For hospitality businesses, laser cutting is mainly useful for menus, table and buffet presentation, signage, numbering and individual parts for the interior. The best choice of material depends on use, cleaning and how often information changes.
Menus that suit the use
A wooden or plastic menu can be cut and engraved in the same order. Consider viewing distance, contrast, stains and later changes to dishes or prices. Permanent engraving is less practical for information that changes weekly. For scannable menu links, read about engraving QR codes.
Split fixed and changeable information when the menu changes frequently. An engraved brand panel can last a long time, while a loose insert or interchangeable part carries the current contents. This prevents the complete carrier from having to be recreated with every price change.
Table and product presentation
Number plates, holders, labels and small displays can be produced as separate sheet parts. Acrylic is available in many colors and finishes; plywood gives a warmer appearance. Always test stability and connections on free-standing parts.
Include cleaning, stacking and storage in the design. A base that is stable on the table can be inconvenient when dozens of units are stored every day. Round corners, sufficient material thickness and replaceable parts can be more important than a complicated shape.
Choosing material for cleaning and wear
Not every wood-based material is suitable for damp cleaning. Acrylic may be more practical when a smooth surface is needed, but is more susceptible to scratches. For requirements regarding food contact, fire safety or outdoor use, always ask for a product-specific assessment.
Consistency across multiple locations
A final file allows the same parts to be produced for multiple tables or locations. For Omelegg, for example, we made a series of 120 menu cards from birch plywood with line engraving.
Work at multiple locations with a fixed base and separate variants for information that varies locally. This means that not every part has to be treated as a completely new product. Please check per version which text, size and quantities belong to which location.
The cards for Omelegg are made from 5 mm birch plywood, provided with the supplied information as line engraving and then varnished. The design came from Omelegg. The case with the 120 wooden menu cards shows how a fixed production drawing, choice of materials and finishing together form a consistent series.
When choosing material, also consider food contact, moisture and the cleaning products you use.
View options for displays and product presentation or compare suitable materials.