Why we mainly sell cast acrylic – and why you should want that too
Cast vs. extruded acrylic: what is the difference – and why we choose GS
Acrylic, also known as plexiglass or PMMA, is a popular material among makers and designers. It is strong, lightweight, easy to laser cut, and available in various colors and finishes. But not all acrylic is the same. There are two variants: cast (GS) and extruded (XT). In this blog, we explain the difference, and why Laser Cut Supply standardly chooses cast acrylic.
The difference between cast and extruded acrylic
Both types are made from the same raw material (PMMA), but the production process is different – and this affects how the material behaves during laser cutting or engraving.
Cast acrylic (GS)
- Is cast in a mold and slowly cured
- Has a homogeneous, stress-free structure
- Engraves beautifully matte white (for transparent sheets)
- Cuts sharply and neatly, without melt marks
Extruded acrylic (XT)
- Is pressed through a roller under high pressure
- Contains more internal stress
- Engravings are often less uniform or darker
- Can react unpredictably during fine cutting (melting or cracking)
Why we (almost) only sell GS acrylic
At Laser Cut Supply, we provide materials that are immediately suitable for laser cutting – without surprises.
- Reliable cutting quality
- Sleek, matte engravings
- No internal stresses = less chance of cracking
- More suitable for precision work and professional applications
That not only benefits your end result but also saves time, test materials, and frustration. Consistency is especially important in workshops, schools, or production.
And what if a sheet is XT?
Very occasionally, we make an exception, for example, with very thin sheets or special colors that are only available in XT. In that case, we always clearly state it in the product description. That way, you know what to expect.
Summary
- Cast (GS) acrylic cuts and engraves better than XT
- GS is stress-free, stable, and suitable for precision work
- Laser Cut Supply provides standard GS unless otherwise specified
This ensures that your project—whether it's a prototype, artwork, or final product—turns out exactly as you envisioned.
Explore our collection of cast acrylic in various colors and thicknesses. Available immediately, laser-ready packaged, and quality tested.
