Can acrylic be laser cut?

Yes. A CO₂ laser cuts acrylic with a clean, flame-polished edge, which makes it one of the easiest plastics to laser cut.

Is acrylic stronger than glass?

It is much more impact resistant than ordinary glass and half the weight, but less scratch resistant.

When should I use polycarbonate instead?

Where parts may be hit or must not break, such as machine guards near moving parts or safety shields.

Acrylic (PMMA) sheet: properties, cast vs extruded, uses

Acrylic, or PMMA, is a clear, rigid plastic with glass-like clarity, good weather resistance and about half the weight of glass. It is easy to laser cut, machine, polish and bond, so it is used for machine guards, covers, display panels, signs, light diffusers and models. It is more brittle than polycarbonate and can crack if hit or over-tightened.

Quick facts

Type: Amorphous thermoplastic
Light transmission: About 92% (clear)
Density: About 1.18–1.19 g/cm³
Service temperature: Up to about 70–80 °C
Impact strength: Lower than polycarbonate
Forms: Cast and extruded sheet, rod, tube

Cast or extruded acrylic?

	Cast	Extruded
Laser cut edge	Clear, polished look	Clear, may craze when bonded
Machining	Better, less melting	Fair
Thickness tolerance	Wider	Tighter
Cost	Higher	Lower

Acrylic or polycarbonate?

	Acrylic	Polycarbonate
Clarity	Better	Good
Impact resistance	Low	Very high
Scratch resistance	Better	Lower
Laser cutting	Excellent	Poor, edges burn
Cost	Lower	Higher

Values are typical for unfilled grades. Grades from different makers differ; ask for the supplier's data sheet when it matters.

Typical uses

Machine covers and inspection windows
Display stands and signs
Light diffusers and panels
Models and prototypes
Tanks and aquarium panels (cast)

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Questions

Can acrylic be laser cut?: Yes. A CO₂ laser cuts acrylic with a clean, flame-polished edge, which makes it one of the easiest plastics to laser cut.
Is acrylic stronger than glass?: It is much more impact resistant than ordinary glass and half the weight, but less scratch resistant.
When should I use polycarbonate instead?: Where parts may be hit or must not break, such as machine guards near moving parts or safety shields.

The figures on this page are typical values for guidance, written by Diemeco from standard engineering practice. They are not a specification: confirm grades and properties with the relevant standard or the supplier's mill test certificate, and tolerances with your workshop. Last checked 22 October 2026.