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Engraving & cutting

Laser Cutting for Acrylic and Plexiglass

A free quote from laser engravers and cutting shops across South Africa. One job sheet, no obligation.

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Clear and coloured acrylic shapes with glossy polished edges just cut on a laser bed
Process
Cut and reverse engrave
Laser source
CO2
Materials
Cast and extruded acrylic
Power
60 to 150 W CO2
Turnaround
2 to 5 working days

Laser cutting for acrylic gives crisp shapes with clear, flame-polished edges that need no sanding or buffing, which is why it is the go-to for signs, awards, displays and product parts. LaserEngraver.co.za is a free quote referral service: send one request with your design, sheet colour, thickness and quantity, and we pass it to independent acrylic laser cutting shops near you, who quote you directly. We do not cut or sell acrylic ourselves, and there is no fee or obligation.

Cast or extruded acrylic

Acrylic, also called plexiglass or Perspex, comes in two kinds:

  • Cast acrylic: engraves to a frosted white finish and cuts with clean polished edges, best for awards and engraved signs
  • Extruded acrylic: cheaper and thickness is more even, cuts with very glossy edges but engraves less crisply

Clear, opal, colours, fluorescent edge-glow and mirror sheets are all laser cut. Common thicknesses are 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 and 10 mm. Most South African sheet is sold in 1220 x 2440 mm or 1250 x 1850 mm sizes, and shops keep the popular 3 mm clear and white in stock. Need stock? See acrylic sheets.

How acrylic laser cutting works

A CO2 laser vaporises a narrow line through the sheet, melting the edge to a polish as it goes. A 60 to 100 W tube cuts 3 mm in a fast pass and up to about 15 to 20 mm slowly on higher-power machines. The kerf is roughly 0.15 to 0.3 mm. Shops leave the protective film on to stop surface marks, or peel it for engraving. Acrylic laser engraving on the back of clear sheet gives a frosted look from the front, popular for trophies and awards and edge-lit signs.

Laser cutting plexiglass: price guide

Price depends on sheet cost, cut length and thickness. As a rough 2026 guide, a 1220 x 2440 mm sheet of 3 mm clear acrylic costs about R900 to R1,600, and cutting time runs about R10 to R22 per minute. Small cut shapes in bulk can be R10 to R60 each, a 300 x 400 mm sign panel R150 to R450. Thick sheet, mirror acrylic and engraving all add cost. Nesting many small parts on one sheet and choosing standard thicknesses are the easiest ways to keep the price down.

Files, finishing and lead times

Send vector outlines in DXF, SVG, AI or PDF, with engraving on a separate layer. Ask about drilling, bending with a line heater, stand-offs and UV printing if you need a finished sign. Lead time is usually 2 to 5 working days, and parts are courier-safe with the film left on.

What to include in your request

  • Give the thickness and colour of acrylic
  • Say cast or extruded if you know it
  • Attach a DXF, SVG, AI or PDF outline
  • State quantities and finished sizes
  • Mention engraving, drilling or bending

Acrylic Laser Cutting for different customers

  • Gifts and keepsakes: a clear acrylic photo stand, name plaque or keepsake ornament as a gift
  • Weddings and events: mirror acrylic cake toppers, welcome signs and table numbers for a function
  • Schools, clubs and churches: engraved acrylic trophies, award blocks and honours plaques for prize-giving
  • Businesses and brands: acrylic reception signs, desk awards and logo panels with stand-offs
  • Shops, restaurants and venues: acrylic display risers, brochure holders and price stands for shop counters
  • Factories, engineering and mines: clear acrylic machine guards, covers and inspection windows cut to size
  • Makers and resellers: batches of acrylic blanks, earrings and keyring shapes for resale
  • Farms and agri businesses: acrylic farm-stall signs and packhouse notice holders cut to size

Frequently asked questions

Does LaserEngraver.co.za cut acrylic?
No. We are a free referral service only. Independent acrylic cutting shops receive your request and quote you directly, and you decide whether to go ahead with any of them.
Can a laser cut polycarbonate the same way?
Not well. Polycarbonate burns, yellows and gives off harmful fumes, so most shops refuse it. Use acrylic, or ask about CNC routing for polycarbonate. PVC and vinyl are also refused, because they release chlorine gas that damages the machine and is dangerous to breathe.
Do laser cut acrylic edges need polishing?
Usually not. Cast and extruded acrylic both come off the laser with a glossy, flame-polished edge. Very thick sheet may show faint vertical lines on the edge, which a quick buff with a polishing wheel removes if the edge will be on show.
Why does acrylic sometimes crack after cutting?
Laser cutting leaves stress in the edge. Cleaning with alcohol-based cleaners or solvents can cause fine cracks called crazing, so clean cut acrylic with mild soap, water and a soft microfibre cloth instead.

Acrylic Laser Cutting by province and city

More laser services and supplies

Engraving & cuttingLaser engraving, cutting and marking on wood, acrylic, metal, glass, leather and tube

Gifts, awards & signagePersonalised and corporate gifts, trophies, signage and decorative screens

Laser machinesEngraving, cutting, fibre, CO2, welding and cleaning lasers for sale

Supplies & supportAcrylic sheets, MDF board, laser tubes, lenses, parts and repairs

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