What this is
When acrylic gets thick or the panel gets big, we move from laser to CNC router. The laser is faster on thin signage stock, but it can't span a full sheet — the router can, and gives you a machined edge instead of a flame-polished one. For fabricators doing illuminated boxes, point-of-sale fixtures and architectural acrylic, that's the right tool.
Routed acrylic has a slightly frosted machined edge as it comes off. For most fabrication-grade work that's fine, especially where the edge is hidden or about to be over-painted. Where a finished cosmetic edge is needed, we follow up with flame polishing, sanding or buffing depending on what the part is for — that becomes a separate add-on.
We route both cast and extruded grades. Cast machines cleaner; extruded is cheaper and adequate for utilitarian work. Tooling depends on thickness and detail required — fine internal corners may need a smaller bit and a slower cut, which we'll factor into the quote. For thick acrylic up to the machine's capacity, multiple passes are normal.
Use it for marine fitouts, retail fixture panels, illuminated sign boxes, machine guards, and any acrylic job where the panel is bigger than a standard laser bed. Send the file and target finish — flame-polished, machined, sanded, painted — and we'll quote against that.
FAQ
- Will the routed edge be polished?
- No — it comes off the router with a frosted machined finish. If you need a clear glass-look edge, we follow up with flame polishing as an add-on. Tell us the target finish on your quote request and we'll bundle the steps.
- How thick can you go?
- Acrylic in heavier gauges is fine on the router — exact maximum thickness depends on the bit and the detail. We'll confirm thickness range against the part complexity when you send the file.
- What file types can I send?
- DXF is the cleanest — that's a single-line vector format the cutter reads directly. AI, SVG, PDF, EPS and DWG all work too. If you've only got a JPG or a sketch on paper, send it anyway and we'll tidy it for you (small file-prep charge applies).
- How should I prepare a DXF?
- Outlines only, no fills. One closed path per cut. Different operations (cut, engrave, drill) on different layers so we know what gets which tool. Convert text to outlines before exporting so we don't have to chase the same font. If anything's ambiguous, write it in the file name or add a note in the quote request.
- How quick is a quote?
- Most quote requests come back within 1 business day, Mon-Fri. Simple trade jobs are usually faster during business hours. Complex jobs, supplied-material jobs or anything unusual may take longer — we'll tell you up front if so.
- Can I pick up or do you deliver?
- Both. Pickup is from Helensvale by appointment — we'll send the address when your job is ready. Local delivery covers the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Logan and Tweed Heads, quoted per job. Freight elsewhere in Australia on request.