Views: 0 Author: JINBAO Publish Time: 2023-02-03 Origin: www.jinbaoplastic.com/
Which types of acrylic sheets are Suitable for Laser Cutting?
Jinbao was established in 1996, we are one of the leading companies manufacturing acrylic sheets, PVC foam boards, and polycarbonate sheets. We have 35 production lines, with 2,100 tons of monthly production. We provide premium quality plastic products, with the latest technology.
Based on the manufacturing process of acrylic sheets, there are two different kinds of acrylic sheets. They are namely extruded acrylic and cast acrylic sheets. It is critical to know it differences when processing laser cutting and engraving.
As extruded and cast acrylic sheets behaved very differently, due to their manufacturing way. Thus, you should have good prior knowledge of acrylic sheets before proceeding with an acrylic laser machine.
Extruded acrylic is manufactured by extruding an acrylic mass through an opening of desired thickness. Extruded Acrylic sheets are manufactured by a continuous production process. Acrylic or PMMA pellets are fed from a containment silo to a feed hopper above an extruder line. The pellets are fed into the extrusion barrel and are driven through the barrel by a single or twin-screw auger system.
Laser cutting of extruded acrylic sheets will result in a clean cut with flame-polished edges. However, laser engraving on extruded acrylic is not an ideal choice, as it will cause a grayish hue. Thus, in general, extruded acrylic is suitable for laser cutting and with a comparatively lower laser power than cast acrylic of the same thickness.
Cast acrylic when through a range of procedures, and it is made by casting a monomer, methyl methacrylate, between two sheets of glass. The methyl methacrylate and glass assemble and then undergo polymerization, after which cast acrylic is formed.
Due to the difficult progression of cast acrylic, it is charged higher than extruded acrylic. But it offers a better optical and it is stronger. When processing the cast acrylic with the laser cutting machine, it will result in a good surface finish with some striation marks along the edge.
It is highly recommended for laser engraving because of its excellent frosty-white engraving outputs. Both, cast and extruded acrylics, are available in a variety of different shades and colors.
In conclusion, both types of acrylic sheets are suitable for lasering, choose wisely when comes to processing laser cutting or laser engraving. For performing laser engraving, cast acrylic is the best choice, and for laser cutting, extruded acrylic is the best choice of all. If you are interested in Jinbao’s acrylic sheets, feel free to contact us now for free quotations~
Jinbao Group was established in 1996 and its head office is located in the beautiful spring city-Jinan, Shandong province.
