Canal Plastics Center provides fast, precise laser cutting services in NYC from our SoHo shop. We cut acrylic and other compatible plastics for artists, designers, galleries, brands, retail fixtures, prototypes, signage, and packaging.
Most standard laser jobs are completed in about 24 hours, with clean edges and a typical tolerance around ±0.015" on well-prepared files.
Ready to start a project? Submit a custom order request or email us at sales@cpcnyc.com.
Fast turnaround: most laser cutting completed within 24 hours
NYC-based shop: easy pickup in SoHo, or ship to your studio
Clean, precise cuts: tight tolerances and polished, finished look
Short runs or production: one-off pieces to repeated batches
Creative-friendly: we work closely with artists, students, and agencies
60+ years of plastics experience behind every job
We focus on laser-cutting acrylic. Popular options include:
Clear cast acrylic – crisp edge quality, excellent for displays and enclosures
Colored acrylic – pastels, neons, opaques, frosted, and more for signage and artwork
Specialty acrylics – mirrors, iridescent, glitter, light-diffusing, and decorative styles
Select thin plastics used in signage and display work (ask our team for details)
If you have a specific plastic in mind, email us with the material type and thickness and we’ll confirm if it is suitable for laser cutting.
Recent projects at Canal Plastics Center include:
Lettering and logos for retail signage and window displays
Gallery and museum components for fixtures, mounts, and artwork
Architectural models and prototype parts
Brand activations, pop-up displays, and event pieces
Stands, risers, and product displays for retail and photography
Student projects and fabrication for NY-area schools and art programs
On a deadline? Let us know your event or installation date and we’ll advise on timing.
Good files mean faster turnaround and cleaner results. We recommend:
Vector files for cutting paths (for example: AI, PDF, EPS, SVG, DXF). Raster formats such as JPG, PNG or BMP can not be accepted for laser work.
Clearly labeled for cuts, scores, and engraves. Red - Engraving. Black - Cut through.
Any areas to be engraved should have a red color fill with no outlines. If there is any text, it must be converted to outlines.
True scale (1:1) with units specified (inches or millimeters).
Stroke/line weights set according to laser requirements if indicated. Default stroke set at hairline weight.
If you’re unsure about file setup, send what you have. Our team can often help adjust or suggest the best approach.
For thicker materials, larger panels, or designs that are better suited to routing, we also offer CNC cutting services with typical turnaround of 4–5 business days. Many projects combine laser cutting, CNC routing, and finishing for a complete solution.
Additional services include:
Edge polishing and deburring
Drilling and countersinking
Heat bending for stands, brackets, and formed pieces
Bonding and assembly using professional acrylic cements
If your project involves multiple operations, let us know in your initial request so we can plan the full workflow.
Most laser jobs are completed in about 24 hours, depending on complexity and volume. Rush timelines may be possible; contact us with your deadline.
For well-prepared vector files and appropriate materials, we typically target around ±0.015" on laser cuts.
We supply the acrylic from our in-stock materials. We try to nest and optimize yields to save on cost.
Yes, we offer laser engraving on compatible materials. Include your artwork and note which elements should be engraved versus cut all the way through.
We offer both local pickup in SoHo and shipping options for many projects.
Oversized or fragile pieces may require special packing or pickup.
Ready to start a laser cutting project? Send us your files and specs or email sales@cpcnyc.com and we’ll follow up with next steps.
Please see our example file to get an idea of how to format your file for laser work.
Sample Projects
Some of the laser cut projects our customers have made include store signs, logo cutouts, custom jewelry, engraved plaques, stencils, nameplates, exhibit signage, instrument covers, and many more. Your creativity is the limit!
