Plastics for CO2 laser cutting and engraving systems feature great durability, weatherability, and are available in many colors.
Cast acrylic is a popular material in the maker and hobby-laser communities. Its durability, UV resistance, diverse selection of colors and opacities, tendency to produce a smoother edge compared to extruded acrylic when used with a laser cutter have made it a mainstay material for many custom projects, including signage, jewelry, prototyping, home decor, and more.
Properties
Stronger than glass
Less debris, smooth edges when cut
Compatible with CO2 laser cutting systems
Good weatherability - UV resistant
Wide selection of colors and opacities
Applications
Signage: custom letters and shapes, engravings
Jewelry: earrings, necklaces, bracelets
Home decorations: wall art, photo frames, intricate decoration designs
Prototyping
Toys & games
Industries
Commercial signage
Residential/home signage
Toy manufacturing
Jewelry
Maker community projects
Laser Cutting and Engraving Materials Overview
Why is cast acrylic favored for laser cutting and engraving?
Cast acrylic is a durable material that is stronger than glass and can withstand hard impacts. It is favored over extruded acrylic for CO2 laser projects due to its ability to produce smoother edges and less debris during laser cutting. This cast acrylic can be used with Glowforge, Mira, Thunder, Trotec, Epilog, and other lasers, routers, Dremels and scroll saws. It can also be glued, bent with heat, and drilled.
Laser cutting cast acrylic more reliably results in a cleaner finish, which reduces the need for additional polishing. Cast acrylic presents a consistent and uniform surface compared to extruded acrylic, which may have slight variations in quality, thickness, and clarity that can affect the cutting process and the look of finished piece.
Cast acrylic is suitable for engraving and is available in a wide range of colors, making it a versatile material for laser projects.
Laser Cutting and Engraving Materials Resources & PDFs
Yes, all acrylic is okay to laser cut. However, extruded acrylic tends to produce rougher edges and more debris when cut. For smoother edges, cast acrylic is recommended for use with laser cutters.
What is the difference between CNC and laser cut acrylic?
CNC cutting uses a cutting tool that can spin, like a router bit, to cut through the material, while laser cutting uses a high-powered laser for cutting. Laser cutting has a few advantages over CNC routing - it is generally faster and less time-intensive and is considered to be more accurate/precise regarding cuts and detail.
Is laser cutting cheaper than CNC?
Laser cutting is more expensive than CNC. Purchasing laser cutting equipment is expensive, and laser cutters require additional power compared to CNC, making it a more expensive option. However, laser cutters are much more precise and can produce more intricate products than CNC routers.
WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Ethyl acrylate, CAS 140-88-5, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.