Laser Technologies

Lasers are used in acrylic fabrication to cut, engrave and etch acrylic sheets (and other plastics) with speed and precision. The process involves directing a high-powered laser beam onto the acrylic surface, which melts or vaporizes the material to create clean, smooth edges and intricate designs. Laser cutting is commonly used to produce signage, displays, decorative items and other acrylic components.

Lasers are used over other cutting equipment for several reasons:
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• Precision: Lasers can achieve extremely fine and detailed cuts, allowing for complex shapes and patterns that are difficult to replicate with traditional tools.
• Smooth Edges: Laser cutting produces polished edges without the need for additional finishing, reducing the overall production time.
• Efficiency: Laser cutting is faster than many traditional methods, increasing productivity and reducing costs.
• Versatility: Lasers can cut, engrave and etch on the same machine, offering multifunctional capabilities.
  
• Non-contact Process: The non-contact nature of laser cutting minimizes the risk of material deformation and damage, ensuring high-quality results.

The depth of laser cutting on acrylic depends on the laser's power and the thickness of the acrylic sheet. Typically, standard CO₂ lasers can cut acrylic up to 1-1/8 inch thick.

Lasers are used to create light guide panels by engraving a dot pattern on acrylic sheets.  These panels are then used to distribute the desired lighting evenly within retail displays, signs, window fixtures, wall panels and other design solutions. The process involves:
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• Designing the Pattern: A precise pattern is designed to ensure uniform light distribution. The pattern is typically created using specialized software.
• Laser Engraving: A laser engraves the pattern onto an acrylic sheet. The laser's precision ensures that the dots are accurately placed, optimizing the panel's light-guiding properties.
• Assembly: The engraved acrylic sheet is then assembled with LEDs or other light sources along its edges. The engraved pattern directs the light from the edges across the panel, creating an even illumination with the desired brightness, intensity and color.
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