A comparative study has been made between EDM wire-cut and laser cutting process on the material removal rate, the quality of the cut edge and the resulting material damage in a carbon fibre composite material. In general, EDM wire-cut produces better surface finish and edge quality, smaller heat-affected zone and better control of process parameters for lesser material damage. Laser cutting is a much faster process but the main problem lies in the poor profile of the cut edge and the larger heat-affected zone.