PMMA, Acrylic engraving & cutting
Master acrylic engraving and cutting: materials, technologies, and best practices
Acrylic (PMMA, Plexiglas®) is a thermoplastic material widely used in a variety of sectors, including signage, POP, object personalization, decoration and industry. Its versatility, lightness, transparency and UV resistance make it the preferred alternative to glass for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Two main technologies are used to work acrylic with precision: CO2 laser and mechanical engraving and cutting. Each of these technologies, whether used with a CO2 laser cutter or an acrylic engraving machine, has its own specific characteristics.
Find out more below about the properties of acrylic, the differences between CO2 laser cutter and mechanical acrylic engraving machine, the best practices to adopt for high-quality rendering, and the most frequently asked questions on the subject.
Gravotech technologies for acrylic engraving and cutting
CO2 laser machines are widely used for engraving and cutting acrylic because of their precision and speed.
- Can you engrave acrylic with a laser?
Yes, the laser modifies the surface of the acrylic, creating a matte contrast.
Acrylic engraving is particularly effective for signage and personalized items, offering high-quality frosted effects.
- Can I cut acrylic with a laser?
Of course, the laser vaporizes the material, ensuring clean contours without mechanical contact.
This method makes it possible to create complex shapes with great finesse, while guaranteeing a clean, polished finish.
Expert advice: 30W laser power enables cutting up to 8 mm thick, while a 60W model reaches 10 mm more easily. This technology is ideal for applications requiring a high level of visual quality, especially when using an acrylic laser engraving machine.
Small CO2 laser engraver and cutter for personalization, signage and creative.
LS100
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Medium CO2 or Fiber laser engraving and cutting machine for signage and small series.
LS100 EX
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Large laser engraver and cutter that can do everything.
LS900
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Acrylic engraving machine uses a rotating cutting tool to remove material and create a durable engraving. Unlike laser acrylic engraving, this process ensures deeper engraving and better resistance to external conditions.
These acrylic cutting machines enable a variety of finishes to be achieved, from surface marking to relief engraving. It is ideal for projects requiring a particular textured finish or long life. This method is therefore particularly well suited to professional nameplates, industrial signage and applications requiring long-lasting identification.
For cutting, the acrylic cutting machine progressively removes the material. This technique is recommended for large thicknesses.
ISx000 and IS400 are ideal for acrylic cutting for signage professionals.
M20 X is a more personalization-oriented machine, suitable for engraving objects or small plates.
Medium CNC engraving machine for flat and cylinder engraving on metal and plastic.
IS400 – IS400 Volume
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Large and extra large format CNC engraving machines.
ISx000
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Small and custom engraving machine for all purposes, from perfume bottle to small industrial signage.
M20 X
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Small CNC engraving machine for label and small part traceability system.
IS200
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Medium multi-purpose rotary engraving machine for signage and gifts.
M40
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Gravotech markets various laser and mechanical materials made from acrylic, suitable for any acrylic engraving and cutting application. Find out more:
- Acrylics: A range of colored laser materials with 4 different finishes: transparent, frosted, fluorescent, and opaque, ideal for creative applications in interior decoration, giftware, and signage.
- Gravoglas™ 1: A two-layer laser material with a transparent surface, so engraving is done on the back to protect it from time and damage. It's an ideal material for professional plaques or architectural signage where coloring with paints is often necessary.
- Gravoglas™ 2-Plex™: A complete range for mechanical engraving, comprising "reverse engraving" references with a transparent surface and glossy or matte finish, and other, more classic references known as "right-side engraving" in two colors, available in matte, glossy, or even textured finishes for general signage, particularly outdoors.
| Gravotech expertise: Discover our full range of engraving materials in our online catalog and contact us! |
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Let your creativity flow!
Acrylics
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The outdoor acrylic material for upscale architectural signage
Gravoglas™ 1
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The reverse outdoor acrylic material
Gravoglas™ 2-plex™ Subsurface
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The versatile outdoor acrylic material
Gravoglas™ 2-plex™ Surface
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When it comes to laser engraving and cutting, certain accessories can be a real asset when working with acrylic:
- Cutting tables minimize beam returns to the back of the material and promote vapor evacuation, ensuring clean, mark-free cutting on the back of the cut sheet.
- Laser nozzles direct airflow towards the laser impact zone. They prevent the formation of flames and reduce dust deposits on the surface of the material. They also protect the laser lens.
- Laser lenses influence the fineness of engraving or the cutting capacity of your machine. A short focal length lens will enable fine, detailed engraving, while a long focal length lens (4") will enable you to cut thicker material (over 6 mm).
Discover our guide on How to choose your laser lens! - Fume extractors are indispensable for extracting particles and odors generated during acrylic cutting or engraving. They keep your machine cleaner for longer, while protecting the operator.
Laser vs. mechanical technology: The comparison
| CO2 laser cutter | Rotary engraving/cutting |
| Type of use | Engraving and cutting | Engraving and cutting |
| Cutting finish | Clean, polished edges | Edges may require post-treatment (polishing or sanding) |
| Engraving depth | Superficial (contrast/white engraving) or semi-profound (a few tenths of a millimeter) | Deep (up to several mm) |
| Precision | Very high (fine details) | High (lettering), but dependent on cutter used |
| Speed | Very fast for engraving, slightly slower for cutting | Overall slower for engraving and cutting |
| Max. thickness worked | Up to 20 mm depending on power | Thicker materials depending on cutter used |
| Ideal for | General signage, personalized objects, decorations or photo engraving | High-end signage such as professional plaques, deep engravings for coloring, technical parts |
Gravotech expertise: If you'd like to find out more about the differences between these 2 technologies, check out our dedicated comparison!
The different types of acrylic
Acrylic comes in two main types: cast and extruded. Each has specific properties that influence its engraving and cutting behavior.
CAST ACRYLIC: Material obtained by polymerization in a mold, offering an irregular molecular structure. It is recommended for precise, high-contrast acrylic engraving.
- Advantages: Excellent response to laser engraving, producing a homogeneous frosted effect.
- Limitation: Thickness variations are possible with a tolerance of around 10% around nominal thickness, requiring precise adjustment of cutting parameters.
EXTRUDED ACRYLIC: Manufactured by extrusion, giving it a more uniform thickness (tolerance of around 5%) and a denser structure.
It's ideal for homogeneous cutting with smooth edges.
- Advantages: More efficient laser cutting, with clean, even edges.
- Limitation: Different reactions to laser engraving, producing less contrast than cast acrylic.
At Gravotech, two-layer laser materials are generally made of extruded acrylic for greater thickness tolerance. Single-layer materials, such as the Acrylics range, are based on cast acrylic to enhance their engraving quality.
Acrylic etching and cutting applications
Acrylic is widely used for durable, aesthetic signage. It's UV- and weather-resistant, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
Application examples:
- Professional plates and signs.
- Die-cut door numbers and nameplates.
- Directional signs and interior signage.
- Embossed die-cut letters for signs.
- Store displays and sales aids.
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Engraving and cutting enable acrylic to be transformed into unique, made-to-measure objects. Its elegant rendering makes it an ideal medium for gifts and awards.
Application examples:
- Trophies and medals.
- Key rings and promotional items.
- Commemorative plaques and personalized souvenirs.
- Accessories and decorative items.
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Acrylic is appreciated for its aesthetic qualities and ease of shaping. It is used in the design of modern, customizable decorative elements.
Application examples:
- Luminaires and lighting elements.
- Openwork partitions and decorative panels.
- Design furniture and objects.
- Sculptures and works of art.
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Acrylic is used in industry for the manufacture of technical and functional parts requiring high precision.
Application examples:
- Machining jigs and guides.
- Protective covers and transparent hoods.
- Custom technical parts.
- Electronic housings and brackets.
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What are the parameters for acrylic laser cutting machine ?
| Engraving | Cutting | |
| Power | 10 - 30% | 80 - 100% |
| Speed | 80 - 100% | To be determined according to thickness but generally below 10% |
| Resolution (DPI) | 300 - 600 DPI | - |
| Defocusing | +1 to +2 mm for an even frosted effect | ⅓ of the thickness to be cut |
| Fume extraction | Low, just enough to limit dust deposits* | |
*Acrylic cutting machines generate relatively little dust but mostly odorous gas. The extractor's activated carbon filter filters out odors. The slower the fumes pass through the filter, the more deodorized they are and the more odorless the expelled air will be.
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✅ Do not remove the protective plastic film before cutting to avoid traces of smoke and facilitate cleaning.
✅ Adapt your speed to the type of acrylic: Cast acrylic is denser and, therefore, requires a lower speed, whereas extruded acrylic can be cut more quickly.
✅ Choose a picot table or, failing that, a honeycomb table for cutting to minimize beam returns on the back of the material to be cut.
✅ When engraving, keep the power low and adjust the engraving result by adjusting the speed not to overheat the acrylic, thus maintaining a homogeneous finish.
✅ Use a laser nozzle on your CO2 laser cutter during engraving and cutting to protect the lens from fumes and dust.
✅ Carry out tests on off-cuts before production to adjust parameters as close as possible to the expected result.
On transparent acrylic, reverse engraving (on the back of the material) offers a better visual result.
✅ For cuts thicker than 6mm, a 4" lens will give you a smoother, straighter cut.
Discover our guide on how to choose your laser lens?
❌ Cutting too slowly: when cutting, the acrylic laser cutting machine heats up the cutting edges sufficiently for them to melt and fuse together.
❌ Too high power for engraving: when the power is too high, the engraving will be less precise, resulting in an irregular effect that may reveal lines or stripes.
❌ No fume extraction: dust generated by engraving or cutting may settle on the surface of the material and leave marks. Good extraction allows these residues to be quickly evacuated.
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How to cut acrylic with a CNC machine?
| Engraving | Cutting | |
| Type of cutter | Conical milling cutters: deep engraving Diamond milling cutters: polished, high-gloss finish Round-ended cylindrical milling cutters: transparent finish | Straight cutters with 1 or 2 teeth |
| Speed of rotation | 18 000 to 30 000 rpm | 20 000 to 24 000 rpm |
| Depth of cut | Light engraving: 0.1 to 0.3 mm Deep engraving: 0.5 to 1.5 mm | 1 to 3 mm depending on tool |
✅ Securely hold the acrylic sheet with fasteners and Gravogrip™ to prevent vibration and ensure precise engraving.
✅ Air cooling limits chip and cutter heating and prevents material melting.
✅ Avoid excessively deep passes in favor of preserving the material.
✅ Test feed speed to find the right balance between speed and precision.
✅ After cutting, acrylic can be finely sanded or flame-polished to smooth the edges.
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❌ Unsuitable cutter: High risk of burrs and a final finish that does not meet expectations.
❌ Feed too fast: Risk of material melting and heating. Too rapid a feed may cause the cutter to jam and break.
❌ Insufficient clamping: Risk of plate vibration, leading to deterioration of the engraved finish and even tool breakage.
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| FAQ: The 6 questions most frequently asked of our experts |
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🔽 What's the difference between cast and extruded acrylic?
Cast acrylic is better suited to laser engraving thanks to its homogeneous frosted effect and wider thickness tolerances.
Extruded acrylic is better for laser cutting, giving smooth edges. However, it is less contrasted when engraved.
🔽 What's the difference between acrylic and plexiglass?
Plexiglass is a brand name for acrylic, which is technically the same material: PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate).
🔽 How do I bend acrylic?
Acrylic can be bent after local heating, usually with a hot wire. However, this can also be done with a low-speed laser defocused by several millimeters. It must be heated and then shaped manually or in a jig. Extruded acrylic is recommended for best bending results.
🔽 How do I frost acrylic?
The frosted effect is achieved by laser engraving, using low power, high speed, and slight defocusing.
🔽 Is it possible to engrave in color on acrylic with a CO2 laser?
No, the CO2 laser modifies the surface of the acrylic but does not change its color. To add color, you need to use colored acrylic or apply a post-engraving paint such as Gravolaque.
🔽 With mechanical engraving, why does my engraving look blurred?
Insufficient material fixation or incorrect feed adjustment may cause a blurred or irregular engraving. Make sure the acrylic is well held and test a slower feed rate.
Do you have a specific project or would you like to validate feasibility on your own samples?
👉 Contact our Gravotech experts for personalized advice!
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