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Laser Cutting NYC

Laser cutting acrylic at Canal Plastics Center in SoHo NYC

Laser Cutting NYC

Canal Plastics Center provides in-house laser cutting for acrylic and specialty plastics from our SoHo shop, supporting designers, fabricators, and studios that need clean edges, consistent results, and reliable turnaround. Our laser systems are optimized for detailed parts, repeat runs, and professional fabrication where accuracy matters.

Ready to start on a project?

Request Laser Cut Quote

Best For: Detailed shapes & repeat parts
Materials: Acrylic & select thin plastics
Capabilities: Precision laser cutting & engraving
Turnaround: Typically 24 hours

Why Use Canal Plastics for Laser Cutting in NYC

  • Clean, precise cuts: tight tolerances and a clean look
  • NYC-based shop: easy pickup in SoHo, or ship to your studio
  • In-house laser cutting: most laser cutting completed within 24 hours
  • 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


Materials We Commonly Laser Cut

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)

Laser cutting is ideal for intricate shapes, tight internal corners, and repeatable parts where edge quality matters. For thicker materials or structural parts, CNC routing may be a better fit. 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: sales@cpcnyc.com.


Typical Laser Cutting Projects

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


How Our Laser Cutting Process Works

  1. Send Your Files and Specs
    Use our custom form or email us with your dimensions, quantity, material, and deadline.
  2. File Review and Quote
    We review your files, confirm material and thickness, and provide pricing and an estimated completion time.
  3. Laser Cutting
    Your job is scheduled and cut on our laser system with attention to edge quality and consistency.
  4. Pickup or Shipping
    Pick up from our SoHo location, or arrange shipment to your studio, office, or venue.

On a deadline? Let us know your event or installation date and we’ll advise on timing.


File Preparation Guidelines

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 cannot 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.


Beyond Laser Cutting: CNC Routing and Custom Fabrication

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.


Frequently Asked Questions

How fast can you complete a laser cutting job?

Most laser jobs are completed in about 24 hours, depending on complexity and volume. Rush timelines may be possible; contact us with your deadline.

What kind of tolerances do you offer?

For well-prepared vector files and appropriate materials, we typically target around ±0.015" on laser cuts.

Do you supply the acrylic, or can I bring my own?

We supply the acrylic from our in-stock materials. We try to nest and optimize yields to save on cost.

Can you engrave text or logos?

Yes, we offer laser engraving on compatible materials. Include your artwork and note which elements should be engraved versus cut all the way through.

Do you ship laser cut parts, or is it pickup only?

We offer both local pickup in SoHo and shipping options for many projects. Oversized or fragile pieces may require special packing or pickup.

See our  example file  to get an idea of how to format your file for laser work.

Ready to Start a Laser Cutting Project?

Request Laser Cut Quote


Related Services and Materials

Custom cut acrylic in NYC

Clear acrylic sheets

Custom fabrication and display projects