Laser cutting material
Laser cut clear acrylic
Acrylic (PMMA) is a rigid, transparent plastic that is lighter than glass and far harder to shatter. A CO2 laser vaporizes it cleanly, so the cut edge comes out smooth and glossy with no sanding or polishing. Our clear sheet is cast acrylic, which engraves to a crisp frosted white.
- Thickness
- .063 - .500 in
- Largest part
- 23.2 x 11.6 in
- Smallest part
- 1/4 in
- Ready in
- 2 - 3 business days
- Next-day rush
- +50%
- Order minimum
- $25
If the sheet isn't on our shelf, ordering it can add time. We tell you before we start.
Thicknesses
Every clear acrylic thickness we cut
Price per part for the 4 x 4 in plate (four 1/4 in corner holes and a 1 1/2 in centre hole), from the same engine as the instant quote.
| Thickness | x11 part | x1010 parts | x5050 parts | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .063 in (1.6 mm) | $4.81 | $2.34 | $2.34 | Quote clear acrylic, .063 in |
| .118 in (3.0 mm) | $7.01 | $3.21 | $2.35 | Quote clear acrylic, .118 in |
| .177 in (4.5 mm) | $11.99 | $5.42 | $4.01 | Quote clear acrylic, .177 in |
| .214 in (5.4 mm) | $15.03 | $6.73 | $4.96 | Quote clear acrylic, .214 in |
| .375 in (9.5 mm) | $19.28 | $8.23 | $6.05 | Quote clear acrylic, .375 in |
| .500 in (12.7 mm) | $23.82 | $10.52 | $7.68 | Quote clear acrylic, .500 in |
Per part, before the $25 order minimum and any rush. Your own part is priced from its size, cut length and holes.
Example prices
What real parts cost in clear acrylic
At .118 in. Each one is a template you can open and change.
4 x 4 in plate
Four 1/4 in corner holes and a 1 1/2 in centre hole
- 1 part
- $7.01
- 10 parts
- $3.21
- 50 parts
- $2.35
11 x 11 in panel
Rounded corners, four 1/4 in mounting holes
- 1 part
- $30.53
- 10 parts
- $12.36
- 50 parts
- $9.16
2 in washer
2 in outside, 1 in inside diameter
- 1 part
- $2.40
- 10 parts
- $1.23
- 50 parts
- $0.99
Price per part, before the $25 order minimum. Small parts are priced at a per-part minimum, so they barely change with size.
Fit
When clear acrylic is the right call
It is the default for anything people need to see through or light up: covers, windows, guards, display parts and edge-lit signs, where light fed into the edge glows at every cut and engraved line.
Good for
- Enclosure lids and windows
- Machine and display guards
- Edge-lit signs
- Display stands and risers
- Labels, tags and panels
- Fit-check prototypes
Pick something else when
- It has to take a hit. Acrylic cracks where polycarbonate bends, and we don't laser polycarbonate: it burns and yellows at the edge.
- It slides, wears or meshes. Delrin is the low-friction choice for gears, bushings and wear strips.
Design rules
What the laser needs from your file
- Largest part
- 23.2 x 11.6 in (589 x 294 mm), either orientation
- Smallest part
- 1/4 in on its short side; smaller gets a person's review
- Between cuts
- Leave at least 1/16 in of material between holes and edges
- Outlines
- Closed shapes only, any number of parts per file
- Text
- Convert to outlines, or it won't be cut
- Files
- DXF or SVG, priced instantly
Care and handling
Looking after clear acrylic parts
- Clean with mild soap, water and a soft cloth. Ammonia and alcohol cleaners, which includes most glass cleaners, can craze acrylic, especially near cut edges.
- It scratches more easily than glass. Keep any protective film on until the part is installed.
- Acrylic is stiff but brittle. Leave room around screws, avoid tight press fits, and drill or tap slowly.
- Thicker sheet cuts with a slight taper across the edge. Worth knowing if a 3/8 or 1/2 in part has to fit something exactly.
Templates
Parts people cut in clear acrylic
No drawing needed. Open one, type your dimensions, and the price updates as you go.
Questions
Clear acrylic laser cutting FAQ
- What thicknesses of clear acrylic do you laser cut?
- .063, .118, .177, .214, .375, .500 in (1.6 mm, 3.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.4 mm, 9.5 mm, 12.7 mm).
- How big can a laser cut clear acrylic part be?
- Up to 23.2 x 11.6 in (589 x 294 mm), either way round. The smallest part we cut without a person checking it first is 1/4 in across its short side.
- How long does laser cutting clear acrylic take?
- Most orders are ready in 2 - 3 business days, or the next business day with rush (+50%). If the sheet isn't on our shelf, ordering it can add time. We tell you before we start.
- Is there a minimum order?
- The order total has to come to at least $25. There is no minimum quantity: one part is fine.
- What file do I need?
- A DXF or SVG, one part or a whole set per file, with every outline closed and any text converted to outlines. No file? Start from a template and type your dimensions.
Price your clear acrylic part now.
Upload a DXF or SVG and see the price in seconds. Cut in Atlanta, free local pickup.