Craft Plastic Sheets for Laser Cutting - Settings and Tips

I had never cut craft plastic sheets on my laser before and I honestly wasn't sure what I would use them for. But when I was making photo booth props for my daughter's graduation party, they turned out to be perfect!

This material is thin, slightly flexible - almost rubbery - and it cuts beautifully on a CO2 laser like an xTool P2s or Flux Beamo. You can also cut it on a diode laser or even a craft cutter, like a Silhouette CAMEO or Cricut.

I had my laser up and running already for some DIY big heads, so that's why I opted to laser cut the plastic sheets. Here's everything you need to know before you cut.

What are craft plastic sheets?

Craft plastic sheets are thin, flexible plastic sheets that come in a variety of colors. They're great for props, party decorations, stencils, and anything where you want a lightweight but sturdy cut shape. I got mine from So Fontsy.

The sheets I used are .025" thick. Think of them as a thinner, more flexible alternative to corrugated plastic, but more sturdy than card stock.

Laser cut settings for craft plastic sheets

I used my xTool P2 (55W CO2 laser) and used the manufacturer's recommended 60W settings. These are a great starting point

To cut .025" craft plastic sheets:

Speed: 30
Power: 30

To engrave craft plastic sheets:

Speed: 100
Power: 65

Remove the clear plastic covering from the front of the sheet before engraving. You can leave it on for cutting if you want to protect the surface.

What can you make with laser cut craft plastic sheets?

I used these for photo booth glasses for my daughter's graduation party.

I just attached a small wood stick and they were plenty sturdy. You could even layer multiple colors together using 3M tape or another adhesive. Some other ideas:

Photo booth props (glasses, lips, mustaches, signs)
Party decorations
Stencils
Holiday decorations

If you're making a full photo booth setup, I also laser cut and UV printed corrugated plastic for photo booth props and big head cutouts for the same party. Check out those tutorials here:

Need same-day support for your laser cutter? Visit www.silhouetteu.com and use code YOUTUBE for 50% off your first payment at Silhouette U.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing products through my links, I receive a small commission. That's what helps fund Silhouette School so I can keep buying new Silhouette-related products to show you how to get the most out of your machine!

No comments

Thanks for leaving a comment! We get several hundred comments a day. While we appreciate every single one of them it's nearly impossible to respond back to all of them, all the time. So... if you could help me by treating these comments like a forum where readers help readers.

In addition, don't forget to look for specific answers by using the Search Box on the blog. If you're still not having any luck, feel free to email me with your question.