About acrylic substrates

There are two types of acrylic: cast and extruded. Cast acrylic is used in almost all engraving work, because the frosted laser engraving contrasts nicely with the smooth surface of the rest of the material. The clean, smooth, clear mark the laser beam leaves on extruded acrylic does not give enough contrast, so it is not recommended for engraving images on its surface.

Extruded acrylic, on the other hand, is ideal for vector cutting. It is cheaper than cast acrylic and has low flow when molten, which gives an almost perfect flame-polished edge.

Acrylic is supplied either clear-polished on both sides or with a layer of paint or a multicolour image applied to one side. Acrylic is usually protected from damage by a special protective film.