Plastic laser cutting

Plastic laser cutting offers a wide range of possibilities, from rapid prototyping to larger runs of custom-cut products. Laser cutting plastic can be done in both small and large formats; at Het Laser Lokaal, we can cut up to an impressive 250x130cm. We do this with a special gantry laser; for smaller formats, we use machines that laser cut plastic up to 130x90cm. On this page, we briefly explain how laser cutting plastic works; you'll see how easy it is to create and submit your own designs. Do you have any questions or would you like our help with the design process? Please contact our team; we are ready to assist you!

What is plastic laser cutting?

With plastic laser cutting, plastic sheets of various sizes and thicknesses are precisely cut with a powerful laser. The pattern is pre-loaded into the computer, and our online submission tool allows you to submit your design digitally. The method of laser cutting plastic sheets is very precise, making it possible, for example, to cut multiple parts that will be assembled later. However, as the material gets thicker, the width of the cut may become slightly larger. Depending on the material, there are some considerations to keep in mind, such as (slight) deformation due to the heat of the laser. If you have any doubts about whether a specific design is suitable for plastic laser cutting, please feel free to contact us.

Possibilities of plastic laser cutting

Plastic laser cutting offers all sorts of possibilities for both hobby and professional use. Here are some examples of plastic laser cutting in practice:

Model making: A design with small parts can be used for model making elements. Plastic laser cutting can therefore be an interesting alternative to 3D printing. Three-dimensional shapes are not possible with plastic laser cutting (thick materials come close), but it is possible to glue multiple layers together after cutting to create a 3D object.
Rapid prototyping: Do you want to know if a computer design also works as a physical object? You can easily find out by uploading the design as a file and having Het Laser Lokaal cut it. Since we can cut up to 250x130cm, it is possible to produce even large objects as prototypes.
Small or large runs: For plastic laser cutting, we do not have a minimum order quantity. This makes it possible to have custom products made, perhaps based on a standard template that is personalized. Think, for example, of signage for a business premises or (corporate) gifts.
On-demand products: If a company supplies a product but doesn't want to invest in mass production, we can provide 'on-demand' cutting services. When you receive an order, we will quickly laser cut the plastic sheet and send it blank if desired.
Scale cutting: A graphic file with vectors can be easily scaled before uploading. This makes it possible to have the same design cut in multiple sizes. Please note that for larger formats, the cutting deviation may increase slightly. In most situations, this will not be a problem. If absolute accuracy is important, please inquire about the possibilities and restrictions first.

Versatile plastic laser cutting

With a cutting width of approximately 0.2mm, plastic laser cutting can be performed very accurately. If the sheet is thicker than 5mm, the cut may be slightly wider. In addition, each material may have different characteristics and considerations. For example, some materials may deform slightly during cutting. In most cases, this is not an issue, but it is something to consider for certain projects.

If multiple elements are placed close together, or for very small details in the design, slight deformation may occur due to the heat. This is a known phenomenon with thick acrylic sheets. At Het Laser Lokaal, in addition to all the possibilities of our equipment and materials, we also know the important considerations. This allows us to carry out every assignment to the satisfaction of our customers, without unpleasant surprises afterwards. Although it is possible to order easily online, we have an excellent support team that is always ready to help you further.

The possibilities of plastic laser cutting are almost limitless. At Het Laser Lokaal, no job is too small or too large, both in terms of quantity and size. Thanks to a sophisticated balance of materials and high-quality equipment, we can cut very precisely and in detail, with virtually no deviation and a perfect finish. How can we realize your ideas?