Laser cutting Plexiglas

Laser cutting and engraving of  acrylic (PMMA) is a widely used technique for creating precise, high-quality parts and products. Laser cutting Plexiglas, Perspex, or acrylic is an ideal material to create beautiful details and finishes. Laser cutting Plexiglas allows for precise patterns or drawings on the material and finishes that are not achievable with other techniques and materials.

Thanks to its consistent properties, clean cutting results, and excellent engravability, acrylic is the most popular plastic material in the world of laser cutting. At Het Laser Lokaal, we process acrylic in many forms and thicknesses, under brand names such as Plexiglas®, Perspex®, Altuglas®, Setacryl®, Crylux®, and more. Each type is optimized for applications where appearance, dimensional stability, and finish matter.

What makes acrylic suitable for laser cutting?

Acrylic is a thermoplastic material that responds exceptionally well to laser radiation. During cutting, the material melts locally, resulting in sharp, smooth cutting edges without the need for post-processing. These "flame-polished" edges are clear and glossy — something rarely achieved with other plastics. This makes acrylic perfect for applications where the finish is immediately visible, such as displays, signage, or technical covers.

It is important to know the difference between extruded (XT) and cast (GS) acrylic. Acrylic is a material that is cast during production; this casting resin hardens, and these sheets are ready to use in the form of cast plexiglass. This type of plexiglass is well-suited for engraving but has a large thickness tolerance (10%), even within the same sheet. 

Acrylic also has an extruded variant; after casting, the sheet is rolled to the desired thickness. This not only makes the sheet material cheaper, but the material gets a thickness tolerance of 2%. However, this material is not suitable for (nice) engraving. 

There are few restrictions when cutting acrylic. For finger joints, it is important to consider the thickness tolerances of acrylic to prevent internal stresses and thus cracking or breaking. Acrylic is also relatively brittle in thin or long strips and sensitive to warping due to the heat released during cutting, so keep this in mind in the design. 

Acrylic is always delivered with double-sided protective film to ensure a scratch-free result. The type of plexiglass and thickness of the material influence the price, as thicker material cuts more slowly than thin material.We cut, among other things, 3mm plexiglass, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, but other thicknesses are also possible (1mm to 20mm).

Laser cutting of acrylic: what can you expect?

Laser cutting of acrylic delivers very precise results — without mechanical stress or burrs. This makes the material ideal for complex designs, such as:

  • Logos and lettering

  • Technical parts or cover caps

  • Product displays and retail materials

  • Light advertising and illuminated elements

  • Interior accessories and decorative objects

  • Models and architectural models

The fine laser beam allows even small details to be cut out precisely.With clear acrylic, the edges remain completely transparent, while with opal or colored acrylic, the cut edges visually align beautifully with the surface.

 

Acrylic engraving: sleek, high-contrast, and durable

Engraving acrylic is ideal for durable markings and decorative finishes. The laser beam locally vaporizes the surface, creating a matte or white engraving. Extruded acrylic (XT) cannot be (properly) engraved, while cast acrylic (GS) provides a bright white, high-contrast engraving. Using a laser beam, patterns, shapes, and texts are created in plexiglass sheets. The result is a beautifully finished surface with clear details.

Laser engraving removes/vaporizes the top layer of the material, resulting in both a change in finish and discoloration. The appearance of the engraving varies depending on the type of engraving and type of acrylic.In mirror acrylic, the engraving removes parts of the reflective layer, allowing you to "see through the mirror." In most types of acrylic, the engraving results in a slightly whiter discoloration of the material. Engravings are therefore more visible on black acrylic than on white perspex, for example. 

There are 2 types of engravings possible: surface engraving and line engraving. Line engravings are essentially shallow cuts in the material, while surface engravings are shallow filled areas on the front side of the material.

Advantages of Acrylic in Laser Processing

Why do so many designers, makers, and companies choose acrylic as a laser material? Some practical advantages:

  • Perfect cutting quality without post-processing

  • Sharp and high-contrast engravings (especially with cast sheets)

  • Wide range of colors, thicknesses, and finishes

  • Lightweight, yet strong and impact-resistant

  • Suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications

  • Optimized for series and unique pieces

Acrylic is also relatively clean in processing: it produces little residue or odor and has a long lifespan, even with intensive use.

Brand names and variants: what do we use?

We use acrylic under different brand names, depending on availability and specifications. All these products are based on PMMA and suitable for laser cutting:

  • Plexiglas® – German brand name, known for its weather resistance.

  • Perspex® – British classic with a wide color palette.

  • Altuglas® – High optical quality, often used in visual applications.

  • Setacryl® – Versatile and suitable for standard laser cutting.

  • Crylux®, Deglas®, Lucryl® – Specially developed for sign & display.

  • Greencast®  – 100% pre- and post-consumer recycled acrylic.

 

Typical applications of acrylic through laser cutting and engraving

Our customers use acrylic in various sectors. Some examples:

  • Businesses and retail: logos, POS materials, illuminated advertising

  • Creative makers: art objects, jewelry, designer lamps

  • Education and technology: prototypes, experimental installations

  • Events and trade shows: displays, signage, awards

  • Architecture and model building: scale models and engraved panels

Because acrylic scores both functionally and aesthetically, it remains one of the most used materials in our laser cutting and engraving work.

Perspex laser cutting at Het Laser Lokaal

We offer from our own stock a wide variety of acrylics such as crystal clear transparent plexiglass, tinted plexiglass, mirror plexiglass, colored perspex, and much more. Upon request, we can supply many more types, and it is also possible to provide your own acrylic. 

Our largest laser machine is capable of cutting acrylic sheets up to a maximum size of 250 x 130 cm and up to 20mm thick in any conceivable shape. This allows us to produce custom-made plastic products of the highest quality, either in series or as unique design objects. For applications in advertising, signage, interior design, or exhibition construction.

Do you already have a drawing that meets our drawing guidelines then it can be directly uploaded in our online portal.If you have a project with large sheets (120x60cm+) or a large quantity, you can request a quote here.

Plexiglass laser cutting service

Do you have a question, idea, or ready-made project in the field of laser cutting? We are happy to assist you! Contact us, request a quote, or if you have a cutting design that meets our drawing rules, you can upload and order it directly through our online portal. 


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