Graphic finishing with a laser cutter

Q: What are the different types of print finishing techniques?

In addition to laser cutting, popular techniques in print finishing include printing with partial UV paint, film lamination, hot foil stamping or lenticular printing. Depending on the material, optical and haptic effects can be achieved that enhance the end product and thus create added value. Milling or knives are other possible methods.

Q: How is laser cutting used in graphic design?

The area of application in graphic design, signage and display ranges from exterior and interior signage, POP displays to the laser die cutting of labels.

Q: Can I integrate a laser machine into my printing workflow?

Yes. The laser cutter can be integrated just like a knife cutting plotter and seamlessly connected to the RIP. PDFs, XMLs or JDFs are sufficient for data exchange.

Q: Does a laser cutter cut acrylic faster than my milling machine?

Acrylic of 1 mm to 25 mm can be cut with a laser, depending on the laser power. The cutting speed is 2-3 times faster (compared to the milling machine) depending on the laser power. If you include pre- and post-processing, laser cutting is significantly more profitable than milling.

Why laser cutting creates new products
and added value in graphic finishing.

The contour cut of printed high-quality materials creates added value. How? The laser machine produces flame-polished edges in acrylic and enables the most delicate contours in wood or plastics. By eliminating work steps and set-up times, costs can be reduced and high-quality end products can be manufactured.

The laser finishing of acrylic is up to 88% more economical than alternative technologies such as milling.

+

Would you like to develop or expand the area of graphic finishing?
We'd be happy to advise you on how to get started.

Contact us

What makes graphic finishing with a Trotec laser machine so attractive. A comparison of technologies.

What you can do in print finishing.

How a laser cutter creates added value in digital printing.

Higher margins, cost reductions and new products have a positive impact on the company’s success. The examples outline purchase and sales prices. The calculation includes operating costs of the machine, depreciation, the personnel costs for file processing and machine use.

Comparison: Milling machine with laser
Gross profit using a laser

Let’s do the math together.
We’ll advise you from when you first start thinking about buying a laser cutter for laser finishing until long after the laser purchase.

Contact us

Which laser machine do you need for graphic finishing.

The laser cutting machines of the SP series are designed for the fast and precise processing of large-format materials. Maximum productivity and user friendliness, the best cutting quality and reliable operation make them the right choice for graphic finishing.

Discover laser cutting machines

What our customers say.



“The laser systems enable efficient and optimized series production with polished cut edges. We also attach great importance to quality and good service with all of our machines. That’s why we chose Trotec as a long-term partner.”



Bernhard Eremit

Managing Director - Alfred Eremit Gesellschaft m. b. H.

Read customer story



“Our customer inquiries became increasingly specific and we were looking for a partner who could serve us in the long term. The Trotec SP3000 can cover all applications that are required in lighting technology. Acrylic inlays with very sharp edges can be cut using the laser cutter. In addition, with the SP3000 we can nest geometries in a very material-efficient manner and thus produce parts economically.”



Roland Plank

Managing Director - Werner + Plank Licht & Metalltechnik GmbH



"The laser enabled us to achieve an enormous increase in turnover, as it was only through the laser that we were able to accept the offered acrylic product order. The required product quality without dust inclusions and the required production speed can currently only be achieved with the laser. The SP3000 Laser Cutter thus contributes to the growth of Mister Druck."



Rune Slembrouck

Mister Druck GmbH

Read customer story