How to DIY Name Tags: Laser Engrave Name Tags on Acrylic

OMTech Updated on Dec. 1, 2025

Creating custom name tags with a laser engraver is one of the easiest and most rewarding entry points into the world of laser cutting and engraving. Whether you’re running a small business, preparing for an event, or creating stylish employee badges, laser-engraved name tags offer a fast, professional, and highly customizable solution. One of the most popular materials for this application is brushed aluminum acrylic, a dual-layer plastic sheet that mimics the look of real metal while being CO₂ laser compatible.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the full process—from preparing your file to final engraving and cutting—so you can make stunning silver-and-black name tags using your OMTech laser machine.

Why Use Brushed Aluminum Acrylic for Name Tags?

Brushed aluminum acrylic is a laserable plastic sheet that consists of two layers:

A top brushed silver layer that looks like metal.
A black core layer that’s revealed during engraving.

This dual-layer composition makes it perfect for high-contrast name tags. When engraved, the laser burns through the silver surface, exposing the black underneath for crisp, readable text and logos.

Benefits of This Material:

Professional appearance: Looks like anodized aluminum but is safer and easier to engrave.
High contrast: Engraved areas turn black for excellent readability.
CO₂ laser compatible: No special attachments or fiber lasers needed.
Lightweight and durable: Ideal for clip-on or magnetic badge backs.

DIY Name Tags: Step-by-Step Guide

Name tag

1. Design Your Name Tag

Using LightBurn or your preferred laser design software, start by creating a layout for the name tag. Include:

Text for the name and title
A company logo or graphic
A rectangular border that will later serve as your cut line

Separate your engraving elements (text/logo) and your cut outline onto different layers. This allows you to assign distinct power and speed settings for each pass.

Design Tips:

Standard name tag sizes range from 1" x 3" to 1.5" x 3.5"
Keep text size above 10pt for clarity
Use vector shapes for the outline and logos if possible

2. Load and Prepare Your Material

Place the brushed aluminum acrylic sheet onto your laser bed. Secure it using magnets or tape to prevent shifting.

Make sure the silver side (engraving side) is facing up.
Set your origin point (usually top-left) in your software.
Focus the laser manually or automatically depending on your machine—precision here is crucial.

3. Engraving Pass (Fill Layer)

Start with the engraving operation while the material is still securely in place.

Recommended Settings for OMTech 60W CO₂ Laser (adjust as needed based on your wattage):

Power: 18%
Speed: 500 mm/s
Line Interval: 0.064 mm
Air Assist: OFF (to reduce residue scatter)
Z-Offset: +1 mm (for improved sharpness)

After engraving:

Wipe down the engraved area with a soft cloth to remove any debris or residue.
Inspect the engraving for clarity and depth—make sure all text and logos are clean and filled.

4. Cutting Pass (Outline Layer)

Now that engraving is complete, move to the cutting layer to trim the name tag to shape.

Cut Settings for 3mm Brushed Acrylic:

Power: 40%
Speed: 48 mm/s
PPI/Hz: 1000
Air Assist: ON (for cleaner edges and cooling)
Number of Passes: 1 (check that it cuts cleanly all the way through)

Always run a test cut on a scrap piece before final production.

5. Post-Processing and Assembly

Once the name tags are cut:

Peel off the protective plastic film (if still present).
Deburr the edges with fine sandpaper if needed.
Clean the surface again to remove any remaining dust.
Attach a pin, magnet, or clip backing with adhesive or mounting tape.

You now have a clean, professional-looking name badge that’s ready to wear or deliver.

Tips for Better Name Tag Production

Batch efficiently: Use array tools in your design software to duplicate name tags on a full sheet for maximum output.
Masking tape test: Use low-tack masking tape during engraving to reduce cleanup—just be sure it’s laser-safe.
Material storage: Keep brushed acrylic sheets in a dust-free environment to maintain the clean surface finish.
Customize on demand: Keep a few blank tags on hand so you can engrave last-minute badges without needing to re-cut.

Why DIY Name Tags Are Great for Small Businesses and Creators

Laser-engraved name tags are a perfect product for small engraving businesses. They’re:

Fast to produce
Cheap in material cost
Easy to personalize
Always in demand

Whether you’re supplying businesses, schools, event organizers, or sports teams, personalized name tags are a staple product that can generate steady income with minimal overhead.

Get Started with OMTech Laser Engravers

If you’re ready to create high-quality name tags, OMTech CO₂ laser engravers are the perfect tools. Our machines offer:

Powerful engraving with high speed and precision
Support for all major design software, like LightBurn
Generous work areas for high-volume production
Affordable entry-level models for hobbyists and entrepreneurs

For name tag production, the OMTech Polar Series is a great starting point. It’s compact, user-friendly, and powerful enough to handle engraving and cutting brushed aluminum acrylic with ease.

Brush Up on Your Laser Engraving with OMTech

Laser-engraved brushed aluminum acrylic name tags is simple, effective, and scalable. With just a few sheets of material and the right machine settings, you can produce professional-quality badges with a polished metal look in minutes.

Whether you’re starting a business or adding name tags to your product lineup, OMTech CO₂ laser engravers give you the flexibility, precision, and reliability to make it happen. Explore our full range of CO₂ laser engravers and find the perfect machine to bring your engraving ideas to life.