How to Make Laser Cut Wood or Acrylic Keychain Holder

If you want to create custom laser cut acrylic keychains, a CO₂ laser cutter gives you endless creative possibilities. Personalized keychains are in high demand—perfect for gifting, selling, branding, and everyday use. With the right materials and the Monport CO₂ laser machines, you can craft beautiful, durable keychains that stand out.

Why Custom Laser Cut Acrylic Keychains Are So Popular

Custom laser cut acrylic keychains are loved because they’re:

• Lightweight and durable

• Affordable to produce

• Personal and meaningful

• Easy to customize with names, dates, quotes, and shapes

• Profitable for small craft businesses

Engraved keychains also make memorable keepsakes for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and business promotions.

What You Need to Make Custom Laser Cut Acrylic Keychains     

      2. Wood for laser cutting /Acrylic for laser cutting 

For a keychain holder, a lightweight and durable material is ideal. Both cast acrylic and basswood are suitable options. Cast acrylic is lightweight and durable, and is available in a variety of colors and thicknesses. Basswood is a lightweight and softwood that cuts well with a laser cutter and can be easily sanded to remove any rough edges.
 
If you prefer a clear keychain holder, you can use clear cast acrylic. If you prefer a colored keychain holder, you can use colored cast acrylic. If you prefer a more natural look, you can use basswood and finish it with a clear coat to protect it from moisture.
 
It is recommended to choose a material thickness of 3mm or less for your keychain holder, as this will be lightweight and easy to carry. You can also experiment with different thicknesses to find the right one for your design and the type of laser cutter you are using.

      3. Software for laser engraving

Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, CorelDraw, etc.

      4. Glue

You might need to paste the earring blank stud bases. Secondly, if your earrings are multilayered, you need glue to stick all the layers together.

      5. Paint

If you are using MDF or any other wood, you will have to paint the earrings to make them more appealing. Acrylics do not need paint. Their natural color and shine are more than enough.

      6. Tools

Tools for removing rough edges or burrs (such as sandpaper or a deburring tool). 

Material

Wood or Acrylic for Keychains

You can use Monport 40W LightBurn to make keychains. We are going to show you the exact steps to make earrings using Monport 40W LightBurn. You also can learn more from HL ModTech Monport 40W CO2 Laser Engraver Acrylic keychain Lightburn test video about specific steps.

For custom laser cut acrylic keychains, cast acrylic is ideal because it:

• Cuts cleanly

• Comes in many colors

• Has a smooth polished finish

• Does not require painting

Wood options include:

• Basswood (lightweight, smooth)

• MDF (budget-friendly, engraves well)

Recommended thickness: 3mm for durability and portability.

Software for Design

Any vector software works:

• Adobe Illustrator

• Inkscape

• CorelDRAW

• LightBurn (also controls your laser)

Additional Tools

• Glue (for layered designs)

• Paint (optional for wooden designs)

• Sandpaper or deburring tools (to smooth edges)

Step-by-Step: How to Make Custom Laser Cut Acrylic Keychains

Step 1: Download or Create Your Keychain Design Files

Search for ready-made files on:

• Thingiverse

• Etsy

• CNCKitchen

• Laser design marketplaces

Or design your own using vector software.

Step 2: Laser Settings for Acrylic & Wood

For 3mm Acrylic (Monport 40W)

• Power: 25–35%

• Speed: 10–15 mm/s (cutting)

• Speed: 200–300 mm/s (engraving)

For 3mm MDF or Basswood

• Power: 30–40%

• Speed: 80–100 mm/s

Always test small samples to refine your settings.

Step 3: Cut & Engrave Your Keychain

• Import your file

• Set cut (red) and engrave (blue) layers in LightBurn

• Position your acrylic sheet

• Use air assist for cleaner cuts

• Run a preview to avoid waste

• Send the file to your laser

Step 4: Clean, Assemble & Finish

For custom laser cut acrylic keychains:

• Peel off protective film

• Sand any sharp edges

• Glue layers if your design is multi-layered

• Add a metal key ring or chain

Your keychain is ready!

10 Trendy Custom Laser Cut Acrylic Keychain Design Ideas

1. Name or Initial Keychain

2. Geometric Shapes (hexagon, triangle, circle)

3. Pet Photo or Silhouette

4. City Map or Country Outline

5. Quote or Favorite Word Engraving

6. Custom Brand Logo Keychain

7. Nature Themes (tree, flower, mountain)

8. Animal Designs (dog, cat, bird)

9. Sports-Themed Keychains

10. Puzzle Piece Sets for Couples/Friends

These designs are perfect for craft booths, Etsy sellers, and personalized gifts.

FAQs About Custom Laser Cut Acrylic Keychains

1. What acrylic is best for custom laser cut acrylic keychains?

Cast acrylic is best. It produces clean edges and engraves with a frosty white finish.

2. Can you laser engrave photos onto acrylic keychains?

Yes! Use grayscale engraving settings and high-resolution images.

3. Are laser cut acrylic keychains profitable to sell?

Absolutely. Material cost is low, and custom items sell for $5–$20 each.

4. Do I need LightBurn to make keychains?

Any design software works, but LightBurn provides the easiest control for cutting and engraving.

5. Can CO₂ lasers cut colored acrylic?

Yes—opaque and transparent acrylic both cut cleanly with a CO₂ laser.

Conclusion

Creating custom laser cut acrylic keychains is one of the most beginner-friendly and profitable laser projects. With a CO₂ laser like the Monport 40W, the right materials, and simple design software, you can produce beautiful, personalized keychains for gifts, events, or your small business.

Whether you choose wood or acrylic, the customization possibilities are endless—names, quotes, photos, logos, and unique shapes will make every keychain original and meaningful.