Why we almost exclusively sell cast acrylic – and why you should want it too

Cast vs. extruded acrylic: what is the difference – and why we choose cast acrylic

Acrylic, also known as plexiglass or PMMA, is a popular material among makers and designers. It is strong, lighter than glass, easy to laser cut, and available in a wide range of colors and finishes. But not all acrylic is the same. There are two variants: cast (GS) and extruded (XT). In this blog post, we explain the difference, and why Laser Cut Supply chooses cast acrylic as a standard.

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 a beautiful matte white (on transparent sheets)
• Cuts cleanly and accurately, without melt marks

Extruded acrylic (XT)

• Is pressed through rollers under high pressure
• Contains more internal stress, which can lead to cracking
• Engravings are often less uniform or darker
• Can react unpredictably during fine cutting work (melting or cracking)

Why we (almost) exclusively sell GS acrylic

At Laser Cut Supply, we supply materials that are ready for laser cutting right away – without surprises. That is why we consciously choose GS sheets as our standard:

• Reliable cutting quality
• Crisp, matte engravings
• No internal stress = less risk of cracking
• Better suited for precision work and professional applications

This not only benefits your final result, but also saves time, test materials, and frustration. Consistency is particularly important in workshops, schools, or production environments.

What if a sheet is XT?

Very occasionally, we make an exception, for example, for very thin sheets or special colors that are only available in XT. In that case, we always clearly mention it in the product description. That way, you know exactly 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 standardly supplies GS, unless stated otherwise

This ensures that your project – whether it's a prototype, an artwork, or a final product – turns out exactly as you envisioned.

Explore our collection of cast acrylic in various colors and thicknesses. Available from stock, packed laser-ready, and tested for quality.