Basic tips for laser processing acrylic sheets
Cast acrylic can be laser engraved and laser cut with a CO2 laser. Laser engraving produces a white or clear engraved image, depending on the chosen settings. The laser cut produces polished cutting edges and inner contours, no additional post-processing of the material is required. Cast PMMA is laser cut without burrs. No cost- and time-intensive manual flame polishing of the cutting edge is required.
See all cast acrylic sheets
Change the orientation of your laser to begin engraving from the bottom of the material upwards. This simple process will minimise the amount of residue being exhausted over previously engraved material which can re-deposit on the warm core and make cleaning difficult.
- For a white engraving image: no Z-Offset and Air Assist on
- For a glossy-transparent engraving image: Z-Offset of + 1 mm and Air Assist off
Get a smooth, polished result when laser cutting acrylic glass:
- Anchor points are immediately visible as the laser stops briefly at each of them, so have as few as possible.
- Slow cutting enhances the quality of the laser cut.
- For major differences in detail, use different cutting parameters.
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Starting point of the cut line should be at a convenient point in the drawing (e.g.
where it cannot be seen easily). - Switch the Air Assist on when cutting acrylic and use a large nozzle.
- Use a frequency of 5000Hz or higher.
- Place the acrylic sheet on either acrylic lamellae, an acrylic table or acrylic spacers. This prevents back reflections on to the material.
Do not use alcohol or cellulose thinners for cleaning. Water or glass cleaners are ideal for cleaning.
