Card Stock
Overview
Heavy paper/card stock (200-350gsm). Cuts cleanly for invitations, business cards, paper craft, and box making. Scores easily for fold lines. Widely used for paper craft and card making.
Properties
Difficulty
beginner
Pros
- Very easy to cut
- Inexpensive
- Great for cards and invitations
- Wide color selection
- Clean cuts at low power
- Good for prototyping designs
Cons
- Thin — limited structural use
- Can burn at high power
- Not durable
- Can warp with heat
- Limited to 2D applications
Best For
- Invitations
- greeting cards
- paper boxes
- paper craft
- business cards
- stencil bases
- gift tags
Avoid For
- Outdoor/moisture use
- food contact
- structural applications
Laser Compatibility
Card stock cuts with very low power in a single fast pass. CO2: cut 600mm/s 10-15W; engrave 800mm/s 8%. Diode: cut 800mm/s 30-40%; engrave 1000mm/s 25%. Fire risk at high power — watch continuously. Air assist helps prevent scorching edges. Excellent for intricate paper cutting, stencils, and packaging prototypes.
Brands
Neenah PremiumHammermill Color CopyAstrobrightsBazzill Basics