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CNC Milling vs Laser Cutting
CNC milling vs laser cutting comparison for acrylic. When to use each technology, capabilities, costs, and applications explained.
Comparison
Laser or router — figures from our own plant
Figures from the machines we run every day, not from a supplier brochure.
| Criterion | CO₂ laser cutting | CNC milling |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | PMMA up to 20 mm; above 10 mm the edge quality drops | up to 50 mm |
| Tolerance | ±0,1 mm | ±0,05 mm |
| Edge | polished straight away, no extra finishing | matt; polishing is a separate operation |
| Holes | through holes; slightly conical in thick sheets | any diameter, chamfering, tapping |
| Pockets and 3D milling | no | yes |
| Materials | PMMA, PET-G, HIPS, plywood | plus Dibond, PVC, polycarbonate, aluminium |
| When it works out cheaper | thin sheets, runs of 10–500 pieces | thick sheets, parts that need accuracy |
In practice the two work together: the main part is laser cut for a polished edge with no extra operation, while mounting holes, chamfers and engraving are done on the router. We do not laser polycarbonate or Dibond — PC leaves a scorched edge and the Dibond core melts.
You often ask
Questions and answers
Straight answers to the questions we get most often about this topic.
When should you choose CNC milling?
Thicknesses above 10 mm, a tolerance of ±0.05 mm, chamfered edges, holes of differing diameters, 3D pocket milling, thick sheets and Dibond composite.
When should you choose laser cutting?
Thin materials — acrylic up to 10 mm, fast vector cutting, a polished edge that needs no further finishing, runs of 10 to 500 pieces, and intricate engraved shapes.
Can the two be combined?
Yes, we do it often. The main part is laser cut for the polished edge, then CNC milled for mounting holes, chamfers and engraving. It keeps the cost down.
From idea to
finished product — 24h.
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