From acrylic and ACM to plywood, polycarbonate and PET acoustic panels, we supply quality fabrication materials for prototypes, signage, displays and production projects.
Material selection
Material choice affects appearance, structural behavior, edge quality, weight, fastening, bonding, finishing, packaging and service life.
A practical material review begins with the intended use, fabrication method and environment, then considers thickness, finish, availability and quantity.
Compare rigid, flexible, transparent, lightweight and acoustic options.
Review routing, laser cutting, knife cutting, forming, printing and assembly together.
Account for pickup, shipping, installation and repeated handling.
Existing 865FabLab materials
Exact colors, finishes, sheet sizes, grades and thicknesses should be confirmed during project review.
Composite panel
Durable, rigid and relatively lightweight panel material for routed signage, branded walls, backers, cladding and display structures.
Impact-resistant plastic
Impact-resistant transparent or translucent sheet for guards, protective covers, structural glazing, enclosures and specialty display components.
Structural display board
Lightweight rigid panel materials for temporary structures, retail displays, partitions, props, packaging and flat-pack furniture.
Clear and colored plastic
Clear, frosted, mirrored and colored plastic for dimensional lettering, displays, illuminated panels, enclosures and visual components.
Flexible foam
Flexible sheet material for padding, spacing, gasketing, protection, backing and selected fabricated components.
Wood sheet
Versatile sheet materials for routed signs, fixtures, furniture, backers, patterns, prototypes and structural components.
Acoustic material
Customizable panel material for decorative acoustic features, branded shapes, wall panels, ceiling elements and interior displays.
Material selection guide
These questions help narrow realistic material choices before quoting or prototyping begins.
Indoor, outdoor, wet, dry, heated, public-facing or frequently handled.
Carry load, protect, diffuse light, absorb impact, reduce sound or provide visual finish.
Routing, laser cutting, knife cutting, bending, forming, drilling, printing or assembly.
Clear, mirrored, matte, colored, painted, printed, textured, illuminated or exposed.
One prototype, a custom installation, a short run or a repeat multi-location rollout.
Flat-packed, assembled, nested, palletized, locally collected or shipped nationwide.
Fabrication compatibility
Exact compatibility depends on the material grade, thickness, coating, finish and required edge quality.
| Material | CNC routing | Laser cutting | Knife cutting | Typical applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACM | Good fit | Not typical | Limited | Signs, cladding, panels and display structures |
| Polycarbonate | Good fit | Process review | Limited | Guards, covers, enclosures and protective panels |
| Re-board or Hexacomb | Material dependent | Material dependent | Good fit | Displays, furniture, packaging and partitions |
| Acrylic | Good fit | Good fit | Limited | Signage, lighting, displays and clear components |
| Rubber foam | Material review | Material review | Good fit | Padding, gasketing, cushioning and backing |
| Plywood | Good fit | Thickness review | Limited | Furniture, fixtures, panels and routed parts |
| PET acoustic material | Process review | Grade review | Good fit | Acoustic shapes, wall panels and ceiling features |
Material-driven applications
Acrylic, Re-board, Hexacomb, ACM, plywood and foam for merchandising structures and branded features.
Acrylic, polycarbonate, ACM and structural backing for dimensional and illuminated signage.
Polycarbonate and rubber foam for guards, covers, cushioning, spacing and protective assemblies.
Structural board, plywood, acrylic and foam for temporary furniture, display forms and event environments.
ACM, plywood, acrylic and PET acoustic material for wall, ceiling and decorative features.
Sheet materials selected around appearance, fit, function, handling and production planning.
Related fabrication services
Route plywood, acrylic, polycarbonate, ACM and other compatible rigid sheet materials.
Explore CNC routing →Cut and engrave acrylic, suitable wood products and other compatible sheet materials.
Explore laser cutting →Cut Re-board, Hexacomb, PET acoustic material, flexible foam and other knife-compatible substrates.
Explore knife cutting →Combine acrylic, ACM, wood, structural board and lighting in dimensional branded builds.
Explore display fabrication →Create custom shapes, branded panels and decorative interior features from PET acoustic material.
Explore acoustic panels →Evaluate materials and processes before committing to a finished design or production run.
Explore prototyping →Request useful material guidance
Unsure which material fits?
865FabLab can review material options alongside cutting, forming, finishing, assembly and delivery requirements.
Material FAQs
Final recommendations depend on the exact grade, thickness, finish, fabrication process and intended application.
Ask the Shop