Laser cutting gives artists and designers a precise way to produce digital shapes as flat parts. It is suitable for a unique work, a series of identical elements or an installation consisting of many different parts.
From the artist's drawing to a physical part
The maker determines composition, form and meaning. We check whether the parts can be produced from the chosen sheet material. Consider minimal details, vulnerable connections, engraving surfaces and the size of individual parts.
Supply each shape as a clear vector contour and identify its visible face. Orientation can be part of the appearance on mirror material, film or a particular wood grain. We can help assess producibility where a detail is vulnerable.
Material carries the image
Mirror acrylic responds to light and environment, transparent acrylic makes layering possible and wood adds structure. MDF is useful when an even surface or subsequent treatment by the maker is desired. A material sample helps to assess color and reflectance outside the screen.
Always view a sample in the light in which the work will ultimately be shown. Reflection, transparency and color can change significantly depending on viewing angle and background. For a fine pattern, a test section is also required to assess how much material remains around recesses.
Divide large works without losing the design
An installation can exceed one sheet's size. The maker then decides where to split parts and how to position or mount them. We can help with producible sheet parts; composition and installation remain with the maker.
Test the detail that carries the most risk
With a new material or a fine pattern, a targeted test section is often sufficient. Check cutting edge, reflection, engraving and strength before all parts are produced.
For an installation with many unique parts, work with a parts list and recognizable file names. This prevents a visually similar shape from being made in the wrong color or material thickness. Different sorting, protection or bundling may be possible, but this is part of the production agreement in advance.
For Introspection from Tom Putman's Wildflower series, Het Laser Lokaal laser cut shapes from mirror acrylic in different colors. Putman designed the seven-part artistic composition and combined the acrylic parts with anodized aluminum and reflective tape. The case of Introspection shows the artist's design and our role in producing the parts.
Compare acrylic materials or use a production-ready file for online laser cutting.