Start with the material.

The same material can require a different machine depending on depth, finish, speed and safety.

• Material guide

  Aluminum

  Compare desktop CNC machines for light aluminum work by rigidity, spindle, workholding, enclosure and realistic throughput.

• Material guide

  Wood

  Find CNC routers and laser systems for wood while accounting for thickness, finish, dust, smoke and production speed.

• Material guide

  Acrylic

  Compare CNC, diode and CO₂ workflows for acrylic cutting, engraving and edge finish.

• Material guide

  Leather

  Compare enclosed laser systems for leather personalization with ventilation, material provenance and cleanup in mind.

• Material guide

  Metal marking

  Compare fiber and mixed-source laser systems for bare-metal marking and personalization.