In this expert buyer's guide, we will evaluate the top 10 laser cutting machines in 2025, what they can do, what industries they are ideal for, and, for the custom plastic industry (and related industries), some tips on how to choose the right machine.
Laser Cutting in 2025
Laser cutting has established itself as the premier method for both high-precision and customized cutting of a variety of materials, ranging from acrylics, ABS, PVC, HDPE, polycarbonate, and composite plastics. Now more than ever, with continued developments in fiber laser technology, CO2 lasers, and hybrid systems, today's laser cutting machines offer consumers speed, precision, and versatility that are unmatched and are used for applications such as:
- Custom plastic fabrication
- Prototyping for injection molding
- Manufacturing plastic products
- Sheet metal work
- Industrial design
Whether you are a large plastic manufacturer or a startup designer that offers custom fabrication, the right laser cutter will improve production output while reducing waste and turnaround time.
Top 10 Laser Cutters of 2025
1. Trotec SP3000 – Best Industrial Style Fabrication
- Type: CO₂ Laser
- Power: 400W
- Working Area: 87" x 126"
Trotec remains the leader in the high-end laser cutter market in 2025. The SP3000 is the ideal machine for large sheets of acrylic design, polycarbonate panels, and multi-material plastic manufacturing. Originally built for 24/7 production in a factory-type environment, the machine is primarily being used by custom plastic fabrication shops building signage, POP displays and injection molds.
Pros:
- Ultra-precise edge quality
- Large cutting area
- Software CAD/CAM integration
Best For: Large format plastic fabricating shops and OEM manufacturers.
2. Epilog Fusion Edge 36 - Best midsize laser for Custom Fabrication
- Type: CO₂ Laser
- Power: Up to 120W
- Work Area: 36” x 24”
The Fusion Edge 36 is designed for the custom plastic fabricators producing prototypes, small runs, and custom parts. The software was easy to learn and had a great workflow with fast job cycling times and high accuracy, which should engage shops that are slicing, custom engraving, etching plastic,s and cutting acrylics.
Pros:
- Higher resolution for engraving
- Good for plastics materials - ABS, HDPE & Acrylics
- Camera preview capabilities
Best For: Custom fabricators, small to medium businesses, and startup plastic fabricators.
3. Glowforge Pro Plus - Best for Startups & Prototyping
- Type: CO₂ Laser
- Power: 45W
- Work Area: 19.5" x unlimited length (with passthrough slot)
The Glowforge has especially gained traction in design studios, rapid prototyping teams, and custom part manufacturing. In 2025, the Pro Plus model has decided to stop and rethink, effectively improved by having some cooling upgrades, improved cut time, and efficiencies of being a good user of an extremely large number of common plastics.
Pros:
- Good plug-and-play features
- Cloud-based software
- Compact design
Best For: Plastic prototyping, educational learning areas, and low-volume fabrication
4. Boss Laser LS-3655 - Best for sheet plastic cutting
- Type: CO₂ Laser
- Power: Up to 155W
- Work Area: 36” x 55”
Boss Laser has also gained traction because it can find the best middle ground of affordability and also balance with the right level for industrial use. The LS-3655 is an excellent choice for processing expanded PVC, acrylic, ABS, and thin sheets of polyethylene. The LS-3655 is widely used in plastic fabrication shops and by manufacturers for signage.
Pros:
- Affordable for its size
- Made in the USA
- Water-cooled and air-cooled
Best for: Mid-size plastic manufacturing companies.
5. Kern OptiFlex – Best for Speed and Automation
- Type: CO2 Laser
- Power: 100–650W
- Work Area: 52" x 100"+
The Kern OptiFlex series is engineered for production-level all-plastic and composite parts in a larger size or for large volumes of small parts at one time. The machine comes with automated loading and unloading, a design that fits businesses who are scaling custom fab work or plastic part production.
Pros:
- Automated material handling
- Full integration with ERP software
- Large workspace
Best for: High-volume plastic manufacturing companies, contract manufacturers.
6. OMTech AF3555 – Best Industrial Laser Cutter on a Budget
- Type: CO2 Laser
- Power: 150W
- Work Area: 35" x 55"
OMTech has built its entire reputation on making machines that are affordable yet do not compromise on power. The AF3555 is a good fit for plastic shops that are looking for professional results without having to spend six figures or more.
Pros:
- The price is affordable
- US-based customer support
- Can utilize rotary engraving attachments
Best for: New custom fabrication shops or price-sensitive businesses.
7. Bodor C3 Fiber Laser – Best for Mixed Materials
- Type: Fiber Laser
- Power: 1,000–3,000W
- Work Area: 60" x 120"
There is a long history of fiber lasers only cutting metals; however, with the advancement and innovation in multi-material cutting, fiber lasers are now cutting plastics (even reflective surface materials), metal-plastic laminate materials, and composites. This is especially valuable to hybrid fabricators who provide injection molding services and metal-based prototyping.
Pros:
- Fast cutting speed
- Minimal maintenance
- Energy efficient
Best use case: shops with multi-material fabrication needs
8. THUNDER LASER NOVA 63 - BEST CO2 LASER FOR HOBBY TO PROFESSIONAL USAGE
- Type: CO2 Laser
- Power: Up to 130W
- Work area: 39" x 63"
Thunder Laser provides precision and flexibility for development teams that are not fully industrial development work. Same as the routers above, ThunderLaser will easily cut acrylic, MABS, and HDPE. ThunderLaser is durable and simple to use.
Pros:
- Small but mighty
- Comes with LightBurn software
- Great service
Best use case: Entry-level to mid-level plastic manufacturing companies.
9. UNIVERSAL LASER SYSTEMS PLS6.150D - BEST DUAL LASER TECHNOLOGY
- Type: Dual CO2 Laser
- Power: Up to 150W (Dual)
- Work area: 32" x 18"
Providing deep cuts and sophisticated engraving all in one pass means dual-source laser pets are very limited in the market. This laser engraving machine is simply designed for the exacting tolerances and precision for plastic fabrication. Think medical device prototypes, custom cases, and complex plastic parts.
Pros:
- Dual laser cutting
- Reliable motion system
- Material database
Best use case: Micro precision custom plastic fabricators
10. AEON MIRA 9 - BEST COMPACT MACHINE FOR DESKTOP FABRICATORS
- Type: CO2 Laser
- Power: 90W
- Work area: 23" x 35"
If our shop is constrained on footprint, but you want to put a professional product out, the Aeon Mira 9 will do a great job! The Aeon Mira is frequently referenced by product designers, custom fabricators, and laser etchers as a great way to go.
Pros:
- Water cooling included
- Silent
- Good for plastics and wood
Best use case: compact plastic fabrication shops, high-end creative professionals
How to Choose a Laser Cutting Machine for Plastic Manufacturing
When selecting a laser cutter for plastic fabrication or custom fabrication, there are several points to consider:
Material Compatibility
Not all lasers can cut all plastics. CO₂ lasers are well suited to acrylic, PVC (with precautions), and ABS. Fiber lasers are good for metal-plastic hybrids and composites.
Power and precision
Higher wattage does not always equal better. Choose based on material thickness and how fast you want to make cuts.
Work area
A big bed gives you the ability to batch process and cut larger sheets, especially if you're making injection molded mold plates or working with larger plastic panels.
Software integration
Make sure you pay attention to machines that integrate with CAD/CAM software systems and establish workflow automation. This will help increase the smoothness of operations, which will increase productivity.
Ventilation and Safety
Plastic fumes can be dangerous. Ensure that your system has or supports proper fume extraction and filtration.
Best Applications for Laser Cutters for Plastic Manufacturing
Laser cutting is an important aspect of:
- Creating injection molded part prototypes
- Cutting material sheets for thermoforming
- Making custom enclosures and casings
- Precision engraving, such as plastic nameplates or branding
- Fabricating jigs and fixtures used in assembly line applications
Plastic fabricators that use laser cutting machines typically report that their production is more efficient, tolerances improve, and there’s more design flexibility in the products.
In Closing: Scale Smart by Choosing the Right Laser Cutter
LASER cutting machines in 2025 will afford us the most power, versatility, and automation, as we keep pushing ever upward. If you're a plastic manufacturing facility looking to expand, a custom plastic fabrication company, or a graphic artist or designer that's ready to follow a new path of products that fundamentally rely on plastic injection molding, acquiring the right laser cutter will earn you a leg up against your competition.
Just remember, evaluate your production needs, material considerations and long-term ability to scale before making your selection. The landscape of these machines is vast, and it includes large industrial leaders like Trotec and Kern, and their capable machines, to smaller shop champions like Glowforge and Thunder Laser. There is a machine available to help you meet your business goals.