Acrylic Sign Engraving from Architectural Signs

Architectural Signs has continued to strive to be innovative and customer focused to such an extent that we are now recognised as one of Australia's largest trade engravers. We have been providing signage solutions since 1979 including outdoor, reception, braille, awards and vehicle signage. Depending on your requirements and desired outcome there are many engraving techniques available for you to consider.

Next to wood, acrylic is the second most popular material for laser cutting and engraving purposes. Acrylic is easy to both engrave and cut. Additionally, it comes in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and can be relatively inexpensive. Acrylic comes in two forms: Cast and Extruded. Cast acrylic is used for almost all engraving purposes because when it is engraved, it produces a white, frosty look that makes for a clean contrast against the clear material. Extruded acrylic remains clear when engraved and does not produce much of a contrast. Extruded acrylic, on the other hand, is ideal if you are only going to vector cut. The material has a lower melting point, which produces an almost flame-finished edge when cut with the laser.

Most acrylic is reverse engraved on the back side of the item. This produces a "look through effect" from the front of the surface. We recommend removing the top protective cover from the acrylic before engraving. Engraving plastics has become more mainstream in the past few years as manufacturers have created more laser-friendly materials. Plastic manufacturers have developed a broad range of plastics that have thinner cap sheets, which provide much better engraving and cutting characteristics. These plastics are commonly referred to as Micro Laminates, Micro surfaced, or simply 'laser engravable plastics.' They are generally very easy to engrave with a laser since they all have similar characteristics.

For more information regarding your future projects and other engraving techniques please contact Architectural Signs or visit www.arcsigns.com.au