Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We specialize in high-quality creative supplies, such as acrylic, in a variety of colors, finishes, and transparencies. We also offer select wood sheets, leather, and specialty materials for laser cutting, engraving, and crafting.
Beyond the sheet supplies, we can offer digital design, laser-cutting, laser-engraving, and full color UV printing services.
We currently offer acrylic in the following thickness:
1/16" (0.06")
1/8" (0.118")
1/4" (0.236")
The widest variety of material styles can be found in 1/8" thickness. However, availability will be based on material style. Be sure to check product listings for available sizes or reach out to us if you have a material request.
Our standard acrylic sheet size options range from 2" sample chips up to 24" x 48" panels.
A majority of our selections will have the following 3 options available to select on our website:
2" x 2" Samples
6" x 12" Mini Cuts
12" x 18" Standard Cuts
Basics, like 1/8" and 1/4" clear, white, and black acrylic, are available up to 24" x 48" and are in-stock and ready to ship* (Based on quantities requested).
Some other colors and finishes may have additional options. Please email us if you have any questions at info@ceruleantides.com
Mostly, yes. Typically, manufacturers will place a protective masking on the material to prevent any damage in transit. Some manufacturers use paper masking (more common) while others use film masking (there are different types of film masking).
Some materials may not come with any protective masking at all. The masking type for any material option will be listed in its product description.
Yes! All of our acrylic is CO2 laser-compatible, and we regularly test our materials in-house to ensure high-quality cuts and engravings. Some materials, like certain leathers and specialty woods, may require additional testing for your specific laser.
**No matter what type of material or masking you use, be sure it is laser safe! Always test your material and masking on a small scale prior to beginning your project.
If you’re laser-cutting or engraving, a good masking will help reduce flashback and residue. We offer a medium-tack (582U) and a high-tack (592U) paper masking.
We also recommend a burnishing tool to smooth down the paper masking to the material as best as possible. **Reminder: Any loose/poorly adhered paper masking is a fire hazard!
Acrylic is manufactured in large batches, and slight variations in color, texture, or thickness can occur between production runs. Lighting and viewing angles can also make certain colors appear slightly different.
SIZING:
Material dimensions provided in the product description are approximate and not guaranteed. For example most products are listed as they are cut (-12"x 18") but may be closer to ~11.75" x 17.75" after blade loss.
COLOR/SHADE:
All cast acrylic is likely to have variances in shade (although they are the same color code) as well as thickness due to the casting or extruding process.
THICKNESS:
The typical thickness tolerance in cast acrylic can be as great as +/-30%, whereas the extruded acrylic options (currently all mirror & transparent pink, purple, mint, and teal) are much more consistent in terms of thickness with only +/-10%.
The two types of acrylic (cast and extruded) are different due to the way they are/need to be manufactured.
Cast acrylic is created when liquid ingredients are poured into a glass mold (more homogenous/even mixture resulting in high quality engraves) whereas extruded acrylic is produced by forcing ingredients through a specified shape (less homogenous/not evenly mixed ingredients resulting in a patchy-looking engrave).
Cast acrylic:
-less odor
-cuts and engraves beautifully
-larger thickness variance (sheets can vary up to 30% thickness even within the same exact cut piece)
Extruded acrylic:
-stronger odor
-cuts beautifully but does not engrave very well
-smaller thickness variance (sheets can vary up to 10% thickness)