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Laser machines

CO2 Laser Cutters and Engravers in South Africa

A free quote from laser machine dealers and importers across South Africa. One job sheet, no obligation.

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A CO2 laser cutter with its rear cover open showing the glass laser tube, beside a water chiller in a South African sign workshop
Process
Engrave and cut
Laser source
CO2 glass or RF tube
Materials
Acrylic, wood, MDF, leather, glass
Power
40 to 150 W CO2
Turnaround
Ex stock to 6 weeks

A CO2 laser cutter is the workhorse of the engraving trade, cutting and engraving wood, MDF, acrylic, leather, card and fabric, and engraving glass and stone. LaserEngraver.co.za is a free quote service: you tell us what you cut, the bed size and power you need, and we pass your request to independent CO2 laser dealers, importers and technicians in South Africa, who quote you directly. We do not sell or repair machines ourselves, and there is no fee or obligation. Compare 60 W desktop machines and 100 W or 150 W cutters with one form.

Glass tube or RF metal tube

Most affordable machines use a glass DC tube, water-cooled by a chiller. Tubes are consumables, lasting roughly 1,500 to 10,000 hours depending on quality and how hard they are driven, and cost about R4,000 to R15,000 to replace. RF metal tubes cost much more up front but give a finer beam for detailed engraving, faster pulsing and a working life of 20,000 hours or more, and can often be refilled. If you mainly cut, a glass tube is good value; if you do fine photo engraving all day, an RF tube is worth pricing.

Power and bed size

  • 40 to 60 W, 600 x 400 mm bed: desktop machines for gifts, signs and 3 mm acrylic and plywood.
  • 80 to 100 W, 900 x 600 to 1000 x 700 mm: faster cutting of 6 to 10 mm acrylic and MDF.
  • 130 to 150 W, 1300 x 900 mm: production cutting of full half sheets, 15 mm acrylic and thick MDF for laser cut signage and wood laser cutting.

A pass-through door helps with long boards.

CO2 laser cutter price in South Africa

As a 2026 guide, a 40 W entry machine costs about R25,000 to R45,000, a 60 W 1060-type desktop machine about R45,000 to R90,000, a 100 W 1390 machine about R90,000 to R160,000 and a 150 W 1390 with good motion parts R130,000 to R220,000. RF tube machines start well above this. Check what is included: VAT, chiller, extractor, air pump, rotary, autofocus, software, delivery and training. Imported prices move with the exchange rate, so compare quotes from the same week.

Chillers, extraction and safety

A proper refrigerated chiller protects the tube in South African summers; a bucket and pump is not enough. Vent laser smoke outside with a strong fan, and never cut PVC or vinyl, which release chlorine gas. CO2 lasers are Class 4, so keep interlocks working and never run jobs unattended. When parts wear, see laser parts and repairs.

What to include in your request

  • Give the bed size and power you want
  • Say what you cut and how thick
  • Mention glass or RF tube preference
  • Ask if a chiller and extractor are included
  • Ask about tube warranty and training

CO2 Laser Machines for different customers

  • Gifts and keepsakes: a desktop CO2 laser for home projects in wood, leather and acrylic
  • Weddings and events: a CO2 cutter for cake toppers, place names, backdrops and favours
  • Schools, clubs and churches: a CO2 laser for design and technology classes and school makerspaces
  • Businesses and brands: a CO2 machine for branded acrylic awards, desk plaques and gifts
  • Shops, restaurants and venues: a CO2 cutter for menus, display stands and acrylic signage
  • Factories, engineering and mines: a CO2 cutter for gaskets, packaging inserts and plastic panels
  • Makers and resellers: a 100 W CO2 laser for a full-time engraving and cutting business
  • Farms and agri businesses: a CO2 laser for farm-stall signs, wooden crates and wine box lids

Frequently asked questions

Will LaserEngraver.co.za supply my CO2 laser?
No. We are a free quote service only. We pass your request to independent CO2 laser dealers and importers, who quote you directly. You choose who to buy from, with no fee or obligation.
Is a 60 W or 100 W CO2 laser better?
A 60 W machine suits engraving and cutting up to about 6 mm acrylic. A 100 W laser cuts thicker material faster and is the better choice if cutting is most of your work. A 100 W tube is also physically longer, so the machine body is bigger.
How long does a CO2 laser tube last?
A good glass tube lasts about 1,500 to 10,000 hours if it is cooled properly and not run at full power. RF metal tubes last far longer. Ask dealers what tube warranty they give, because tube cover is often shorter than the machine warranty.
Can a CO2 laser engraver mark metal?
It can mark coated or anodised metal and stainless steel treated with a marking spray, but it does not engrave bare metal. For that, choose a fibre laser.

CO2 Laser Machines by province and city

More laser services and supplies

Engraving & cuttingLaser engraving, cutting and marking on wood, acrylic, metal, glass, leather and tube

Gifts, awards & signagePersonalised and corporate gifts, trophies, signage and decorative screens

Laser machinesEngraving, cutting, fibre, CO2, welding and cleaning lasers for sale

Supplies & supportAcrylic sheets, MDF board, laser tubes, lenses, parts and repairs

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