Using A Laser Cutter:
A Powerful Creative Tool,
Practical And Affordable!

Already know what you need? Use these links to go right to our laser product pages. Laser Cutter Machines - Master list of lasers in a variety of sizes and power levels. Laser Engraver Prices - Engraving and cutting machines are listed here by price.

A Laser Cutter Can Make Any Shape Design A Reality

Acrylic plastic can be shaped by several different kinds of tools. Sheets can be cut with table saws, jigsaws, or any other kind of electric or hand-powered saw.

Pieces can be routered or beveled at the edges or polished to a smooth shine using a buffer. When cutting acrylic, the laser leaves an incredibly smooth and polished edge, producing the cleanest cuts for amazing design detail.

The laser cutter is probably the most versatile and convenient tool available for cutting acrylic business signs.

I'm going to show you how much they can do for you, and how to choose the laser machine you need for your business. I've located the most affordable and efficient laser machines available, so you don't need to spend countless hours looking for the cutting or engraving tools you need.

What Is A Laser Cutter?

A laser is a beam of amplified light capable of melting or vaporizing materials to mark them with designs or cut pieces out of materials.

The word LASER is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. This means that molecules of a gas, such as carbon dioxide in the case of CO2 lasers, are electronically stimulated and focused through a lens. The lens adjusts the beam to a pinpoint allowing it to cut through most types of non-metal materials like wood, fabric, and plastic.

What Can Lasers Do?

I use two lasers in my shop every day, and I can't believe we ever got along without them.

We used to saw-cut every sign. It's a good method, but sawing is slower, there's a chance of cracking the acrylic, and complex shapes were more difficult to make even on a jigsaw.

We needed to be able to produce more custom signs faster and yet remain cost effective. The laser cutters we purchased are the best solution to our production needs, and the results are better than I'd hoped.

All of the Slenderline series of acrylic signs we produce are cut, shaped, and flame-polished using laser cutting machines. The variety of shapes, thicknesses and materials provide endless creative possibilities.

A computer program is used to make designs using raster or vector graphics to make the shapes. The laser is similar to an ordinary ink jet or laser printer and even has USB connectors like a printer does to attach them to the computer. You upload your graphic to the laser just as you would a printer, and the machine does the rest!

The laser unit has a table surface which supports the material while a mechanical "arm" moves the laser along the acrylic, leaving a thin and precise cut line. Almost any design that can be made in a computer art program can be cut with a laser cutter. The design layout can have many pieces on a sheet of material and all can be cut in one session.

If you would like to see what lasers can do, look at this gallery of laser projects. The possibilities are endless!

What Kind Of Lasers To Purchase

The example below is produced by a company called Kern. We use a 48" x 48" table surface unit, and it's still going strong nearly 10 years after we purchased it! This is a large industrial unit.

But what if you're a small business owner? For example, if you own a sign business or a shop making engraved awards you can use a laser cutter to speed up your productivity and create an endless variety of products. If that sounds good to you, you're in luck. You can get all of that industrial laser cutting power specially made for the small or large business owner.

Next, I'll show you where you can find out more about choosing the laser cutter machines you need.

More Information About Affordable Laser Cutting Machines

For more information about laser cutter machines, click on the links below to see our advanced tips on available models and how to purchase them.

Choose from a variety of sizes and power levels listed in watts. It all depends on what you need and what kinds of materials you are engraving and cutting. These units are all very affordable and will pay for themselves in no time.

• Laser Cutter Machines - Here is your master list of lasers in a variety of sizes and power levels. I show you what they can do and help you find the right laser for your business.


• Laser Engraver Prices - if you already know what you're looking for and you're ready to buy, engraving and cutting machines are listed here by price. You can afford a laser engraver especially when you know where to look!

Alternative Cutting Methods

Lasers are the best industrial machines available for cutting and engraving acrylic. Depending on your needs, there are other methods which can be used for cutting materials like metals.

There are even machines that cut using a micro-condensed jet stream of water. These machines are suited to different needs and materials, and are also capable of incredible design detail. Click on the following link for more information about waterjet cutting.