A laser cutter is a type of CNC (Computer Numerical Controlled) machine, meaning that it is controlled via a computer.  A designer can design something in some sort of design software, and then send it to a laser cutter to have it cut out automatically, with just the push of a button.  Once a design is sent to a laser cutter, the machine uses a laser beam to cut into or etch into the material on the cutting bed.The focused laser beam burns, melts, vaporises or is blown away by a jet of gas to leave a high-quality surface finished edge.

There are three main types of lasers used in laser cutters; CO2 lasers, fiber lasers, and neodymium lasers. Although the laser cutters are all built very similarly, they are distinct in that each type of laser has a specific power range, thus each can be used to cut through different material types and thicknesses.

1. CO2 Lasers: The laser is generated from electrically stimulated gas mixtures (mostly comprising of carbon dioxide). CO2 lasers are the most common types of laser cutters because they are low power, relatively inexpensive, efficient, and can both cut through and raster a wide variety of materials.It mianly used in wood, paper based products, leather,acrylic, glass, some plastics, and some foams

2. Neodymium Lasers: The laser is formed from neodymium doped crystals. These lasers have a much smaller wavelength than CO2 lasers, meaning they have a much higher intensity, and can thus cut through much thicker, stronger materials. It mainly used in metals, plastics, and some ceramics

3. Fiber Lasers: These lasers are made from a "seed laser", and then amplified via special glass fibers. The lasers have an intensity and wavelength similar to that of the neodymium lasers, but because of the way they are built, they require less maintenance. These are mostly used for laser marking processes.