Acrylic laser cutting is a digital subtractive fabrication process offered by a laser cutting service in Singapore. It entails utilising a laser to cut or engrave a specific material. In general, laser-cut acrylic has a more streamlined appearance, resulting in higher-quality goods.
Types of Acrylic
There are two types of acrylic material that laser cutting services in Singapore and overseas use for projects. They are:
Cast
These acrylic sheets are created by pouring liquid acrylic into moulds. Firms use this acrylic type for most of the awards on the market. You can cut cast acrylic sheets with a laser, but the edges will not be flame-polished.
Extruded
Extruded acrylic is a common cutting material. The production of this acrylic sheet is through a higher-volume production process. Instead of a frosted appearance, it will have a see-through engraving when etched.
Benefits & Drawbacks of Laser Cutting Acrylic
Cutting acrylic with laser technology is gaining traction and getting more popular by the day. Of course, various factors have contributed to its meteoric rise, making it one of the preferred approaches among many individuals. However, there are benefits and drawbacks to hiring an acrylic laser cutting service in Singapore or overseas, like most services and products.
Benefits
There are five benefits when you opt to have your acrylic sheets, whether you choose to laser cut at a Singapore cutting service or on your own. They are:
#1 Quick and Efficient
The reality is that cutting acrylic with this approach performs conventional cutting in various ways. The pace is rapid, and it has a high output and productivity.
Acrylic laser cutting is now easier and faster than ever for various purposes. It is critical since, to a significant extent, companies will be able to have a high output of acrylic projects efficiently and quickly.
#2 Flexibility of Laser Cutting Machines
One advantage of this cutting method is you can use it for various applications. You can cut it in individual batches effectively and affordably. Furthermore, you may also utilise laser cutting equipment to cut tiny workpieces in the same way you can cut huge things. A laser cutting service in Singapore can use the system for various appropriate tasks and on different occasions.
#3 A Significantly Safe Process
Laser cutting is less dangerous than traditional cutting processes. All that is needed is putting all required safety precautions in place and learning how to carry out the operation.
Furthermore, modern laser cutting equipment never needs you to align or fix the acrylic material when cutting it. These gadgets do not require human interaction, except for maintenance and inspections. As a result, it significantly minimises the incidence of injuries. Again, it is challenging for anyone to come into close touch with the machine’s open and moving elements and components.
#4 Precise Cutting
The most recent acrylic laser cutting equipment has significant technological features that improve cutting precision.
Some laser cutting machines that many service providers in Singapore use feature cameras that detect registration markings. As a result, it can automatically control laser position. It guarantees that you get optimum accuracy even if the original template rotates, expands, or distorts. The precision of the machine enables you to get a beautiful laser cut with crisp and fray-free edges.
#5 Convenient
Another significant advantage of this technology is it allows optimal dependability, performance, speed, and final product quality.
The simplicity and efficiency the machine provides are out of this world. Furthermore, the majority of this machine’s cutting settings are automated. As a result, these improve precision while simultaneously reducing the quantity of labour.
The reality is that most equipment for this purpose, particularly those from well-known brands, seldom show signs of wear and strain. So, in the end, the investment tends to pay off rather quickly, maximising your revenue.
Drawbacks
There are a few drawbacks to acrylic laser cutting services in Singapore or overseas. They are:
#1 Can Be Expensive
If you plan to have your laser cutting processing unit, the machine can be expensive to purchase. You’ll need to invest a lot of money to get the right equipment for this job.
It is also synonymous with acrylic materials. Acrylic sheets can also be costly due to their nature. Furthermore, cutting acrylic may be pricey since it emits fumes when heated.
As a result, it needs a well-ventilated space, which might be a costly enterprise to build. In most circumstances, purchase prices appear to be a barrier, particularly for small-scale manufacturers and newcomers.
#2 Necessitates Extensive Knowledge and Experience
You can’t just place an order for a laser cutting machine, acquire it, and start cutting stuff with it. It is also not advisable to work with just any laser cutting service in Singapore or overseas.
A lack of expertise can result in the destruction of some machine parts and the waste of raw materials. Incorrectly setting temperatures might result in the materials combusting.
Moreover, a laser cutting machine requires tremendous caution, even though only minimal human participation is required. Failure to do so can result in severe burns and other damage.
#3 Inconsistent Rate of Production
Another downside of employing laser technology to cut acrylic is that the manufacturing rate might be irregular. Acrylic laser cutting in Singapore or overseas is dependent on the material you may need. The type of laser cutting and the thickness of the workpiece also determines the uniformity of the production rate.
It is undeniably a remarkable piece of technology. Laser cutting acrylic is a good option when cutting intricate designs that demand great precision. Choose this technology for efficient, quicker, convenient, and high-quality acrylic cuts. The good news is that it is now getting more popular, making it a great endeavour to pursue.
Are you looking for an acrylic or metal cutting service in Singapore for your upcoming projects? Visit CUTLAB for the best services you can find.
They have over a decade of industry experience after working with various sectors. Their production is constantly shifting and diversifying, expanding in parallel with technological developments to push and promote the potential of digital manufacturing. CUTLAB’s design team is multidisciplinary. They will support you in carrying out and realising your notion.