Gravotech - Acrylic engraving

PMMA, Plexiglas® and Acrylic engraving, etching and cutting

Discover our rotary and laser Acrylic engraving and cutting machines!

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 customers needs varies (see-through the material, only see the light through the material, do not see-through at all), Gravotech offers different Acrylics: transparent uncolored, translucent colored, opaque colored, and opaque frozen.

There are 2 kinds of Acrylic:

  • Cell cast (extruded)
    Cheaper, lower thickness tolerance (5% VS 15% for casting).
     
  • Continuous cast
    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's material offer focuses on continuous cast acrylic, that will offer an 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.

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.

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

Small signage made with acrylic engraving machine

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 plays a role. Rule of a thumb: count approximately 5W per mm of thickness, i.e a 40W CO2 laser can cut an 8mm thick acrylic sheet.

 See our acrylic laser etching machines.

CO2 laser engraving acrylic, plexiglass, pmma

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).

UV Printing on acrylic

Add colors 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 cutting a transparent acrylic sheet of the same shape than the printed one, and to stick it above. This way, you will ensure long-lasting colors as you will protect the ink from external UV and elements that normally whitens it.

Rotary acrylic cutting machine and engraving

Plexiglas® signage cutting

Our rotary 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 acylic rotary engraving machines.

Acrylic letters cutting

Gravostyle™ CAM function allows to calculate a 2D or 3D tool path and realize flat 3D signages 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).

Acrylic cutting machine

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 monitoring.

The user can work on other tasks, creating a time and cost reduction. Moreover, lasers for acrylic need an air extractor with filters to change whereas rotary needs a chip collector (cheaper than air extractor), not filter necessary.

Acrylic materials

Trophy made with clear acrylic

For your transparent outdoor signage, choose acrylic. It is a resistant material to smudges, fingerprints, 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 material.

Acrylic star create with Gravoglas 1 for gifts

Created for engraving professionals, Gravoglas 1 is particularly popular for the brilliance of its black, gold and silver colors. Gravoglas 1 is excellent exterior usage.

Reverse engraving using a cutter brings depth and volume to your creation. Gravoglas 1 can also be engraved and cut using lasers.

Outside signage with ADA/braille - Gravotac™ Exterior

Its matte finish guarantees ADA compliant results and great look.

Create beautiful Braille and tactile signs with Gravotac™!