PMMA, Plexiglas® and Acrylic engraving, etching and cutting
Discover how to etch, engrave and cut transparent plastic materials with Gravotech technologies. Clean & precise professional results.
Acrylic is also known as Plexiglas ®, PMMA or under many other commercial names. Acrylic is light, rigid and UV resistant, which makes it ideal for support or letters. As the customer need varies (see-through the material, only see the light through the material, do not see-through at all), Gravotech offers different Acrylics: transparent uncoloured, translucent coloured, opaque coloured, opaque frozen. There are 2 kinds of Acrylic: Cell cast (extruded): cheaper, lower thickness tolerance (5% VS 15% for casting). Continuous cast (coulé): best-polished results when cut, the best result (white engraving) when engraved.
As good quality extruded Acrylic can be found in large quantities at PMMA distributors, Gravotech material offer focuses on continuous cast Acrylic, that will offer a bigger added value to your customers. Of course, both our rotary and laser Acrylic engraving machines can process all kinds of Acrylics. To create displays, indoor or external signage, crafts, advertisement items, trophies and awards, models, Acrylic cutting machines are ideal. Gravostyle ™software can create folding area or hinges so the laser can process the Acrylic in a way that it can be bent.
Gravotech's acrylic engraving machines
From small trophies and models to large signs, Gravotech offers a wide range of lasers and powers to match every Acrylic cutting need. By providing small Acrylic laser cutting machine but also CO2 laser engravers Gravotech solutions are ideals for all use.
Small laser engraver for all kind of engravings.
WELASE
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Medium CO2 or Fiber laser engraving and cutting machine for signage and small series.
LS100 EX
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Small CO2 laser engraver and cutter for personalisation, signage and creative.
LS100
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Large laser engraver and cutter that can do everything.
LS900
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Extra large laser engraving and cutting machine for high productivity.
LS1000XP
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Our Rotary large tables are ideal for productive Acrylic cutting as they can run 24 hours per day with only one operation to load and unload between each batch production.
Medium CNC engraving machine for flat and cylinder engraving on metal and plastic.
IS400 – IS400 Volume
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Large and extra large format CNC engraving machines.
ISx000
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Small and custom engraving machine for all purposes, from perfume bottle to small industrial signage.
M20 X
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Small CNC engraving machine for label and small part traceability system.
IS200
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Medium multi-purpose rotary engraving machine for signage and gifts.
M40
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Gravostyle™ is the software dedicated to job creation, up to 3D possibilities and Matrix mode to repeat a pattern on large sheets. Moreover, it drives both Rotary and lasers machines.
Acrylic laser engraving and cutting
With Gravostyle ™and its embedded preset parameters, you can cut, fold and weld any thin Acrylic (less than 5mm thick) with the same laser. When it comes to cutting only, our CO2 laser engravers can reach a depth of 25mm (1 inch). The maximum width is directly linked to the laser source power, even if speed can play a role. Rule of a thumb: count approximately 5W per millimetre of thickness, i.e a 40W CO2 laser can cut an 8mm thick Acrylic sheet.
See our acrylic laser etching machines.
Our lasers can produce a finishing glossy polished edge on acrylic when cut, thanks to Gravostyle™ software that adapts speed and power of the laser. The acrylic melts instantly when the laser beam hits the area, and then hardens immediately when not. It results in a smooth melted surface state on the edge, transparent and polished, which is welcomed in the signage market.
The main advantage is that manual polishing is not necessary, the product is ready when it comes out of the laser. We recommend a wide lens (up to 4’’) for a better finishing result (as the edge will be straighter).
Add colours to the Acrylic support with a UV printer as this material is perfect for that. Use the Print & Cut mode to automate the cutting with the laser by using the same electronic file you previously used in the printer. For outdoor signage, we recommend to cut a transparent Acrylic sheet of the same shape than the printed one and to stick it above. This way, you will ensure long-lasting colours as you will protect the ink from external UV and elements that normally whitens it.
Rotary acrylic cutting machine and engraving
Our mechanical engraving tools can cut or drill up to 25mm. Gravostyle™ software allows to do a lateral finishing pass and obtain a neat frozen finish on the edges. Percut range is made for Productivity and endurance of Rotary engravers: short tools for machining using a high frequency or collet spindle.
See our acrylic rotary engraving machines.
Gravostyle™ CAM function allows to calculate a 2D or 3D tool path and realise flat 3D signage with any Rotary machine. This result can’t be obtained with current laser technologies on the market. Moreover, the bottom can be transparent with a ball cutter and an overlap of 0.05mm (or less).
Rotary technology does not represent any risk of fire. Acrylic is a very flammable material when used with a laser, therefore the laser needs to be watched at all time, whereas rotary engravers can work with a very limited human presence. The user can work on other tasks, meaning a time and cost reduction. Moreover, lasers for Acrylic need an air extractor with filters to change whereas Rotary need a chip collector (cheaper than air extractor) and does not have any consumable to change.
Acrylic materials
For your transparent outdoor signage, choose Acrylic. It is a very resistant material that is relatively insensitive to fingerprint and scratches and can be used on both the front and the back. Discover the cast version of Acrylic for a modern yet resistant finish.
See our engraving materials.
Created for engraving professionals, Gravoglas 1 is particularly popular for the brilliance of its black, gold and silver colours. Gravoglas 1 is characterized by excellent outdoor resistance. Reverse engraving using a cutter brings depth and volume to your creation. Gravoglas 1 can also be engraved and cut using lasers.
Its matte finish guarantees ADA compliant results and great look. Create beautiful Braille and tactile signs with Gravotac ™!
