Precision Laser Cutting in NYC
From intricate prototypes to bold, impactful designs, we bring creative visions to life with precise engraving and laser cutting in NYC. Located in Industry City, Brooklyn, Fabberz works with designers, architects, artists, students, brands, and businesses throughout New York City to produce prototypes, architectural models, signage and stencils, fashion components, packaging, artwork, and custom fabricated parts.
Our standard lead time takes up to 7 business days, with an expedited service available within 3 business days. For more helpful information on laser cutting in NYC, please visit our FAQ page.
Our Services
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Fabberz offers precise and efficient CO2 laser cutting in New York City and beyond tailored to your creative and manufacturing needs. Our standard cutting bed size is 32” x 18”, and we charge per minute, ensuring cost-effective solutions for projects of any scale.
We maintain a varied range of in-stock materials for your convenience, can source specific materials upon request, and are happy to work with custom materials you provide (up to 1/4” thickness).
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We can transform graphics, images, and photographs into dimensional etchings on a variety of materials. Our process allows for both intricate fine line work and bold, textured designs, tailored to your needs. For uniquely shaped items, we create custom jigs to ensure accurate and consistent cuts.
For metals, we can mark the surface of most unfinished metals with precise black markings. On finished metals, such as powder-coated or anodized surfaces, we etch through the coating to expose the raw metal underneath, creating a clean and distinct contrast.
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We offer comprehensive file preparation services to help bring your project to life for $80/hour with a minimum of 1 hour. Whether you need assistance with design work, optimizing an existing file, or making a file cut-ready, we will ensure the process is seamless.
Our services are tailored to accommodate all levels of experience, so you don’t need advanced software knowledge to create the project you envision. From adjusting file formats to refining details for production, we handle the technical aspects so you can focus on your ideas.
How Laser Cutting in NYC Works
How to Kick it Off
The laser cutting process starts by creating and uploading a design using softwares like Adobe Illustrator or CAD programs such as Rhino 3D. This design tells the laser cutter where to cut or engrave. The material (wood, acrylic, fabric, etc.) is placed on the cutting bed and the laser cutter's settings are adjusted based on the material type and thickness. Think of it like a printer that cuts, the laser moving along the lines in the design, slicing through the material, or for raster/engraving, removing the top layer of the material to create patterns or text without cutting all the way through.
How Our Pricing Works
Not sure how much your laser cutting project might cost—$5 or $5,000? We get it! Our pricing is based on the time it takes to cut your design on our laser machine, and we charge per minute of run time. Simpler designs generally cost less because they require less time but keep in mind we have a minimum order of $100.
Understanding that cutting time can vary depending on the material is also key. For example, cutting the same design on paper will take less time than on plywood, which means it will cost less on paper than on plywood.
In addition to per-minute pricing, we may charge for file prep, materials, material prep, a jig fee for uniquely shaped items, and other project-specific fees when applicable.
To help you understand our pricing before requesting a quote, we've provided some examples below. Please note that these examples are for reference only; even if your design appears similar in complexity, your quote may vary based on the actual cutting time required.
Pricing Examples
Stencil Example
Size: 18” x 32”
Price when cut in 1/32” thick chipboard : $100 plus tax (falls under our $100 minimum)
Price when cut in 1/8” acrylic : $100 plus tax (falls under our $100 minimum)
Price when cut in 1/4” plywood : $110 plus tax
Sewing Pattern Example
Size: 18” x 32”
Price when cut in 2mm felt: $100 plus tax (falls under our $100 minimum)
Price when cut in fabric: $100 plus tax (falls under our $100 minimum)
Price when cut in polypropylene : $100 plus tax (falls under our $100 minimum)
Engraving Example
Size: 12” x 16”
Price when engraved in 1/32” thick chipboard: $129 plus tax
Price when engraved in 1/8” thick acrylic: $129 plus tax
Price when cut/engraved in 1/4” thick plywood : $259 plus tax
Complicated Cuts Example
Size: 18” x 32”
Price when cut in 1/32” thick chipboard : $100 plus tax (falls under our $100 minimum)
Price when cut in 1/8” thick acrylic : $210 plus tax
Price when cut in 1/4” thick plywood : $210 plus tax
General Questions
Q: What materials can you laser cut or engrave?
A: We can work with a wide range of materials, including wood, acrylic, paper, cardboard, fabric, leather, other plastics, etc. up to 0.25” thick. We can make permanent black marks on most uncoated metals. Unfortunately, we cannot process materials like PVC or polycarbonate due to toxic fumes. Check our materials guide on the Material Compatibility page for specifics.
Q: Can you provide the materials, or do I need to supply my own?
A: We stock a variety of materials listed, but you're welcome to supply your own. If providing materials, please ensure they meet our specifications on the Material Compatibility page.
Q: What is the maximum size you can cut or engrave?
A: Our machines can handle materials up to 18" x 32". If your project exceeds this size, we may be able to break it into smaller pieces or find another solution to process the order. Please contact us to discuss your project.
Q: Do you offer laser engraving services?
A: Yes, we offer laser engraving for detailed, high-quality etching on wood, acrylic, leather, and more. This service is perfect for custom logos, text, or intricate designs. We do not have the ability to make dimensional engraving in metal but we can make permanent black marks on most uncoated metals.
Design and File Preparation
Q: What file types do you accept?
A: We accept vector files in formats like .AI, .3DM, .DWG, .SVG, .PDF, or .DXF. If you need help converting or preparing your file, we offer file preparation assistance for $80/hour.
Q: How should I prepare my file for laser cutting?
A: Please see the dedicated File Prep page for a step-by-step on how to prepare your file. Remember that we charge per minute, so very often, the simpler the file, the less expensive the project will be.
Q: Can you help me with my design?
A: Yes! If you're unsure how to prepare your file, reach out, and we'll guide you through the process.
Pricing and Turnaround
Q: How much does laser cutting in NYC cost?
A: We charge per minute of cut time on our machine. Pricing depends on factors like material thickness, cut/engrave time, material preparation, and project complexity. Please fill out the form on the Get Quote page to see what a quote on your project may be. Please see pricing examples here.
Q: What is your typical turnaround time?
A: Standard turnaround is typically 4–7 business days. Expedited turnaround is typically 2–3 business days.
Q: Is there a minimum order size?
A: We handle projects of all sizes—from one-off prototypes to large production runs. Our minimum order is $100.
Q: How do I pay?
A: All projects will receive an invoice via email that can be paid online. We do not accept cash or check.
Q: When do I pay?
A: Payment terms depend on your material choice. If you purchase materials from us, the invoice must be paid upfront for the job to begin. If you provide your own materials, you'll receive an invoice after the job is completed, which must be paid before pick-up.
Shipping and Pick-Up
Q: Do you offer shipping?
A: While we offer local service laser cutting in New York City and Brooklyn, we also ship nationwide via UPS. Local customers can also pick up orders or use services like Uber Same-Day Package from our studio at Industry City in Brooklyn.
Discounts
Q: Do you give discounts to schools and students?
A: Yes! Please let us know if you are a student or have a valid .edu email.
Q: What if I’m not happy with my project?
A: We always make it right. We do not offer refunds and do not pay for new material, but we work on a case-by-case basis to ensure you are happy with your project.