Laser Cutting Commonly Asked Questions

Why is Laser Cutting So Expensive?
Laser cutting can seem expensive at first glance, but the pricing reflects the
precision, speed, and quality delivered by modern CO2 laser cutting machines. The
cost factors include machine time, material handling, setup and design, and the use
of high-powered laser equipment. Unlike manual methods, laser cutters produce
clean, polished edges, eliminate the need for secondary finishing, and can handle
complex shapes and fine detail with incredible accuracy. At Sign Portal, our laser
cutting pricing is competitive, and we always aim to offer fast turnaround without
compromising quality.
What Is the Main Disadvantage of Laser Cutting?
The main disadvantage of laser cutting is that it is best suited to non-metallic
materials like acrylic, timber, MDF, and plastics—cutting metals often requires
different machinery such as fibre lasers. Additionally, materials that release toxic
fumes (like PVC) cannot be safely cut. Another limitation is the maximum
thickness—laser cutters are most effective on materials up to around 15mm thick.
That said, the benefits of laser cutting, including precision, speed, and finish quality,
far outweigh these limitations for most applications.
Where Can I Get Files for Laser Cutting?
To laser cut materials like acrylic, you’ll need vector files, typically in formats such as
.AI, .EPS, .DXF, or .SVG. These files can be created using design software like
Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or AutoCAD. If you don’t have the skills or tools to
create them, the team at Sign Portal can help convert your ideas into laser-ready
files. We also accept customer-supplied files, provided they meet our format
requirements and are set up correctly for laser cutting.
Is Laser Cutting Bad for the Environment?
Laser cutting, especially when done with modern, efficient CO2 laser cutting
machines, is considered a low-waste, energy-efficient process. Compared to
traditional manufacturing methods, it creates minimal offcuts, and materials like
acrylic are often recyclable or reusable. At Sign Portal, we take steps to minimise
material waste, recycle packaging, and use clean energy sources where possible,
making our operation more environmentally conscious.
Can You Cut Acrylic with a Laser?
Yes, acrylic is one of the best materials for laser cutting. Our CO2 laser cutters are
specifically optimised for cutting acrylic sheets, delivering crisp edges, high detail,
and a flame-polished finish. Whether you need custom signage, letters, trophies,
templates, or display components, laser cut acrylic is the perfect choice for a sleek
and professional result. We cut clear, coloured, frosted, matte, and mirrored acrylic.
How Thick Can You Cut with the Laser?

At Sign Portal, our high-performance CO2 laser machines can cut acrylic up to
15mm thick with precision. This makes our service ideal for heavy-duty signage,
thick acrylic panels, and layered projects where strength and clarity are required. For
thicker materials or alternative substrates, we also offer CNC routing services in-
house.
Can You Cut Acrylic with a Laser Cutter?
Absolutely. Laser cutters are one of the best tools for cutting acrylic. Using CO2 laser
technology, we can achieve smooth, polished cuts with tight tolerances and no
chipping or cracking. Whether it’s for commercial signage, engineering templates, or
artistic designs, laser cut acrylic is versatile, durable, and visually striking. It's one of
the most popular materials we work with at Sign Portal.
Who Is the Best Laser Cutter in Brisbane?
If you're searching for the best laser cutting service in Brisbane, look no further than
Sign Portal. Originally known as Laser Cut Design, we have since expanded into a
full-service signage and fabrication business offering laser cutting, engraving, digital
printing, CNC routing, and custom sign manufacturing. Based in Deception Bay,
Queensland, we use the latest CO2 laser technology to deliver fast, accurate, and
affordable results for clients across Brisbane, Moreton Bay, and Australia-wide. Our
team is trusted by businesses, designers, and manufacturers for quality work and
fast turnaround.
Types of Laser Cutters and Their Applications
CO2 Laser Cutters
The most widely used laser cutting machines, CO2 lasers are perfect for non-metal materials
like acrylic, wood, plastic, rubber, and more. These are the workhorses of signage and display
work—ideal for clean, flame-polished edges and detailed cuts.
Fiber Laser Cutters
Designed for metal cutting, fiber lasers are faster and more energy-efficient than CO2 lasers.
They’re perfect for stainless steel, aluminium, and other tough materials, making them ideal
for industrial fabrication.

Choosing the Right Laser Cutter
 Material type (acrylic, metal, wood, etc.)
 Material thickness (e.g., we cut acrylic up to 15mm)
 Desired finish and edge quality
 Production speed
 Budget and maintenance
Example:

 Thick steel? Choose a fiber laser.
 Clear acrylic for signage? Use a CO2 laser.

Laser Cutter Safety Tips
 Always wear laser safety glasses
 Operate in a well-ventilated space
 Never look directly at the beam
 Keep flammables away
 Don’t leave the machine unattended
 Maintain your machine regularly

Common Laser Cutting Problems & Solutions
 Unfocused cuts? Clean the lens and check mirror alignment
 Rough edges or burns? Adjust speed and power
 Overheating material? Lower the laser intensity

Maintaining a Laser Cutter
 Clean lenses and mirrors regularly
 Check mirror alignment often
 Lubricate moving parts
 Replace air filters for proper ventilation
 Calibrate the machine to maintain precision

Software Used in Laser Cutting
 CAD Software: Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, AutoCAD – great for vector-based
designs
 CAM Software: Converts those files into machine-readable G-code, simulates cutting
paths, and improves efficiency

Materials That Can Be Laser Cut
 Acrylic (clear, colour, mirror, frosted)
 Timber and MDF
 Plastics
 Leather and fabric

 Rubber
 Paperboard and cardboard
 Metal (fiber laser only)
 Glass (engraving only)

Advantages of Laser Cutting
 Extreme precision
 Clean, polished edges
 No physical contact = less damage
 Fast turnaround
 Cuts intricate shapes easily
 Repeatable for mass production

Disadvantages of Laser Cutting
 Upfront cost of machines
 Requires operator training
 May release fumes from certain materials
 Can damage materials if settings are incorrect

The Future of Laser Cutting
 Faster, more energy-efficient high-power lasers
 AI-integrated systems for smarter, automated cutting
 Expansion into eco-friendly and composite materials
 Cloud-connected software for remote control
 Tighter integration into smart manufacturing processes