How to Laser Engrave Two-Color Acrylic Signs

Two-color acrylic (also called two-ply / dual-layer / engraving plastic) is a top choice for professional signage: store logos, control panels, machine plates, desk tags, way-finding, and branding labels.

When engraved with a CO₂ laser, the top layer is removed to reveal the contrasting color underneath — producing sharp, readable graphics with excellent durability. If your letters look melted or dusty, you’re likely using the wrong settings.

✅ Ideal for 60–150 W CO₂ Lasers
✅ Fast sign production — no painting required
✅ Clean contrast w/ minimal finishing
✅ Great for shops, makers, and small business branding

Quick Answer

Two-color sheets engrave cleanly at medium–high speed, using shallow raster passes that remove only the top cap. Focus + airflow control are key.

  • Thickness: 2 mm
  • Lens: 50 mm
  • Speed: 13–50 mm/s (based on power)
  • Power: 50–70%
  • DPI: 400–600
  • Bed: Honeycomb
  • Airflow: Medium
High speed = cleaner letters.
Slow cutting melts the edges and makes text look muddy.

What Is Two-Color Acrylic?

Two-color acrylic consists of:

  • A thin top coat (color A)
  • A contrasting base (color B)

Laser engraving removes the top layer → revealing the bottom color → producing instant signage with crisp contrast. No paint, filling, or post-processing required.

Common use cases:

  • Shop nameplates
  • Control panel tags
  • Equipment labels
  • Industrial UID plates
  • Reception signs
  • Door room signs
  • Desk plaques

Recommended Engraving Settings (2 mm)

These settings are based on real cutting data for 2 mm two-color board.

Power Best Speed Notes
60 W 13–15 mm/s Good clean lettering
100 W 20–25 mm/s Great balance
130–150 W 35–50 mm/s Fastest, sharpest

DPI: 400–600 recommended

Passes: 1 pass is typically enough

Engrave shallow — just enough to remove the cap layer.

Why Speed Matters

Unlike wood or MDF, two-color plates do not need deep cutting. The goal is simply to remove the top coating.

Higher speed = less heat input → sharper corners

If edges look melted → increase speed.
If engraving looks patchy → slightly lower speed / increase power.

Lens, Focus & Resolution

Parameter Recommendation
Lens 50 mm
Focus height Top surface
Defocus (optional) +0.2–0.3 mm to reduce melting
DPI 400–600 (text/graphics)

Air Assist Strategy

Air assists smoke removal — but too much airflow cools the surface unevenly and can blur fine lettering.

  • Use medium airflow
  • Slight side-angle air preferred
  • Good bottom airflow helps heat escape

Workbed Setup

  • Best: Honeycomb bed
  • Avoid flat metal surface — heat reflects upward → dirty marks
  • Hold plate firmly → avoid chatter
Shop Honeycomb Tables

Artwork Preparation

Engraving mode is usually “black = engrave, white = keep.”

  • Use bold font
  • Minimum stroke: ≥0.15–0.25 mm
  • Vector + raster can be mixed
  • Use 400–600 dpi for crisp text
  • No need to mirror text (not stamping)

Step-by-Step Workflow

  1. Import design
  2. Set black = engrave; white = keep
  3. Focus on top surface
  4. Use mid–high speed
  5. Test a small corner
  6. Engrave full plate
  7. Clean residual dust
  8. Mount sign / add adhesive

How to Improve Letter Clarity

  • Increase speed
  • Slight defocus (+0.2 mm)
  • Use DPI 400–600
  • Use bold font
  • Ensure honeycomb airflow

Cleaning & Finishing

  • Soft brush → remove dust
  • IPA or alcohol wipe
  • Do not use harsh solvents
  • Add backing adhesive if needed
Masking film on the surface reduces cleanup — peel after engraving.

Troubleshooting

Issue Cause Fix
Letters look melted Speed too slow Increase speed
Text looks fuzzy Focus off Refocus / slight defocus
Engraving too shallow Speed too fast Decrease speed slightly
Burn residue Poor airflow Use honeycomb / side air
Corners rounded Overheating Increase speed

Safety Notes

  • Strong ventilation recommended
  • Do not cut PVC-based sheets (toxic chlorine gas)
  • Do not leave machine unattended

Applications

  • Storefront signage
  • Desk plaques
  • Control panel labels
  • Equipment nameplates
  • Safety signage
  • Way-finding markers
  • Door tags

FAQ

Q: Does two-color acrylic need deep engraving?
No — just remove the top cap layer.

Q: Do I need masking?
Not required, but helps reduce cleanup.

Q: Can I use 60 W?
Yes — just engrave slower (13–15 mm/s).

Conclusion

Two-color acrylic is one of the simplest and fastest ways to produce durable, professional signage. With the right settings, you’ll get sharp text, clean edges, and high contrast — ideal for shops, offices, product labels, and industrial control plates.

Start with these:

  • Power 50–70%
  • Speed 13–50 mm/s (based on wattage)
  • DPI 400–600
  • 50 mm lens
  • Honeycomb + medium airflow
Contact us for more information See CO₂ Laser Cutters
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