New to our range: Transparent engraving laminate. But what exactly is it and how does it work? Let's explain.
Engraving laminate consists of two contrasting colour layers. By engraving away the top layer, the bottom one becomes visible. Transparent engraving laminate is also made of two layers, but one of them is transparent and the other is white or black.
With your laser, you evaporate the white or black layer, which reveals the transparent layer. So, an engraving is translucent and, depending on your settings, usually matt. Light passes through it, but usually diffused rather than crystal clear. This way, the light spreads beautifully across your letters, illustration, or logo.
What is the core material of Transparent engraving laminate?
Transparent engraving laminate is made from PMMA, or acrylic. It's extruded: the sheet is pressed through a mould rather than cast. Extruded sheets have much less variation in thickness across the same sheet than cast ones. We call this a low thickness tolerance.
The sheets are 1.5 mm thick. The engraving depth is a few tenths of a millimetre.
What's the difference from other engraving laminates?
All other engraving laminates at Lasersheets are opaque: they don't let light through. This also applies to engraving foil. After engraving these materials, a second colour appears, but no light shines through.
Economy engraving laminate is made from ABS; all other engraving laminates are made from PMMA (acrylic). ABS is slightly softer, and you can cut the black variant with a diode laser.
Lasersheets' range of engraving laminates now includes Economy engraving laminate, Premium engraving laminate, Transparent engraving laminate and engraving foil. Check out the entire collection of engraving laminates for laser cutting.
You can use clear acrylic for edge-lit designs, just like Transparent engraving laminate. In our blog about edge-lit acrylic, we explain what an edge-lit design is and how you can make one. Unlike clear acrylic, with Transparent engraving laminate, you can also work with the opacity of the coloured surface.
Work in reverse if you engrave on the back
Engraving Transparent engraving laminate removes the coloured layer and makes the surface matt. That's why it's better to place the coloured layer with the engraving on the back of your design. From the front, you'll see a shiny, clean surface. You look through the transparent layer, which gives your panel a sophisticated effect.
Just make sure you mirror your design.
Why only with a CO₂ laser?
Transparent engraving laminate is LaserGrade CO₂: suitable for processing with a CO₂ laser. Cut edges will be clean and shiny. Engravings, depending on your settings, will be matt or shinier.
Finding the right settings for a shiny engraving isn't easy and requires some experience with laser cutting. We advise against engraving large areas: too much heat can deform the material.
Transparent engraving laminate is not suitable for diode lasers. A diode laser beam passes through clear acrylic and doesn't ‘grab’ the sheet. This means you can't cut it out. If anything happens at all, it's at most a superficial burn.
Tips for the best results
The coloured layer is thin, so you need little power to burn it away. Too much power will also engrave into the clear acrylic, which can deform the sheet.
Start with a test piece. Engrave a few small areas with increasing power. Choose the lowest setting where the coloured layer is completely removed everywhere.
Check against the light. Hold your test piece up to a lamp. You'll immediately see any remnants of the coloured layer as dark spots.
Leave the protective film on the clear side. This prevents scratches and fingerprints on the side you'll be looking through. Remove the film only when your product is finished.
Cut after engraving. Engrave first, then cut the contour.
Ensure good extraction. This is always important, and with acrylic, it also helps to reduce residue.
What can you make with Transparent engraving laminate?
Anything where light carries the information. The black variant gives the most contrast: a dark surface, clear engraving. The white variant looks light and subtle during the day, and glows when illuminated.
- Illuminated signage and information boards in buildings, exhibitions, and shops
- Front panels and control panels with illuminated symbols or indicators, for prototypes and small batches
- Displays and lightboxes for showrooms, counters, and museums
- Educational projects where students combine electronics and LED lighting with a laser-cut enclosure
- Illuminated nameplates, house numbers, and lamps for home or as your own product
Do you want light to enter from the side instead of from behind? Then read our blog about edge-lit acrylic.
Frequently Asked Questions about Transparent engraving laminate
Can I engrave Transparent engraving laminate with a diode laser?
No. The clear core of acrylic doesn't absorb diode laser light well. If you have a diode laser, choose Economy engraving laminate with a black core or engraving foil with a black core.
Is the engraving completely transparent?
Not entirely. That depends on your settings; typically, the engraving is translucent and matt.
What thickness and colours are available?
The sheet is 1.5 mm thick and comes with a white or black layer.
How much power do I need?
At least 20 W CO₂ to cut 1.5 mm. Less power is needed for engraving only.
What's the difference from engraving Plexiglas?
Plexiglas is a brand name for acrylic. If you engrave clear acrylic, the engraving becomes white and matt on a clear sheet. With Transparent engraving laminate, it's the opposite: the sheet is opaque, and the engraving lets light through.
Try it yourself
We've tested Transparent engraving laminate on our own CO₂ lasers, just like all our LaserGrade material. You can order it from just one sheet, in black or white, and have it delivered within 3 working days.
Check out Transparent engraving laminate or compare it with our other engraving laminates for laser cutting. Not sure which engraving laminate suits your laser? Then read New types of engraving laminate: which one will you choose?
