--------------------------

Contoured exterior signage made of printed acrylic

Use this tutorial to learn how to make your own sign out of printed acrylic using your Trotec Laser and JobControl® Vision.

Preparation

Required Materials
  • Printed Acrylic 8mm, 1200mmx600mm
  • 1/4 Sheet TroGlass Satins Rose + Self-adhesive-Film
  • 1/4 Sheet TroGlass Color Gloss Fuchsia + Self-adhesive Film
  • 1 Packet Signage Wall Mounts 20mm/20mm
Machines Used

* SP3000, 400W and Speedy 400, 100W
* 5" lens and 2" lens
* Acrylic slat table and vacuum table with acrylic grid

This pattern can also be produced (adjusting for size) with any machine from the  Speedy Laser Engraver series.

Tip

Experiment with different textures and colors from the TroGlass range for markedly different finishes.

Print Cut Sign

ZIP

Download now

Step by step

Step 1

Step 1: Print And Import Design

Print the template on 8 mm acrylic and import our laser file into your preferred graphics/design program. Send the laser contour for the shield with the following print settings to your Trotec laser:

Process mode Resolution Cut line
Vector Job 1000dpi None
Halftone Others
Color Optimized Geometries, Inner Geometries First 

Important: In the Corel print window, ensure that the color black is already stored in the parameter selection with the process "register marks." This will help you recognize the registration marks later in JobControl®.

JobControl Vision: Print and cut with the laser cutter SP3000
Step 2

Step 2: Laser Process Printed Acrylic

Place the printed acrylic face-up on the acrylic slats in your SP3000 and cover the remaining working surface. The parameters may vary depending on the laser machine used and available laser power:

Laser Parameter Color Process Power (%) Speed (%) ppi/Hz
Registration Marks Black Reg Marks - - -
Cutting Red Cutting Co2 85 2.3 20,000
Laser Parameter  Passes Air-Assist Z-Offset Advanced
Reg Marks - - - -
Cutting 1 ON -2mm -
Arrange graphics nested to save material
Step 3

Step 3: Acrylic Lettering

To achieve a three-dimensional effect, the lettering of the sign is glued on colored TroGlass. To cut one of your own, send the logos with the following settings to your Trotec laser.

Process mode Resolution Cut line
Vector Job 1000dpi None
Halftone Others
Color Optimized Geometries, Inner Geometries First

Tip:

To save material, attach the lettering freehand without a template; turning the letters and nesting them close together.

Laser process acrylic lettering
Step 4

Step 4: Laser Process Acrylic Lettering

Now place the respective TroGlass sheets on the acrylic grid cutting table in your Speedy laser, cover the rest of the work surface and cut out the various lettering. The parameters may vary depending on the laser machine used and available laser power:

Color Process Power (%) Speed (%) ppi/Hz
Red Cut CO2 100 1 1000

 

Passes Air Assist Z-Offset Advanced
1 on - -

Tip:

We set a framework around the word "Chicago." After laser processing, we secure the letters to the frame with tape so that the entire word can be glued in the perfect alignment.

Step 5

Step 5: Finishing

Start by removing the protective film from the front of the acrylic shield, and place the lettering loosely on its surface. Once you are satisfied with its orientation/placement, stick each letter, one at a time, to the acrylic shield. Place the "Chicago" very last, once all of the other lettering is firmly in place. Your contour-cut TroGlass sign is now finished, and can now be hung using wall spacers.

What Makes TroGlass Ideal For This Application?

Specially developed for use with a laser, TroGlass comes in a wide range of eye-catching colors, each with unique finishes and degrees of transparency. A perfect fit for any creative application, it's high weather resistance, optimal light scattering and ease of use make it the ideal choice for our exterior signage!

Inspiration

  • Illuminate the sign from behind with an LED strip to make it visible even in the dark.
  • Consider creating table numbers, name badges, and other creative applications to match your new exterior signage.

Speedy series
The ideal laser engraver and cutter for personalization.

Discover laser engravers and cutters

Questions about applications or settings?
We're happy to advise you from A for Air assist to Z for z-offset.

Contact us
Proud member of troGROUP Logo