Prolase Duo: Premium Twin-Ply External Laser Acrylics for Laser Engraving

Description

At Thinklaser Ltd, we proudly present Prolase Duo external laser acrylics—a twin-ply, laser-engravable, UV-stable material with an acrylic core that is ideal for external applications. Designed for businesses, schools, and hobbyists alike, Prolase Duo laser acrylics deliver outstanding results for a variety of cutting and engraving applications. An ideal replacement for your legacy external Traffolyte applications

Key Features of Prolase Duo External Laser Acrylics

1. Dual-Layer Design: Featuring a durable, scratch-resistant core and a vibrant top layer, these laser acrylics ensure precision engraving with minimal residue, delivering clean, sharp detailing every time.

2. Wide Range of Colours: Available in a comprehensive selection of vibrant colours and finishes, Prolase Duo is perfect for custom signage, nameplates, awards, and more.

3. External Applications: Prolase Duo offers premium performance engraving with a durable matt finish.

4. Eco-Friendly: Produced with sustainability in mind, these laser acrylics minimise waste and environmental impact, aligning with your commitment to eco-conscious solutions.

5. Versatile Applications: From professional signage and plaques to awards and decorative items, Ecolase Duo excel across a range of industries, including retail, education, and corporate projects.

Why Choose Prolase Duo Laser Acrylics?

• UV-Stabilised: Ideal for outdoor use.
• Sustainability: Crafted from eco-conscious materials, Ecolase Duo supports environmentally responsible practices.
• Reliability: Designed for seamless compatibility with all standard laser cutting and engraving systems, including Thinklasers Lightblade range.

Whether you’re creating custom designs, engraving signage, or personalising awards, Prolase Duo laser acrylics are your ultimate choice for professional-quality results for external applications.

Ecolase Duo is so good we use it ourselves in our subcontract services department, and use it with our stock products.

How to Laser Engrave Prolase Duo Laser Acrylics

To achieve the best results when laser engraving Prolase Duo twin-ply acrylic sheets, here are some tips to get you started:

Please Note: Each and every laser has it’s own particular performance and settings. Even two supposedly identical laser systems may perform differently, requiring slightly different settings. 

1. Preparation

• Material Handling: We prefer to remove any protective film prior to engraving, as removing it after engraving can be time consuming.
• Cleaning: Use a lint-free cloth to remove dust or debris from the sheet before starting. Then, to remove the static from the surface, use a clean, damp lens cleaning cloth or a wet wipe. This will reduce engraving fumes or particulates from being deposited back onto the surface of the material.

2. Machine Setup

• Laser Type: Use a CO₂ laser system for optimal results. 
• Extraction: Ideally, there needs to be a constant airflow over the top of the material in order to quickly remove the fumes and particulates generated by the engraving process.
• Start Location: The engraving needs to start at the front of the laser bed (furthest from the extraction port), as this will stop fumes and particulates falling onto already engraved sections.
• Air assist: Air assist needs to be just enough to protect the lens from fumes and debris, but not enough to blow the fumes and particulates back onto the surface. If possible use a lens nozzle combination that increases the distance between the nozzle and material and / or use a nozzle with a large aperture. 
• Power and Speed Settings: Adjust these based on the power of your laser system:
  • Start with low power and moderate to high speed for engraving to avoid over-burning and vaporising too much of the 2nd layer. 
  • Typical settings (for a 60W laser) might be:
    • Engraving: Power ~18%, Speed ~300mm/s.
    • Cutting: Power ~50%, Speed ~30mm/s.
  • Always test on a spare piece first to fine-tune settings.

3. Engraving Techniques

• Focus: Ensure the laser beam is properly focused for sharp and clean engraving. 
• Speed: When carrying out tests, start with a high speed and gradually decrease the speed until it just removes the top coating. Then reduce by 3~5mm/s to account for variables in thickness. 

4. Laser Cutting Acrylic (If Required)

• Air Assist: Normally you would want air assist on full when laser cutting, however, with acrylics it’s usually better to have low air assist as it prevents the material from cooling too much during the cutting process.

5. Post-Engraving Care

• Cleaning: Use a mild soapy solution or isopropyl alcohol with a soft cloth to remove residue. Avoid harsh chemicals that might damage the surface. I’ve had success with magic sponges to remove melted on particulates. 

Tips for Best Results

• Contrast: Our Prolase Duo sheets are designed for strong contrast between layers, so ensure engraving depth fully exposes the second layer.
• Design Optimisation: Use vector graphics for sharp, clean edges, and avoid low-resolution images on these laser materials.
• Testing: Always test settings on a scrap piece to ensure desired results.

Following these steps will deliver precise and professional-quality engravings on our Prolase Duo twin-ply acrylic sheets.