New to our range: Transparent engraving laminate. But what exactly is it and how does it work? We'll explain it here.
Engraving laminate consists of two contrasting colour layers. Engraving away the top layer reveals the bottom one. Transparent engraving laminate is also made of two layers, but one of them is clear and the other is white or black.
The laser vaporises the white or black layer, making the transparent layer visible. An engraving is therefore translucent and, depending on your settings, usually matte. Light passes through, but mostly diffused rather than crystal clear. This way, the light spreads nicely across your letters, illustration, or logo.
What's the core material of Transparent engraving laminate?
Transparent engraving laminate black, example and illustrative cross-section
Transparent engraving laminate is made of PMMA, or acrylic. It's extruded: the sheet is pressed through a mould instead of cast. Extruded sheets have much less variation in thickness within the same sheet than cast sheets. 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 with other engraving laminates?
Transparent engraving laminate white becomes translucent when engraved
All other engraving laminates at Lasersheets are opaque: they don't let light through. This also applies to engraving foil. After engraving, these materials reveal a second colour, but no light shines through them.
Economy engraving laminate is made of ABS; all other engraving laminates are made of 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. View the entire collection of engraving laminates for laser cutting.
Clear acrylic can be used 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 to make one. Unlike clear acrylic, with Transparent engraving laminate you can also work with the opacity of the coloured surface.
Work in mirror image if you engrave on the back
Back and front of transparent engraving laminate black with engraving
Engraving Transparent engraving laminate removes the coloured layer and makes the surface matte. 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, sleek surface. You look through the transparent layer, which gives your panel a chic effect.
Just remember to mirror your design.
Is Transparent engraving laminate LaserGrade?
LaserGrade indicates whether a material is suitable for laser cutting. There are two variants, LaserGrade CO₂ and LaserGrade Diode. We have tested all materials with the LaserGrade seal ourselves.
Transparent engraving laminate is LaserGrade CO₂: suitable for processing with a CO₂ laser. Cut edges become smooth and shiny. Engravings, depending on your settings, become matte 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.
Can you really not process it with a diode laser?
Transparent engraving laminate is not suitable for diode lasers. A diode laser beam passes through clear acrylic and doesn't 'catch' on the sheet. So, you can't cut it out.
But! We've tested it, and it turned out that engraving away the black layer is possible with a 20-watt diode laser. This yielded very neat results, precisely because the laser only removes the colour layer. For now, you can't cut into this layer; you'll still need a CO₂ laser for that.
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 grid. Engrave a few small squares with increasing power. Choose the lowest setting where the coloured layer is completely gone everywhere.
Check against the light. Hold your test grid up to a lamp. You'll immediately see any residues 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. Only remove the film 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 buildup.
What can you make with Transparent engraving laminate?
Anything where light carries the information. The black variant offers the most contrast: dark surface, clear engraving. The white variant looks light and calm during the day and glows when the lighting comes on.
- Illuminated signage and information boards in buildings, exhibitions, and shops
- Front panels and control panels with glowing 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 acrylic core 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. Usually, the engraving is translucent and matte.
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?
Minimum 20 W CO₂ to cut 1.5 mm. Less power is needed for engraving only.
What's the difference with engraving Plexiglas?
Plexiglas is a brand name for acrylic. If you engrave plain clear acrylic, the engraving becomes white and matte 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 1 sheet, in black or white, and have it delivered within 3 working days.
View 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 do you choose?
