Should You Add a Laser Cutter to Your Sign Shop?

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

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?

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

The Recommended Sign Shop Setup

For a modern sign shop, the ideal combination is:

1. Ascent CNC Channel Letter Bending Machine — for aluminum and stainless side returns
2. Ascent Dual Gantry CO2 + Fiber Laser Cutter — acrylic, wood, and all metals
3. Ascent Handheld Fiber Laser Welder or QCW Tabletop Laser Welder — fast, clean welding
4. 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.

Warranty

• CO2 laser source: 1 year (the tube is a wear item with a typical service life of 12,000 hours)
• Fiber laser source: 2 years
• All other non-consumable components: 2 years

Installation and training are included at your location. Ascent technicians are based in Buffalo, NY, Toronto, ON, and Kentucky.

"The Art of Channel Letters Through Precision Automation" ™

Ascent Equipment ascentequipment.com/dual-gantry-co2-and-fiber-laser-cutter/ Tel: 647-494-7800 Extension 1008 Email: dov@ascentge.com