Acrylic Laser Cutter

What to Have in Mind When Using an Acrylic Laser Cutter?

Acrylic Laser Cutting: What You Need to Know

Acrylic is commonly used for laser cutting. People use it because it is less expensive and reacts well when it comes in contact with the laser. Another amazing benefit of using acrylic is that it offers a flame-polished edge after cutting. The designs you get from acrylic have a fantastic finish compared to any other material. Some people also use these materials due to their availability in different colors and shades. If you need an ideal finish at the end, you can choose the acrylic laser cutting option. Read the article further to learn a few things about acrylic.

Tips for When Use Your Acrylic Laser Cutter

Laser cutting acrylic is a bit different from other materials. It requires more care and expertise. Here are some tips that you need to know.

What thickness do you want to cut?

The laser watt power fitted in the machine will effect the thickness you are able to laser cut. 80 Watt laser tubes are able to cut up to 10mm, 100Watt tubes up to 12mm & 130Watt tubes up to 14mm thick acrylic. If you add a compressor to your laser machines then this will provide you an option of cutting thicker.

Reduce Air Assist

Reducing air assist is important for a fire-polished edge. It can help you get better results. Cutting on the blade table will also help with giving you a cleaning cut.

Focus on the Material

You need to make sure that your material is right in the center of the machine. If your acrylic sheet is not in position, you will not get the right design. Cut on a blade table or raise the acrylic off the honeycomb & laser cut with the plastic cover still on the sheet of acrylic.

You need to remember that not considering these tips can impact your results. Most importantly, your entire design can end up looking unusable. So, make sure that you’re aware of the right methods to use acrylic and machine.

Safety Measures Have in Mind When Laser Cutting Acrylic

Cutting using a laser cutting & engraving machine is a safer method than cutting using more traditional tools like a blade. However, you still need to consider a few safety measures while cutting a material. Before you start cutting the acrylic, ensure that the material is fixed at the center of the machine. This is because the edges coming out of the machine can cause injury. Also, wear gloves when placing acrylic on the machine. Many acrylic materials produce fumes and shards. To avoid getting injured, you need to wear safety glasses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still, looking for more info? We’ve compiled a list of FAQs – check them out!

Can You Use Acrylic for Every Type of Laser Machine?

No, many laser cutting machines don’t allow you to use acrylic materials such as fiber laser. Fiber laser cutting machines are designed to cut metals only. Therefore, if you need to use acrylic, you should purchase a CO2 laser machine that works best for this material. You can discuss your preferences with the company to make an informed decision.

Is Handling Acrylic Challenging?

Acrylic is easy to handle. In fact, it’s easier to cut acrylic than wood. While it’s true that you might struggle in the beginning, you will learn to do it professionally without too much trouble.

Christophe Rude
Christophe Rude
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