2mm vs 3mm Plywood for Laser Cutting: Which One Should You Buy?

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2mm vs 3mm plywood for laser cutting: the short answer

Pick the thinner side for small parts, ornaments, letters and numbers, and for model work where a light sheet is easy to handle. Pick the thicker side for larger pieces that must stay flat and rigid on their own. The listings in this guide cover only the thinner side: the Thiecoc and AWIZOM sheets are stated as 2mm, and the Adrattnay and ACXFOND sheets are stated as 1/16 inch, with Adrattnay also stating 1.5mm. No 3mm sheet appears among the picks, so a reader who needs the thicker side should look for a listing that states 3mm plainly rather than assuming a pick here is thicker than stated.

The listings also describe the edges of the sheets as supplied. The AWIZOM listing describes its sheets as thin but strong and durable, with smooth surfaces and neat edges without jagged edges or burrs. The ACXFOND listing describes its birch sheets as laser cut and polished, with no burrs and no warping. Those are the makers’ claims about the sheets as supplied, reported here in neutral words, and they describe the sheets as supplied rather than the edge left by a later cut.

What the listings state, and where they disagree

Listings do not always agree with themselves, so this guide trusts the title and bullets over the spec table wherever they differ. The disagreements below are stated plainly so the reader can check them on the listing.

The Thiecoc listing pairs 1/12 inch with 2mm in its title, and its bullets state 2mm thickness for a 12 x 12 inch sheet. Its spec table gives dimensions of 12.01 x 12.01 x 0.12 inches, which does not match the 2mm figure in the title and bullets. Trust the title and bullets here: 2mm.

The AWIZOM listing states 22 x 12 inches and 2mm in its bullets, with a sheet size of 56 x 30 cm. Its spec table gives dimensions of 14 x 12 x 1.5 inches, which does not match the bullets. Trust the bullets here: 22 x 12 inches at 2mm.

The Adrattnay listing is consistent in its title and bullets: 12 x 12 x 1/16 inches, stated as 1.5mm, in a pack of 36 pieces. Its spec table gives dimensions of 12 x 12 x 2.1 inches, which does not match the 1.5mm figure. Trust the title and bullets here: 1.5mm.

The ACXFOND listing disagrees with itself in a different way: its title states 16 x 12 x 1/16 inch, while its bullets state 12×12 inch sheets. Its spec table gives 16 x 12 x 0.08 inches. Because the title and bullets disagree on length, this guide reports both figures and does not settle on one: title says 16 x 12, bullets say 12×12, thickness 1/16 inch in both.

The gear picks, ranked

The picks below are ranked by stated sheet size, pack count and stated warranty, using only the listing facts. Each pick is described by what its listing states, not by claims of personal use.

Ranked at the top is the AWIZOM basswood sheet: 22 x 12 inches at 2mm, 12 pieces, described by the maker as laser cutting friendly, and the only listing here that states a warranty as a day count, 365 days from date of purchase. Its bullets also state that the sheets can be cut with a scroll saw, a regular utility knife, a laser cutter or a craft knife, which makes it a flexible pick for a maker who cuts by more than one method.

Next is the Thiecoc basswood sheet: 12 x 12 inches at 2mm, 16 pieces, with smooth surfaces and an unfinished, unpainted finish that can be painted, colored and marked. Its bullets name architectural models, plane models, wood burning and painting projects, so it suits model work and small painted pieces.

Next is the Adrattnay basswood sheet: 12 x 12 x 1/16 inches at 1.5mm, 36 pieces, the largest pack count here. Its spec table also lists a warranty term. Its bullets name laser cutting, wood burning, painting, staining, model carving and engraving, plus home decor, ornaments and signs. The large pack suits a maker who cuts many small pieces and wants spares on hand.

Last among the picks is the ACXFOND Baltic birch sheet: 12 packs at 1/16 inch, described as unfinished Baltic birch plywood with a natural, even birch grain, laser cut and polished, with no burrs and no warping. Its bullets name wood carving, wood burning, painting, model airplanes, sculpting and modeling. It ranks last only because of the size disagreement between its title and bullets, noted above, which means the reader should confirm the sheet length on the listing before ordering.

Cutting and safety notes

Cutting plywood on a laser needs the same care as any laser job. Vent fumes outdoors or through a filter designed for laser fumes, and see the fume extractor guide for options. Keep a suitable extinguisher within reach and never leave a running job unattended. Use eyewear only if its listing states an optical density and a wavelength range that matches the laser. For general guidance on laser products, the FDA page on laser products is a useful reference.

Never laser PVC, vinyl, PVC-based faux leather, polycarbonate or ABS. Those materials can release harmful fumes and damage the machine. The sheets in this guide are basswood and birch plywood, which the listings describe for laser cutting, so the material warning here is about other sheet types a reader might consider alongside them.

Which thickness for which project

• Signs and wall decor: the AWIZOM 22 x 12 inch sheets give the largest stated area for door signs, welcome signs and wall decor named in its bullets.
• Architectural and plane models: the Thiecoc 12 x 12 inch sheets at 2mm suit model work, with smooth surfaces for painting and marking.
• Ornaments and small signs in volume: the Adrattnay 36-piece pack at 1.5mm suits ornaments, signs and small decor pieces cut in batches.
• Model airplanes, sculpting and carving: the ACXFOND Baltic birch sheets suit carving and modeling, with a natural, even birch grain.
• Pieces that must hold their shape at a larger size: none of the picks here states 3mm, so look for a listing that states the thicker figure plainly.

FAQ: lasers and CNC

What is the difference between 2mm and 3mm plywood for laser cutting?

The difference is thickness: the thinner sheet is lighter and easier to cut, while the thicker sheet gives larger pieces more body. This guide’s picks are all at the thin end, stated as 2mm or 1/16 inch, so a reader who needs 3mm should choose a listing that states 3mm.

Is 1/16 inch plywood the same as 2mm?

Not exactly, and the listings show why the question matters. Adrattnay pairs 1/16 inch with 1.5mm, while AWIZOM pairs 1/16 inch with 2mm. The fraction alone does not settle the thickness, so check the millimeter figure on the listing.

Can a laser cutter cut these sheets?

Yes, according to the listings: AWIZOM describes its sheets as laser cutting friendly, ACXFOND lists laser and craft knives among its cutting tools, and the other two listings name laser cutting among their uses. AWIZOM also states that the sheets can be cut with a scroll saw, a utility knife or a craft knife.

Which sheet suits a large sign?

The AWIZOM sheet suits a large sign best among these picks because its bullets state the largest sheet size here, 22 x 12 inches, and name door signs, welcome signs and wall decor among its uses.

Do these sheets come finished?

No. The listings describe the sheets as unfinished and unpainted, with smooth surfaces that can be painted, stained, colored or marked. The finish is left to the maker.

Related: the laser engraver hub, best laser engraver for wood and best basswood for laser engraving. Also see birch vs basswood for laser engraving and how to choose a laser engraver.