+31 40 8080 193Acrylic = PMMA = Plexiglass laser cutting
Laser cutting plastics such as Plexiglass is one of the most common laser applications. CO2 laser machines are extremely suitable for plexiglass laser cutting. Plexiglas is a plastic sheet material that is also called acrylic or PMMA (see also wiki). Applications are, for example, for the production of illuminated or neon displays, advertising signs, POS/POP displays, etc. When laser cutting acrylic sheet, the result depends on various components. First of all, the material itself, but also the CO2 laser that is used and the performance that this laser cutting machine delivers.
Different plastic laser cutting
Other plastics such as (thin 0.8-1.0mm) polycarbonate, polypropylene and polyethylene can also be cut with the laser. Normally, CO2 lasers are also used here because the wavelength reacts very well to these plastics.
Edge finish for Acrylic and Plexiglass laser cutting
The CO2 laser cutter produces crystal-clear cutting edges and inner contours. Furthermore, no additional post-treatment of the material is required. Cast Acrylic/PPMA is cut without rough edges. Flame polishing of the cut edges is no longer necessary. This saves a lot of time and money.
Acrylic and Plexiglass laser engraving
With the laser it is possible to create even the most fragile figures or photogravures on acrylic. The inner edges are crystal clear and faded. This ensures that the laser user creates added value to the new products.
Want to get a quote, demonstration or your own material?
You are most welcome to see whether laser technology is a suitable solution for your cutting application or application. Bring your digital design or material to a demonstration and we can view the result on the spot. You can of course send it to
Applications – Acrylic and Plexiglass laser cutting
Laser cutting figures
Signage and advertising
Interior construction
Lighting
Logos
Miniatures / Art
advertising lettering
Your own ideas…
How does plastic laser engraving and marking work?
Many commercially used plastics can be permanently, fraud-resistant and marked and engraved in high quality. High flexibility and short set-up times make it possible to mark efficiently even when it comes to small batch sizes. Clear texts, datamatrix codes or logos are produced. Fiber lasers are mainly used for marking and engraving. The following materials are especially suitable for this process: ABS, PA, PES, PC.
Why do laser machines cut faster than cutting plotters?
Accurate shaft drives and controllers ensure that laser cutting with MetaQuip machines is done quickly and precisely. Unlike cutting plotters, there is no material resistance when using the laser. As a result, working with a laser is faster. Another advantage: it is not necessary to lift or turn the laser beam with a knife. MetaQuip laser systems make full use of this advantage in speed and detail. Especially when working with fine geometries.
What about the fumes during Acrylic / Plexiglass laser cutting?
Vapors are immediately extracted and filtered in the engraving area. This saves time while cleaning the system. Unlike cutters, no chips are produced during laser cutting of Plexiglas. This works cost-saving.
Do I have to fix the plastic to the work surface?
This answer is simply 'no'. The laser does not exert any pressure on the material during the laser process, so it is not necessary to attach or clamp. You can simply place the workpiece and start the laser process. This saves time and money when preparing the material. In contrast, the sheet material must be clamped when milling acrylic. Often fixing with vacuum is also a requirement.
Plexiglass / Acrylic laser cutting with CO2 laser machines
For Plexiglass / Acrylate laser cutting you have a CO2 laser machine necessary. With the same machine you can also laser cut or engrave wood, leather paper. Important things to take into account are: what is the maximum size of the object that I want to cut out, that determines the size of your worktop and what is the maximum thickness that must be cut that determines the laser power you need.
Acrylic and plexiglass laser cutting – Large size sheet material
MetaQuip has the so-called portal laser machines for laser cutting large sheets of acrylic. These machines are available in different sizes. In addition, there are also options to equip these machines with a higher laser power, which makes it possible to laser cut thicker acrylic.
