1/16 vs 1/8 Inch Acrylic Laser Cutting: Which One Should You Buy?
Trotec metallic 1/16 inch sheets and Gdhwxcl glitter 1/8 inch sheets compared on thickness, sheet size, engraving depth, colors and laser types.
On this page
Top picks at a glance
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Deylixay-5Pack 12 X 12 Inch Black Cast Acrylic Sheet 1/89.6/10View on Amazon - 2
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10 Pcs Acacia Wood Cutting Boards for Laser EngravingView on Amazon - 5
Kigley 10 Pcs Acacia Wood Cutting Boards for Laser EngravingView on Amazon - 6
Bulk Wholesale Set of 12 Bamboo Cutting BoardsView on Amazon - 7
50 Pack Basswood Sheets for Laser CuttingView on Amazon - 8
60 Pack Basswood Sheets for Laser CuttingView on Amazon - 9
10pcs Wood Cutting Boards Bulk for KitchenView on Amazon
A maker choosing acrylic for name plates, signs and small tags faces a thickness choice before any design work starts. This comparison looks at 1/16 vs 1/8 inch acrylic laser cutting through Trotec metallic sheets on the thinner side and a Gdhwxcl glitter sheet set on the thicker side, using only what each listing states.
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Verdict: pick the 1/16 inch Trotec metallic sheets for name plates and signs where engraving reveals a contrasting core, at a stated depth of 0.003 inch. Pick the 1/8 inch Gdhwxcl glitter sheets for colorful tags, cake toppers and decor where glitter on both sides matters more than a stated engraving depth. Neither side wins on every spec: the glitter listing states no engraving depth and no laser type.
Machines on the list
Trotec | Metallic Looking Acrylic Sheet
A metallic looking acrylic sheet in brushed gold over a black core, sized 12 x 12 inch, for laser engraving and cutting, name plates and printing.
Pros
- Engraving reveals a contrasting black core under a brushed gold top
- States CO2 and diode laser engraving and cutting
- Stated engraving depth of 0.003 inch (0.8 mm)
- Pack of 8 sheets, the largest pack count among the metallic listings
Cons
- Smaller sheet size than the 12 x 24 inch listing
- Indoor material only, per the listing
- No warranty term is stated
- No laser class or safety certification is stated
Trotec | Metallic Looking Acrylic Sheet
A metallic looking acrylic sheet in brushed gold over a black core, sized 12 x 24 inch in the title, for laser engraving and cutting, name plates and printing.
Pros
- Engraving reveals a contrasting black core under a brushed gold top
- States CO2 and diode laser engraving and cutting
- Stated engraving depth of 0.003 inch (0.8 mm)
- Smooth laser-cut edges without burrs, per the listing
Cons
- Title lists 12 x 24 inch while bullets list 12 x 24.25 inch
- Indoor material only, per the listing
- No warranty term is stated
- No laser class or safety certification is stated
Glitter Acrylic Sheets 8 x 8 inch 1/8" Thick
A glitter cast acrylic sheet set in 10 colors, sized 8 x 8 inch at 1/8 inch thick, for laser cutting, engraving, signs, cake toppers and decor.
Pros
- Glitter on both sides with even distribution, per the listing
- 10 colors in the pack, from red and gold to black
- Protective film guards against scratches during work
- UV-resistant and shatterproof, for indoor and outdoor signs
Cons
- No laser type is stated
- No engraving depth is stated
- No warranty term is stated
- No laser class or safety certification is stated
Other machines to compare
10 Pcs Acacia Wood Cutting Boards for Laser EngravingCheck price on Amazon
Kigley 10 Pcs Acacia Wood Cutting Boards for Laser EngravingCheck price on Amazon
Bulk Wholesale Set of 12 Bamboo Cutting BoardsCheck price on Amazon
50 Pack Basswood Sheets for Laser CuttingCheck price on Amazon
60 Pack Basswood Sheets for Laser CuttingCheck price on Amazon
10pcs Wood Cutting Boards Bulk for KitchenCheck price on Amazon
Side by side
| Spec | Trotec 12×12 1/16 | Trotec 12×24 1/16 | Gdhwxcl Glitter 1/8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| HQ Score | 60 | 59 | 56 |
| Thickness | 0.06 inch (1/16 inch, 1.6 mm) | 0.06 inch (1/16 inch, 1.6 mm) | 1/8 inch (3 mm) |
| Sheet size | 12 x 12 inch | 12 x 24 inch | 8 x 8 inch |
| Pack count | 8 | 4 | 10 |
| Finish | Brushed Gold top, Black core | Brushed Gold top, Black core | Glitter both sides, 10 colors |
| Engraving depth | 0.003 inch (0.8 mm) | 0.003 inch (0.8 mm) | Not stated |
| Laser types | CO2, diode | CO2, diode | Not stated |
| Use | Indoor material | Indoor material | Indoor and outdoor signs |
Specifications are manufacturer rated, as published on each listing and collected 24 October 2026.
1/16 vs 1/8 inch acrylic laser cutting: thickness and cut behavior
The thinner side lists 0.06 inch (1/16 inch, 1.6 mm) on both Trotec listings, while the thicker side lists 1/8 inch (3 mm) on the Gdhwxcl listing. The Trotec listings describe laser cutting that leads to smooth edges without burrs, and call the sheet a lightweight alternative to real metal. The Gdhwxcl listing describes sheets that are easy to process with jigsaws, table saws or CNC machines, and states laser cutting and engraving generally.
Neither side states laser cut speed or power settings, so neither thickness is called faster to laser-cut here. Cut acrylic with ventilation, stay with the machine while it runs, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Never laser PVC or vinyl; see our materials you should never laser cut guide.
Sheet sizes and pack counts
The Trotec listings come in 12 x 24 inch and 12 x 12 inch sizes, in packs of 4 and 8 sheets, while the Gdhwxcl listing comes in an 8 x 8 inch size, in a pack of 10 sheets. Note the size wording inside the larger Trotec listing: the title lists 12 x 24 inch, while the bullets list 12 x 24.25 inch.
Colors, finish and engraving depth
The Trotec sheets pair a brushed gold top with a black core, and engraving reveals the contrasting core. Both Trotec listings state an engraving depth of 0.003 inch (0.8 mm) and describe the material as opaque. Note that the listing pairs 0.003 inch with 0.8 mm, which are not equivalent figures, so the depth is quoted here exactly as the listing states it. The Gdhwxcl sheets carry glitter on both sides in 10 colors: red, gold, silver, purple, green, blue, white, bright pink, orange and black.
The Gdhwxcl listing states no engraving depth, so depth on that side is Not stated. The Trotec listings state no color count beyond the brushed gold top and black core.
Laser types and workflow
The Trotec listings state CO2 and diode laser engraving and cutting, plus rotary engraving, digital, UV and screen printing, and hot stamping, and note cutting with saws or guillotines. The Gdhwxcl listing states laser cutting and engraving generally, without naming a laser type, and names jigsaws, table saws and CNC machines.
For the diode and CO2 difference, see our diode vs CO2 guide. For fume control, see our fume extractor guide.
Choose the 1/16 inch side if
- You want name plates or signs where engraving reveals a contrasting core.
- You want a stated engraving depth of 0.003 inch with CO2 and diode laser engraving.
- You want larger sheets in 12 x 24 inch or 12 x 12 inch sizes.
Choose the 1/8 inch side if
- You want glitter sheets for tags, cake toppers or decor.
- You want 10 colors in a pack, from red and gold to black.
- You want a cast sheet for indoor and outdoor signs.
For more sheet options, see best acrylic sheets for laser cutting.
Enclosure safety holds only while the enclosure is intact. Never defeat the lid, stay with the machine while it runs, keep a fire extinguisher nearby, ventilate, and never laser PVC or vinyl. See the FDA guidance on laser products.
Project Match
- Name plates: Trotec 1/16 inch sheets, since engraving reveals a contrasting core at a stated depth of 0.003 inch.
- Glitter tags and cake toppers: Gdhwxcl 1/8 inch sheets, with glitter on both sides in 10 colors.
- Signs: Trotec 1/16 inch sheets for indoor signs; Gdhwxcl 1/8 inch sheets for indoor and outdoor signs.
- Sheets for cutting with saws or CNC machines: Gdhwxcl 1/8 inch sheets, per the listing; Trotec 1/16 inch sheets list saws and guillotines.
FAQ: lasers and CNC
Which thickness suits name plates?
The 1/16 inch Trotec sheets suit name plates, since engraving reveals a contrasting black core under a brushed gold top at a stated depth of 0.003 inch.
Can a diode laser cut the 1/16 inch Trotec sheets?
The Trotec listings state diode laser engraving and cutting, along with CO2 laser engraving and cutting. The listings do not state power settings, so settings stay with the listing wording.
What laser types suit the 1/8 inch glitter sheets?
The Gdhwxcl listing states laser cutting and engraving generally, without naming a laser type, and names jigsaws, table saws and CNC machines for processing.
Do the glitter sheets work outdoors?
The Gdhwxcl listing states UV resistance and shatterproof construction, and names indoor and outdoor signs as uses. The Trotec listings describe an indoor material.
Related: how to choose a laser engraver, best laser engraver for beginners and acrylic sheets for laser engraving.
