Acrylic Laser Cutting
Clean, precise acrylic cutting for signage, displays and panels. Ideal for clear, black/white, opal and frosted acrylic sheets — with glossy edges and crisp detail.
Acrylic specifications
Acrylic (PMMA) is a lightweight, UV-stable plastic commonly known as Perspex. It’s widely used for laser cut signage and display parts because it offers excellent optical clarity, good weather resistance, and a premium finish.
Acrylic can be supplied in many colours and finishes including clear, black/white, opal and frosted. Laser cutting acrylic often produces a smooth, glossy edge that’s ideal for visible parts.
| Type | Thickness range | Density (g/cm³) | Tensile strength (MPa) | Modulus (GPa) | Heat deflection temp (°C) | Light transmission (clear) | Weather resistance | Typical applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cast Acrylic (PMMA) | 1.5–12mm | ~1.18 | 60–75 | 2.4–3.3 | ~95–105 | ~92% | Very good | Premium signage, display, machining, polished edges |
| Extruded Acrylic (PMMA) | 1.5–6mm | ~1.18 | 55–70 | 2.2–3.2 | ~90–100 | ~92% | Very good | Cost-effective panels, guards, general signage |
*Typical values for PMMA (acrylic). Properties vary by manufacturer, colour, and grade (UV-stable, impact-modified, etc.).
| Type | Thickness range | Density (g/cm³) | Tensile strength (MPa) | Modulus (GPa) | Heat deflection temp (°C) | Light transmission (clear) | Weather resistance | Typical applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic (general) | 1.5–3mm | ~1.18 | 55–75 | 2.2–3.3 | ~90–105 | ~92% (clear) | Very good | Stencils, letters, face plates, small parts |
*Laser cutting results depend on geometry and protective film.
| Type | Thickness range | Density (g/cm³) | Tensile strength (MPa) | Modulus (GPa) | Heat deflection temp (°C) | Light transmission (clear) | Weather resistance | Typical applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic (general) | 4.5–6mm | ~1.18 | 55–75 | 2.2–3.3 | ~90–105 | ~92% (clear) | Very good | Panels, spacers, guards, signage backers |
| Type | Thickness range | Density (g/cm³) | Tensile strength (MPa) | Modulus (GPa) | Heat deflection temp (°C) | Light transmission (clear) | Weather resistance | Typical applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic (general) | 8–12mm | ~1.18 | 55–75 | 2.2–3.3 | ~90–105 | ~92% (clear) | Very good | Display blocks, thick panels, robust components |
*Availability varies. Confirm stocked thicknesses for small runs.
- Excellent optical clarity (clear acrylic) and premium appearance
- UV/weather resistant for many outdoor signage uses
- Clean laser cut edges with glossy finish in most cases
- Available in clear, coloured, opal, frosted and mirrored variants (job dependent)
Cutting sizes
| Item | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Common sheet size | 2440 × 1220mm (standard) |
| Best for | Signage, stencils, display components, face plates |
| Typical tolerance* | ±0.15–0.25mm |
| Notes | Great detail. Consider adding small tabs for very small parts to prevent tip-up. |
| Item | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Common sheet size | 2440 × 1220mm (standard) |
| Best for | Panels, spacers, guards, light-duty brackets |
| Typical tolerance* | ±0.20–0.35mm |
| Notes | Excellent edge clarity; thicker sections may show more heat polish on edges. |
| Item | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Common sheet size | 2400 × 1200mm (availability varies) |
| Best for | Thick signage, display blocks, robust panels |
| Typical tolerance* | ±0.35–0.50mm |
| Notes | Availability can vary; confirm thickness for small runs. |
- Tolerances depend on part geometry, material condition, and laser parameters.
- Use these ranges as a guide. Actual capabilities can vary based on design complexity, hole sizes, and edge quality requirements.
Stocked materials
To keep turnaround times fast on smaller jobs, we recommend choosing from our stocked thicknesses, highlighted in blue. While we can cut many other thicknesses, availability may vary depending on project size.
Clear
1mm
2mm
3mm
4.5mm
6mm
8mm
10mm
12mm
15mm
20mm
Opal/Frosted
2mm
3mm
4.5mm
6mm
10mm
Black/White
2mm
3mm
4.5mm
6mm
10mm
12mm
Coloured
3mm
Mirrored
3mm
Properties of Acrylic (Perspex)
Acrylic (PMMA) is a thermoplastic known for its clarity, stiffness and strong weather resistance. Compared with many plastics, acrylic maintains its appearance well outdoors, making it a popular choice for laser cut signs, display panels, and branded components.
For laser cutting acrylic, design choices such as minimum hole sizes, spacing, and internal corners can influence edge quality and dimensional accuracy. Clear acrylic often achieves very clean, glossy edges, while certain colours and thicker sheets may show slight haze depending on grade and settings. Protective film helps reduce handling marks and can improve cosmetic outcomes on face surfaces.
Common searches include Perspex laser cutting, laser cut acrylic sheets, custom acrylic signage, and frosted acrylic laser cutting across Australia.
What you can create
- Acrylic lettering backers and signage panels
- Display stands, product holders and point-of-sale components
- Stencils, templates and jigs
- Light diffusers (opal acrylic) and feature panels
- Machine guards and protective covers
- Brand plaques, wall panels and decorative inserts
FAQs
Acrylic is a clear or coloured thermoplastic (PMMA) commonly known as Perspex. It’s popular for signage and display because it’s lightweight, weather resistant, and can achieve excellent optical clarity.
Cast acrylic is typically better for premium finishing and machining, with a slightly more consistent thickness tolerance for certain applications. Extruded acrylic is usually more cost-effective and can be ideal for general signage and panels.
Laser cutting often produces a glossy, flame-polished style edge on acrylic. For some colours or thicker sheets, minor haze or micro-bubbles can occur; protective film and correct settings help achieve the best edge quality.
We commonly laser cut acrylic from around 1.5mm up to 12mm depending on sheet availability and design complexity.
Yes. Protective film is recommended for cosmetic parts to reduce handling marks and protect the surface during cutting and transport.
Alternative materials
If acrylic isn’t the best fit for your application, consider these options
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