settings · paper · cutting
Cardboard and Chipboard Cutting Settings (5W–40W Diode Lasers)
Cardboard is one of the easiest materials to cut with a diode laser. On a 20W machine, cut corrugated cardboard at 75% power, 3,500 mm/min, 1 pass. Even a 5W machine cuts single-layer cardboard reliably. The main hazard is fire — cardboard ignites easily and fire risk rises sharply at speeds below 2,000 mm/min on stock thicker than 2mm. Never leave cardboard or chipboard cutting unattended. Settings anchored on xTool D1 Pro 20W + Sculpfun S30 Pro Max official data with multiple community corroborations.
- Very low EI needed: 0.077–0.092 J/mm — cardboard burns far more easily than wood
- Fire risk rises sharply below 2,000 mm/min — use the highest speed that still cuts through
- Air assist at low pressure (3–5 PSI) reduces char and fire risk; high pressure can cause open flame
- Chipboard (grey board) is denser than corrugated cardboard and needs 20–30% more energy per pass
Corrugated cardboard cuts at 75% power, 3,500 mm/min in a single pass on a 20W diode laser — the fastest-cutting common craft material. — Laser Tinkerer, 2026
Cutting settings — corrugated cardboard
| machine class | speed (mm/min · mm/s) | power | passes | EI (J/mm) | source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5W | 2,000 · 33.3 | 85% | 1 | 0.077 | |
| 10W | 2,000 · 33.3 | 75% | 1 | 0.135 | |
| 20W ★ | 3,500 · 58.3 | 75% | 1 | 0.077 | xTool D1 Pro 20W + Sculpfun S30 Pro Max |
| 33W | 5,000 · 83.3 | 75% | 1 | 0.090 | |
| 40W | 6,000 · 100.0 | 65% | 1 | 0.078 |
Chipboard (grey board / bookbinding board)
Chipboard (also called grey board, millboard, or bookbinding board) is a denser, harder compressed paper product than corrugated cardboard. It cuts cleanly but needs roughly 20–30% more energy per mm than corrugated cardboard. Reduce speed by 20% from the cardboard table values, or increase passes from 1 to 2. The same fire risk and supervision requirements apply.
not all cardboard is the same
Corrugated cardboard (brown, the standard shipping box type) cuts easily. Coated cardboard (glossy magazine covers, cereal boxes, packaging with colored ink or laminate) may have plastic coatings that release hazardous fumes. Test a scrap piece and ventilate. If the cut edge smells of burning plastic or leaves a glossy residue, stop and identify the coating before continuing.
FAQ
Can a 5W laser cut cardboard? Yes. Single-layer corrugated cardboard and thin chipboard (≤2mm) cut easily with a 5W machine in 1–2 passes. The speed is lower (2,000 mm/min), which increases fire risk — supervise closely and keep speeds as high as you can while still achieving a clean cut.
Do I need air assist for cardboard? Low-pressure air assist (3–5 PSI) is recommended — it clears smoke from the cut path and reduces char on the cut edge. Do NOT use high air pressure on cardboard: airflow can fan smoldering edges into open flame.
Why does the cut edge turn brown even when settings seem correct? Some browning on the cut edge is normal for paper and cardboard — the heat from the cut path scorches adjacent fibers. To reduce this: increase speed, reduce power, and use low air assist. Thinner cardboard with fewer layers shows less browning at the same settings.
- Chipboard / heavyweight cardstock sheets — consistent thickness and no wax coating give cleaner cuts than mixed-content cardboard
- Air assist pump (low pressure) — 3–5 PSI keeps the cut lane clear; reduces edge browning significantly
- Honeycomb cutting bed — lifts cardboard off the surface and allows air circulation underneath to prevent smoldering
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links are to search results — no specific product is tested or endorsed.