CNC Laser Engraving & Cutting Metal Looking Plastic Laminate
Depending on the application, CNCROi.com can make a wide variety of signage but the most efficient when quantities are small and budgets are tight is the use of plastic laminate.
Why is plastic laminate so cost-effective? The first reason is, compared to annealing stainless steel for the same effect, it’s DRAMATICALLY faster. The second is we can engrave and cut everything in one process rather than multiple steps required for stainless steel where, depending on the application, a die may need to be created for stamping or custom CNC laser or plasma cutting of steel would be required.
For some applications, like interior signage that just hangs on the wall away from dirty fingers and direct sunlight, plastic laminate is very tough to beat, especially when costs and timelines are considered. For other applications though, where something needs to be outside, exposed to harsh chemicals (including those used for cleaning) and areas where strength or durability are required, going with steel over the long-term is the clear winner.
This is why it’s vitally important for CNCROi.com to clearly understand the end-use application of what you will want us to do for you. The reason is simple, we don’t want to waste your money or our time doing something that doesn’t fit your application perfectly. We take great pride in our work and everything that leaves the shop, we stand by it, as we are only as good as our last job.
For instance, if you needed a thousand of the above plaques, a famous quote by Mike Tyson saying “I’m a dreamer. I have to dream and reach for the stars, and if I miss a star then I grab a handful of clouds.”
If you told us it was to go at the bottom of a mine shaft where there are lots of environmental hazards, we’d make it out of 316 stainless steel or powder clear coated bronze. We’d also get them stamped to size and then we’d anneal the quote on the surface. Stamping in large volumes is cheaper overall than individually laser cutting… it of course, depends on the gauge and material type.
But if you told us this was to go into a museum behind environmentally protected casings, then the plastic laminate you see here would be perfect as-is as it wouldn’t be exposed to anything that could possibly degrade it over time.
Looking at this from different angles, from a distance, you’d be hard pressed to notice the difference between this being made out of stainless steel or laminate, which is the point right? Signage to indicate a door number or office information, laminates are perfect more often than not.
We have lots of laminate experience!
The great thing about plastic laminate like the above is the almost endless varieties it’s available in, from colors, texture and environments (UV coated etc.). There are so many applications for laminates engrave and cut by our Austrian CNC laser, he’s a small gallery of some of the past projects here on CNCROi.com.
Need some high visibility signage? CNCROi.com can make it at any size, custom to your specs!
Want a chrome sign without having to make it out of real chrome? CNCROi.com can help you out!
Plastic laminate is available in an almost endless variety of color combinations, in the above case, blue on white but you can also get the reverse as well as any color in the rainbow!
Yep, you can even get plastic laminates that look like wood for the ultimate contrast without requiring paint filling!
Looking for custom CNC lasered laminate?
You’ve found us, contact us today, we’d love to offer you the best custom solutions to fit your application! Thanks for the opportunity!
