass
For direct marking on bare metals (stainless steel, carbon steel, brass, titanium, gold, silver), a fiber or MOPA laser is required. The Titan Pro Series supports a combined CO2 + MOPA fiber laser configuration for users who need to work across both non-metallic and direct-metal applications. Contact our sales team to discuss the right configuration for your metal marking needs.
Can I engrave glass and tumblers?
Yes. Thunder Laser CO2 machines engrave glass with excellent frosted results — the laser micro-fractures the surface to create a crisp, matte white contrast. Note that cutting glass is not possible with a CO2 laser.
For cylindrical glassware, tumblers, wine glasses, and bottles, use the optional rotary attachment (chuck rotary axis). The rotary holds and rotates the item while the laser engraves, giving seamless 360° coverage. The Thunder Bolt series includes a rotary tray for added stability with cups and irregular shapes.
The machine's heat alarm system provides an extra layer of protection, as thermal shock from intense heat can occasionally cause glass to crack.
For cylindrical glassware, tumblers, wine glasses, and bottles, use the optional rotary attachment (chuck rotary axis). The rotary holds and rotates the item while the laser engraves, giving seamless 360° coverage. The Thunder Bolt series includes a rotary tray for added stability with cups and irregular shapes.
The machine's heat alarm system provides an extra layer of protection, as thermal shock from intense heat can occasionally cause glass to crack.
Can Thunder Laser machines cut and engrave acrylic?
Yes — acrylic produces beautiful results with Thunder Laser machines. When cut correctly, edges come out smooth and flame-polished.
Key tips for acrylic:
Key tips for acrylic:
- Use the 6 mm wide nozzle — the gentler airflow prevents the white frosted marks on cut edges that high-pressure air creates
- Cast acrylic produces better flame-polished edges than extruded acrylic
- The auto-focus touch sensor does not work on transparent acrylic — always use manual focus for clear sheets
- Leaving the protective film on acrylic during cutting helps keep the surface scratch-free and reduces smoke staining
Can I cut wood? What settings and nozzle should I use?
Wood is one of the most popular materials for Thunder Laser users. The machines cut cleanly through plywood, MDF, bamboo, pine, and hardwoods.
For cutting wood: Use the 3 mm narrow nozzle to concentrate high-velocity air directly into the cutting gap, preventing soot buildup and reducing char on edges. Enable high-volume air assist.
For engraving wood: Switch to the 6 mm wide nozzle. This distributes air more gently, preventing smoke from settling back onto the engraved surface and giving cleaner, smoother results.
Starting parameters are included in the material library on the USB drive shipped with your machine. Always run a small test at the corner of your material before committing to a full job.
For cutting wood: Use the 3 mm narrow nozzle to concentrate high-velocity air directly into the cutting gap, preventing soot buildup and reducing char on edges. Enable high-volume air assist.
For engraving wood: Switch to the 6 mm wide nozzle. This distributes air more gently, preventing smoke from settling back onto the engraved surface and giving cleaner, smoother results.
Starting parameters are included in the material library on the USB drive shipped with your machine. Always run a small test at the corner of your material before committing to a full job.
What materials can Thunder Laser CO2 machines cut and engrave?
Thunder Laser CO2 machines process a wide range of non-metallic and coated materials, including:
For direct marking on bare metals (stainless steel, brass, titanium), a fiber or MOPA laser module is required — available in the Titan Pro Series.
- Wood (plywood, MDF, bamboo, hardwood)
- Acrylic (cast and extruded)
- Leather (genuine and faux)
- Rubber and stamp material
- Cork
- Cardboard and paper
- Glass (engraving only)
- Marble and stone (engraving)
- Slate
- Coated metals / anodized aluminum
- Tin
- Fabric and felt
- Foam
- Most plastics (except PVC)
For direct marking on bare metals (stainless steel, brass, titanium), a fiber or MOPA laser module is required — available in the Titan Pro Series.
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