Laser cutting plastic

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

What is plastic laser cutting?

In 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 with our online submission tool, it is possible to submit the design digitally. The method of plastic sheet laser cutting is very precise, making it possible to cut multiple parts that are later assembled. However, as the material becomes thicker, the width of the cut may become slightly larger. Depending on the material, there are some considerations to keep in mind. For example, consider (slight) deformation due to the heat of the laser. If you have doubts about whether a specific design is suitable for laser cutting with plastic, please feel free to contact us.

Possibilities of plastic laser cutting

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

  • Model Building: A design with small parts can be used for model building elements. Plastic laser cutting can 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 for a 3D object.
  • Rapid Prototyping: Do you want to know if a design on the computer also works as a physical object? You can easily find out by uploading the design as a file and having it cut by Het Laser Lokaal. Since we can cut up to 250x130cm, it is possible to execute large objects as prototypes.
  • Small or Large Quantities: For laser cutting from plastic, we do not have a minimum order quantity.It is possible to have custom products made, perhaps based on a standard template that is personalized. Think, for example, of signage for a company building or (relationship) gifts.
  • On-demand products: If a company supplies a product but does not want to invest in mass production, we can provide 'on-demand' cutting services for this. 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. Keep in mind that with larger sizes, the deviation during cutting may slightly increase. In most situations, this will not be a problem. If absolute accuracy is important, please inquire about the possibilities and restrictions first.

Versatile Laser Cutting Plastic

With a cutting width of approximately 0.2mm, it is possible to perform plastic laser cutting with great precision. If the sheet is thicker than 5mm, the cut may be slightly wider. Additionally, there may be different characteristics and considerations for each material. For instance, some materials may slightly deform during cutting. In most cases, this is not an issue, but it is something to keep in mind for certain projects.

If multiple elements are placed close to each other, or if there are 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, we are familiar with all the possibilities of our equipment and materials, as well as the important considerations.This way, we can execute every order to the satisfaction of our customers, without any unpleasant surprises afterward. Although it is possible to order easily online, we have an excellent support team that is always ready to assist you.

The possibilities of plastic laser cutting are almost limitless. At Het Laser Lokaal, no order is too small or too large, both in terms of quantity and size. Thanks to a well-balanced selection of materials and high-quality equipment, we can cut with great precision and detail, with virtually no deviation and a perfect finish. How can we bring your ideas to life?