Double color board is a popular material for laser engraving because it is smooth, stable, and capable of producing clear contrast. With the right image preparation and parameter settings, it can be used to create signs, badges, guide plates, display labels, and other decorative or functional engraved products.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to laser engrave double color board, including material selection, image preparation, engraving settings, cutting parameters, air assist, and final cleaning.

1. Understanding Double Color Board

Double color board is often made from ABS-based plastic sheet material. It offers useful qualities such as impact resistance, heat tolerance, low-temperature endurance, easy processing, and dimensional stability. These features make it suitable for architectural decoration, exhibition displays, advertising, signage, and badge production.

1.1 Common Applications

Double color board is commonly used to make signboards, guide signs, lightboxes, nameplates, labels, and other signage products. Its layered color structure allows the laser to remove the surface layer and reveal a contrasting color underneath.

1.2 Material Composition

ABS-based plastic sheets can be produced through processes such as silk-screen painting, drying, or compression of metallic finishes such as gold or silver. These processes create a flexible decorative material with strong visual contrast and broad creative potential.

2. Choosing Plastic Sheets for Laser Engraving

Plastic sheets can generally be divided into two types: sheets suitable for mechanical applications and sheets specifically designed for laser engraving. While some mechanical sheets can also be engraved with a laser, laser-specific sheets usually perform better.

2.1 Standard Sheet Sizes

Common plastic sheet specifications include 600 × 1200 mm, and some brands may also offer sizes such as 600 × 900 mm. These sheets are widely used in signage and badge applications because of their consistent coloring, clear patterns, and durability.

2.2 Surface Layer Thickness

Laser engraving plastic sheets usually have a thinner surface color layer, often less than 0.1 mm. This allows the laser to remove the surface cleanly and reveal the base layer. If the surface layer is too thick, multiple engraving passes may be needed to achieve the desired result.

2.3 Test Before Production

Before purchasing or processing a large quantity of material, consult your material dealer or test a small sample piece. This helps confirm whether the sheet is suitable for laser engraving and whether it can produce clean edges and strong contrast.

3. Laser Engraving and Cutting Techniques

Laser engraving can produce clear contrast and distinct edges on suitable double color board. However, engraving and cutting require different parameters, so it is important to set them separately.

3.1 Prepare a High-Contrast Image

To create a clean engraving result on transparent or colored plastic sheets, choose an image with strong contrast and a clear main subject. A high-contrast image makes it easier for the laser to produce sharp details and readable patterns.

3.2 Use Separate Engraving and Cutting Parameters

The parameters for engraving and cutting double color board are different. Shallow engraving usually works well with high speed and low power, while cutting requires slower speed and higher power to pass through the material.

3.3 Recommended Engraving Approach

For shallow engraving, the tutorial suggests high speed, low power, and weak air blowing. Weak air assist helps keep the engraving surface clean while reducing the risk of excessive marks.

3.4 Line Tracing and Corner Settings

For line tracing on laser-cut plastic sheets, the tutorial uses medium speed and low power. When the laser turns at corners, corner power can be adjusted, and weak air blowing can help prevent overly deep line tracing and corner burning.

3.5 Cutting Double Color Board

Cutting plastic sheets requires more caution because melting traces may appear along the edge. The tutorial suggests using low speed, high power, and strong air blowing to avoid incomplete cutting.

4. Finishing and Cleaning

After engraving and cutting, the engraved design should appear clear, and the material can be cut through. However, the outer frame may feel slightly rough after cutting, which is difficult to avoid when processing this type of plastic sheet.

After processing, wipe and clean the plastic surface with alcohol. This helps remove residue and improves the final appearance of the engraved work.

5. Final Thoughts

Double color board is a practical material for laser engraving signs, labels, badges, and decorative panels. For the best results, choose a laser-friendly sheet with a thin surface color layer, prepare a high-contrast image, and use separate settings for engraving, line tracing, and cutting.

Because different plastic sheets may react differently to laser processing, always test on a small sample first. Adjust speed, power, corner power, and air assist based on the material response and the desired final finish.