Materials for laser cutting acrylic

There are many different types of materials that can be manipulated through the industrial process of laser cutting. The most popular material that undergoes laser cutting is plastic

Acrylic:

Acrylic is a blend of plastic that has a variety of manufactures and brand names. Acrylic is one of the more popular materials to cut because it is significantly cheaper than most synthetic resources. Additional, acrylic has an aesthetically pleasing look; its glass surface can come in a wide variety of colors, thicknesses and sizes.  All edges of acyclic, that have been laser cut, have a polished appearance. Conversely, acrylic is a relatively brittle material and can crack, chip, or fracture when trying to drill holes into the surface.  Acrylic can be laser drilled, but it is suggested to limit all holes created in the material.  Lastly, if dropped, acrylic can shatter and chip, especially at the corners if dropped onto a harder surface. Laser cutting acrylic is an extremely popular method for custom designing products.  The process of laser cutting acrylic allows designers to create a multitude of products.

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS):

ABS is another favorable material in the laser cutting industry.  ABS comes in both black and white, with one smooth side and one textured.  The texture is known as a “hair cell texture” and closely resembles a bumpy surface.  ABS is typically cut in ¼ “ as the thickness of the material is nominal.

Delrin-

Delrin is a material that has a wide range of manufacturing applications. In terms of the laser cutting industry, Delrin is most suitable for laser engraving because the laser easily removes this material. The laser is able to take off as much Delrin as it needs, making intricate designs easy to produce.  A popular laser cut Delrin item is the pocket seal.  Delrin is a tough, and slippery material that has a high resistance to warping and deforming.

PETG:

PETG or polyethylene terephthalate glycol comes in a thin, white, plastic, film masking on both sides. The material is malleable, but is not brittle. PETG will not crack under duress and can even be dropped with significant force without cracking.

Picking the proper type of plastic for your final product will ensure you get something beautiful and made to serve its exact function. For further information, please call your local acrylic cutting company.

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• Laser cutting plastic

  Hamlet Products can laser cut acrylic parts to your specifications. When you need laser cutting or laser etching, but don't have the machines available, contact Hamlet.