Acrylic is a clear or coloured plastic sheet. When laser cut, the edges come out glossy and polished, and engraving on clear acrylic produces a frosted white look. This material is used for CNC routing and laser cutting and engraving rather than 3D printing, so it isn't included in the Material Suggester.
What Acrylic is good at
- Polished edges: Laser cutting leaves smooth, shiny edges.
- Clear or colourful: Clear, frosted, mirror, and many colours.
- Great for light: Engraved clear acrylic glows beautifully when lit from the edge.
Where it falls short
- Can crack: More brittle than some plastics under impact.
- Scratches: The surface scratches more easily than glass.
Is Acrylic right for my project?
It's usually a good fit if your item:
- is a sign, display, or award
- needs a clean, glossy look
- benefits from lighting
For 3D shapes that are see-through, see clear resin.
Common questions
Cast or extruded acrylic? Cast acrylic engraves with a crisp frosted white look; extruded acrylic cuts with very clean edges and costs less. Shops will choose based on your project.
Find Acrylic near you
Ready to get something made? Find shops that offer Acrylic near you, or upload your file for a quote. Not sure which material to choose? Choose by what you're making or ask a local shop.