Using a CNC Laser Cutter to fabricate Signs, Logos & Letters

Jun 26, 2021
2 min read

Updated: Sep 22, 2024

What is laser cutting?

Laser cutting is a fabrication process which employs a focused, high-powered laser beam to cut material into custom shapes and designs.

CNC Laser Cutting Machine by Foamlinx and WeCutFoam — CNC Laser Cutter

This process is suitable for a wide range of materials: Metal Plastics, Acrylics & corrugated plastics Foam including EPS, XPS, EPP, PE, Urethane, EVA

Wood, Plywood & MDF

Paper

Laser cutting can produce precise, detailed, complex and smooth parts without the need for custom-designed tooling. It also does not require any fixtures to hold down the material as the laser beam does not apply any force on the material.

Here is the process by which we fabricated a festive 4th of July Wood Sign

wood cnc laser cut on a CNC laser cutter by WeCutFoam — Wood CNC Laser Cutting

We started out by cutting a 0.25" plywood material on our CNC laser cutter.

We cut it in 3 separate sections - Top, bottom and letters.

The laser beam operates at very high temperature so it burns the wood a bit, but this adds a natural charm to the sign.

But, since this is after all a 4th of July sign, we brushed painted all parts in white paint to eliminate the burned look.

CNC Laser Cut Sign
CNC Laser Cut Sign
CNC Laser Cut Sign
CNC Laser Cut Sign

We cut a backing to the sign using the same plywood material and placed a black stain gel on front and back using a cloth. We then glued the top, bottom and letters parts on top.

Next, we spray painted all parts - Stars were painted blue, strips were painted red and the writing in white

CNC Laser Cut Sign
CNC Laser Cut Sign
CNC Laser Cut Sign
CNC Laser Cut Sign

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S47ivB2qdk4&ab_channel=FoamlinxLLC

Here are examples of other materials we cut on our CNC laser cutter, including acrylics, corrugated plastics, foam boards, MDF and plexiglass as well as TEDx thin stage letters - A low cost signs and letters for tighter budget