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Cast vs. Extruded Acrylic for Laser Cutting: Which Should You Buy?
Cast vs. Extruded Acrylic for Laser Cutting: Which Should You Buy?
CMBACRYLIC Buying Guide
Buying Guide · Cast vs. Extruded
Cast vs. Extruded Acrylic for Laser Cutting
The difference, side by side, and which one to buy for your laser.
Quick answer: Cast acrylic is better for laser cutting and engraving. It cuts with a clean, polished edge and engraves a crisp frosted white. Extruded acrylic costs less but melts more easily, can leave gummy edges, and engraves with less contrast. If you laser cut, buy cast.
Cast and extruded acrylic look the same on the shelf. The difference is how they are made, and it shows the moment your laser touches them.
Side by side
Cast vs. Extruded Acrylic Compared
| Cast acrylic | Extruded acrylic | |
|---|---|---|
| How it's made | Liquid acrylic poured into molds and cured into sheets | Acrylic pushed through a machine to form sheets |
| Laser cut edge | Clean, polished edge | Can melt and leave a rougher edge |
| Laser engraving | Crisp, frosted white | Less contrast, clearer engrave |
| Thickness | Can vary slightly sheet to sheet (normal) | More uniform |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Best for | Laser cutting, engraving, signs, jewelry, custom products | Basic fabrication where engraving detail doesn't matter |
Good to know
Why Cast Acrylic Thickness Varies
Because cast acrylic is poured, its thickness can vary slightly. A 1/16" sheet, for example, may measure roughly 0.06" to 0.08". That is normal and part of what makes cast acrylic cut and engrave better. Keep it in mind for tight-fitting or layered designs, and test your settings on each new sheet.
What we carry
Is CMB Acrylic Cast or Extruded?
Our acrylic sheets are made for laser cutting, and product titles say "Cast" when a sheet is cast acrylic. Browse all acrylic sheets, or read Types of Acrylic Explained to compare finishes like matte, mirror and glitter.
Quick answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is plexiglass cast or extruded?
Plexiglass is a brand name for acrylic. It can be either. Check the product details for "cast."
Which is better for a Glowforge, cast or extruded?
Cast. It cuts cleaner and engraves with better contrast on CO2 lasers like Glowforge.
Can I tell cast and extruded apart by looking?
Not easily. The laser shows it: cast engraves frosty white, extruded engraves clearer and melts more at the edge.
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Over 1,000 acrylic sheets made for laser cutting and engraving.
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