What is Laser Cutting?
Laser cutting is a precision manufacturing process that uses a focused beam of light to cut, engrave, or etch materials with extreme accuracy. For custom signs and displays, laser cutting allows shapes, letters, and logos to be cut from acrylic, wood, metal, and other materials with clean edges and tolerances as tight as 0.1mm.
At artetribe, we use industrial CO2 and fiber laser cutters to produce custom acrylic signs, lettering, and display components for brands worldwide.
How Does Laser Cutting Work?
- Design file preparation: Your artwork is converted to a vector file (AI, DXF, or SVG). The cut lines tell the laser exactly where to cut.
- Material setup: The acrylic or substrate sheet is placed on the laser bed. Our machines handle sheets up to 1300mm x 900mm.
- Laser cutting: The laser head moves along the cut path, melting and vaporizing the material along the line. The result is a smooth, polished edge on acrylic — no sanding required.
- Quality check: Each piece is inspected for edge quality, dimensional accuracy, and surface condition before packing.
What Materials Can Be Laser Cut?
- Acrylic (PMMA): The most popular material for signs. Laser cutting produces a flame-polished edge that is optically clear.
- Wood and MDF: Ideal for rustic or natural-look signage and displays.
- Foam board: Lightweight display and exhibition signage.
- Leather and fabric: For branded patches, labels, and decorative elements.
Note: Laser cutting is not suitable for PVC (produces toxic fumes) or polycarbonate (produces poor edge quality). For these materials, we use CNC routing instead.
Laser Cutting vs. CNC Routing vs. Die Cutting
| Method | Best For | Edge Quality | Min. Detail Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laser cutting | Acrylic, wood, thin materials | Excellent (flame-polished) | 1mm |
| CNC routing | Thick acrylic, aluminum, foam | Good (may need finishing) | 3mm |
| Die cutting | Paper, vinyl, thin labels | Good | 2mm |
Common Applications for Laser-Cut Acrylic Signs
- 3D channel letters: Individual letters mounted on walls for retail and office branding
- Logo cutouts: Brand logos cut from colored or mirror acrylic for reception areas
- Menu boards and displays: Restaurant and retail display systems
- Awards and trophies: Custom-shaped acrylic awards with engraved text
- Window displays: Hanging acrylic signs and decorative elements
- Exhibition stands: Branded display components for trade shows
Frequently Asked Questions
What file format do I need for laser cutting?
Vector files are required: AI (Adobe Illustrator), DXF, or SVG. The cut lines must be set as a specific color or layer (we use red for cut lines by convention). Raster images (JPEG, PNG) cannot be used for cutting paths.
Can you laser cut very small text or fine details?
Yes, down to approximately 1mm stroke width for acrylic. Smaller details may not cut cleanly depending on the material thickness. We will flag any issues during our pre-production file check.
How smooth are the edges on laser-cut acrylic?
Laser-cut acrylic edges are flame-polished by the laser itself, producing a clear, smooth finish that requires no additional processing. This is one of the key advantages of laser cutting over mechanical cutting methods.
What is the maximum size you can laser cut?
Our standard laser bed handles pieces up to 1200mm x 800mm. For larger pieces, we can cut in sections and join them. Contact us to discuss oversized requirements.
How long does laser cutting take?
Simple shapes cut in seconds. Complex designs with fine detail may take several minutes per piece. For bulk orders, production time is typically 3–5 business days.
Get a Laser Cutting Quote
Send us your vector file, material preference, thickness, and quantity and we will respond with a quote within 24 hours. Contact our factory team to get started.