Laser Cutting Acrylic: Difference between revisions
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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''' | ||
===Types=== | ===Types=== | ||
---- | ---- | ||
There are two main types of acrylic sheet: | '''There are two main types of acrylic sheet:''' | ||
====Extruded==== | ====1. Extruded==== | ||
Created by extruding molten acrylic pellets through a machine | Created by extruding molten acrylic pellets through a machine | ||
*'''Pros''' | *'''Pros''' | ||
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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==== | ====2. Cast==== | ||
Created by pouring molten acrylic pellets into a mold | Created by pouring molten acrylic pellets into a mold | ||
*'''Pros''' | *'''Pros''' | ||
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| (multiple passes may allow cutting of thicker materials) | | (multiple passes may allow cutting of thicker materials) | ||
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===Tips=== | |||
*If engraving, try to use cast acrylic as it will produce better results | *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. | *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. | ||
[[Category:Historical]] | [[Category:Historical]] | ||
Revision as of 16:38, 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:
1. Extruded
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
2. Cast
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.