Many customers ask: Should I add a laser cutter to my shop — and if so, which type? CO2 for non-metals or fiber for metals?

Ascent Equipment has simplified that decision with the Dual Gantry CO2 and Fiber Laser Cutter — one machine with two independent gantries that can cut acrylic and aluminum simultaneously on a 5' × 10' or 6' × 12' working area.

See it in action

Ascent Dual Gantry CO2 and Fiber Laser Cutter in action

What a Laser Cutter Does for a Sign Shop

Adding a laser cutter significantly expands capabilities, productivity, and profitability. Here's what changes:

1. Faster Production

Cuts complex shapes automatically from digital files
Eliminates many manual cutting and routing operations
Reduces labor costs and increases throughput
Allows faster turnaround times for customers

2. Higher Precision and Consistency

Extremely accurate cuts with repeatable results
Perfect for intricate logos, letters, and decorative elements
Reduces rework and material waste

3. Expanded Product Offering

A laser cutter allows a shop to produce:

Acrylic letters and logos
ADA signage
Interior architectural signs
Decorative wall panels
Engraved plaques
Awards and trophies
Wayfinding signage
Personalized gifts and promotional products
Stencils and templates

4. Superior Edge Quality

For acrylic, the CO2 laser produces smooth, polished edges with minimal post-processing — professional appearance without flame polishing.

5. Increased Profit Margins

Many laser-cut products command premium pricing
Profitable for custom and short-run jobs
Opens new revenue streams beyond traditional channel letters

6. Material Versatility

CO2 laser cuts: Acrylic, wood, MDF, plywood, paper, cardboard, leather, fabrics, rubber, and many plastics.

Fiber laser cuts: Stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and copper.

7. Improved Customization

Easy one-off production with no tooling costs
Ideal for personalized signs, awards, and branded products

8. Competitive Advantage

Offer services that competitors outsource
Faster delivery and better quality control
More complete in-house manufacturing capability

CO2 vs. Fiber: Which Do You Need?

Application	CO2 Laser	Fiber Laser
Acrylic Cutting	Excellent	Not Recommended
Wood / MDF	Excellent	No
Engraving	Excellent	Good on metal
Stainless Steel	Limited	Excellent
Aluminum Cutting	Limited	Excellent
Sign Making	Excellent	Excellent for metal signs
Channel Letter Components	Good	Excellent

The Ascent answer: get both in one machine. Two independent gantries — each doing its job simultaneously on the same table.

The Ascent Dual Gantry: What's Included

500W CO2 — cuts acrylic up to 1" thick using compressed air
3000W or 6000W Fiber — aluminum, stainless steel, carbon steel, brass, copper
Each gantry operates independently and simultaneously
Working area: 5' × 10' or 6' × 12'
Industrial computer with operational and nesting software
Autofocus laser head; AU3TECH cutting head and controller
DELTA 750W servo motor and drivers
2 water chillers, oil-free air compressor for CO2
380V 3-phase and 220V 1-phase 60Hz

Optional add-ons:

Smell/fume collector for the CO2 laser
Debris collector for the fiber laser
Sliding cover or laser-rated partition enclosure

Housing / Safety Enclosures

Dual gantry laser cutter — two cover options — Two enclosure options for the dual gantry laser cutter

Dual gantry CO2 and fiber laser cutter with laser safety partitions — Laser safety partitions (alternative to full enclosure)

The Recommended Sign Shop Setup

For a modern sign shop, the ideal combination is:

Ascent CNC Channel Letter Bending Machine — for aluminum and stainless side returns
Ascent Dual Gantry CO2 + Fiber Laser Cutter — acrylic, wood, and all metals
Ascent Handheld Fiber Laser Welder or QCW Tabletop Laser Welder — fast, clean welding
CNC Router — for ACM and PVC

This combination allows nearly all sign manufacturing to be done in-house — reducing outsourcing costs while improving quality and turnaround time.