Difference between revisions of "Laser Cutting Acrylic"

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Acrylic is a type of plastic that can be easily cut and formed to be used in many applications.  
 
Acrylic is a type of plastic that can be easily cut and formed to be used in many applications.  
 
===Safety===
 
===Safety===
----'''ALWAYS keep a close eye on the machine when cutting acrylic due to its flammability'''
+
----'''ALWAYS keep a close eye on the machine when cutting acrylic due to its flammability.'''
  
 
===Types===
 
===Types===
 
----
 
----
 
'''There are two main types of acrylic sheet:'''
 
'''There are two main types of acrylic sheet:'''
====Extruded Acrylic:====
+
====Extruded Acrylic====
Created by extruding molten acrylic pellets through a machine
+
Created by extruding molten acrylic pellets through a machine.
 
*'''Pros'''
 
*'''Pros'''
 
**Cheaper
 
**Cheaper
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**Lower optical clarity when compared to cast (still very high)
 
**Lower optical clarity when compared to cast (still very high)
 
**Less scratch resistant
 
**Less scratch resistant
====Cast Acrylic:====
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====Cast Acrylic====
Created by pouring molten acrylic pellets into a mold  
+
Created by pouring molten acrylic pellets into a mold.
 
*'''Pros'''
 
*'''Pros'''
 
**Produces better results when engraving (white frost)
 
**Produces better results when engraving (white frost)

Revision as of 16:45, 26 December 2023

Overview


Acrylic is a type of plastic that can be easily cut and formed to be used in many applications.

Safety


ALWAYS keep a close eye on the machine when cutting acrylic due to its flammability.

Types


There are two main types of acrylic sheet:

Extruded Acrylic

Created by extruding molten acrylic pellets through a machine.

  • Pros
    • Cheaper
    • Better tolerances
    • Easier to bend and form
    • Easier to flame polish edge
  • Cons
    • Easy to crack
    • Engraving produces grey frost
    • Lower optical clarity when compared to cast (still very high)
    • Less scratch resistant

Cast Acrylic

Created by pouring molten acrylic pellets into a mold.

  • Pros
    • Produces better results when engraving (white frost)
    • Comes in many colors
    • Machines better
    • Higher optical clarity
    • More scratch resistant
  • Cons
    • Expensive (your kid might not be going to college)

Cutting/Engraving

  • Table for common settings
SUBSTRATE 250 DPI
RASTER
ENGRAVING
SPEED/POWER
400 DPI
RASTER
ENGRAVING
SPEED/POWER
500 DPI
RASTER
ENGRAVING
SPEED/POWER
VECTOR
CUTTING
SPEED/POWER/FREQUENCY
Acrylic 100/100 100/80 100/60 ⅛ (3 mm) – 15/100/5000
¼ (6.4 mm) – 5/100/5000
(multiple passes may allow cutting of thicker materials)

Tips

  • If engraving, try to use cast acrylic as it will produce better results
  • When vector cutting, use masking tape on the backside of the piece to protect against flair up scorch marks as the laser hits the cutting grid.