
Cast vs extruded acrylic laser. Also a brief explanation of the differences between cast and extruded clear sheets. General information about clear acrylic also known by the names of perspex plexiglas pmma and lucite. You can read more about cast and extruded acrylic on our materials for laser cutting page. Cast and extruded and reacts differently during laser engraving.
Cast acrylic is used for almost all engraving purposes as when engraved it produces a white frosty look that in contrast to the clear material. Polyacrylates such as polymethyl methacrylate. Main difference cast vs extruded acrylic. Why there are two entirely different proc.
Extruded acrylic costs less than cast and is more dimensionally stable meaning the thickness is more consistent across sheets. Cast and extruded acrylic adapts very well to laser technology and both are an ideal material for laser processing. Laser engraving cast acrylic. On the cast acrylic there is almost no burrs.
The term acrylic is used to name acrylic polymer compounds. However good quality extruded acrylic such as perspex gives a very clean smooth edge when laser cut. The edges on extruded acrylic parts can look a bit different depending on the direction of the acrylic extrusion. According to their physical properties polymers are divided into three groups as thermosets thermoplastics and elastomersacrylic is a transparent thermoplastic material.
Acrylic is manufactured in two different methods cast gs or extruded xt and each type will offer its own set of unique properties. Softer with a lower melting temperature than in its cast form extruded acrylic is easier to laser cut rout and polishes more cost effectively. When laser cutting extruded acrylic there will come a burr on one side of the part. Here is our vp anands take on some of the properties and key differences between cast and extruded acrylic sheets.
Acrylic is manufactured in two different ways. However some acrylic thicknesses are only available in cast form. Extruded acrylic is factory made in sheets so it tends to be cheap.