Cardboard 3mm
This page lists 4 community-tested settings for Cardboard 3mm. Paper cuts cleanly on both diode and CO₂ lasers - the key is high speed and low power to avoid charring and burning. Thinner paper (80gsm) needs less power than cardstock (200–300gsm). Air assist is usually not needed and can cause tearing on lightweight sheets.
Top setting per machine
Works with these machines
4 settings
Supplies to have on hand
Materials and accessories that pair well with Cardboard 3mm laser projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best laser settings for Cardboard 3mm?
A top-rated community setting for Cardboard 3mm on the Atomstack X20 Pro is speed 800 mm/min, power 80%. There are 4 community-tested settings for Cardboard 3mm across 4 machines on this page.
Can a diode laser work with Cardboard 3mm?
Yes - there are 4 community-tested diode laser settings for Cardboard 3mm on this page.
Do I need air assist for Cardboard 3mm?
75% of the community settings for Cardboard 3mm use air assist. Air assist is strongly recommended - it reduces charring and improves cut quality.
Laser cutting paper - what you need to know
Paper is one of the easiest materials to laser cut, but getting clean edges without charring takes the right balance of speed and power. The golden rule: go fast, go light. A 40W CO₂ laser cutting 80gsm copy paper might run at 120 mm/s and only 9% power - barely anything. Diode lasers need a bit more power but the same principle applies.
Paper vs cardstock laser settings
Lightweight copy paper (75–90gsm) needs the least power and highest speed. Medium cardstock (160–200gsm) can handle slightly more power. Heavy cardstock and chipboard (250–350gsm) may need 2 passes or a modest power increase. The settings in the table above cover this range across the most popular machines.
Tips for cleaner paper cuts
- Turn off air assist - it blows lightweight paper off the bed
- Use a honeycomb or pin bed to support the sheet flat
- Tape the corners to prevent lifting mid-cut
- For intricate designs, reduce speed by 10–15% and power by the same - this gives the laser more time to cut cleanly without burning
- If you get consistent char on one side, check your lens focus
Related materials
See also: Cardstock 300gsm, Kraft Paper, Foam Board, Corrugated Cardboard.
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