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Why Use a Laser for Cutting Acrylic?

Laser cutting offers precision, efficiency, and a flawless finish when working with acrylic. Unlike traditional methods, lasers create clean, smooth edges without the need for additional post-processing. The high accuracy of laser technology allows for intricate designs and fine details, making it ideal for both large-scale production and custom projects. Laser cutting minimizes material waste, offers faster turnaround times, and ensures consistency across every piece — making it the perfect solution for your acrylic fabrication needs.

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Acrylic Varieties – Cast vs. Extruded

Acrylic is a versatile material used in a wide range of industries, and it comes in two primary forms: Cast Acrylic and Extruded Acrylic. Understanding the differences between these two types can help you choose the best option for your project.

Cast Acrylic: This type of acrylic is made by pouring liquid acrylic into a mold, allowing it to harden over time. It offers superior optical clarity and is known for its durability and strength. Cast acrylic is ideal for applications that require high-quality finishes, like signage, displays, and custom designs. It is also more resistant to UV damage and can be polished to a high gloss.

Extruded Acrylic: Extruded acrylic is produced by pushing the acrylic material through a die to form sheets. While it is generally more affordable than cast acrylic, it has slightly lower optical clarity and can be more prone to scratching. However, extruded acrylic is perfect for larger volume projects, such as windows, lighting panels, and general-purpose applications.

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Laser Cutting Acrylic-How thick of acrylic can you cut?

This will depend on the wattage of your laser cutter.

Standard CO2 Laser Machines can typically cut acrylic up to 10-20mm (0.39 - 0.79 inches) in thickness with excellent precision and smooth edges.
High-Power Lasers (such as fiber lasers) can cut thicker acrylic sheets, often up to 50mm (1.97 inches) or more, depending on the laser power and settings.
For cast acrylic, which is known for its better cutting quality and cleaner edges, the maximum thickness is typically less than that of extruded acrylic. However, both types of acrylic can be processed effectively with the right equipment.

Laser Cutting Speeds

Laser cutting speeds depend on material type, thickness, and laser power. Thicker materials require slower speeds for accurate cuts, while thinner materials allow for faster processing. Higher-power lasers can cut faster, but balancing speed and cut quality is key for optimal results. Typical cutting speeds range from 20 mm/s to 200 mm/s, depending on these factors.

Laser Engraving Acrylic

When engraving acrylic, it’s common to work on the back side to achieve a look-through effect from the front. This technique is frequently used for awards, plaques, and decorative signs, giving them a high-quality, three-dimensional finish.

Acrylic sheets usually come with a protective adhesive film on both sides to prevent scratches during handling. We recommend removing the adhesive from the back before engraving, while leaving the protective film on the front to keep the material safe from scratches during the engraving process. Don’t forget to reverse or mirror your artwork before sending the job to the laser since the engraving will be on the back side.

For engraving, acrylic typically works best with low power and high speed. Since acrylic requires minimal laser power to engrave, using excessive power can lead to distortion in the material. Keep your settings at a lower power to achieve clean and sharp engravings without compromising the material’s quality.
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Acrylic Laser Processing Tips

Optimal Settings for Different Acrylic Types

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Adjust Power and Speed for Clean Edges

When laser cutting or engraving acrylic, it’s crucial to balance low power and high speed. High power can cause the acrylic to melt or distort, while too low of a speed may lead to incomplete cuts. Finding the right settings will ensure smooth, clean edges and prevent material damage.
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Engrave on the Back for a Professional Finish

For the best appearance, engrave on the back side of the acrylic. This creates a look-through effect from the front, giving your design a polished, 3D finish. Don't forget to mirror or reverse your artwork before sending it to the laser to account for this engraving technique.
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Use Protective Film to Avoid Scratching

Acrylic sheets often come with a protective adhesive film on both sides. To avoid scratches during handling, remove the film from the back side before engraving but leave it on the front side. This will protect the surface while you work on the material.

What Types of Acrylic Projects Can You Make?

Custom Signage and Displays
Ideal for business signs, retail displays, and trade show booths, with detailed engraving for logos and text.
Awards and Trophies
Perfect for creating custom awards, plaques, and trophies with intricate designs.
Home Décor and Furnishings
Acrylic is used for stylish photo frames, shelves, and light fixtures that complement modern interiors.

Engraved Gifts
Common for personalized gifts like keychains, ornaments, and photo frames
Containers/boxes
Acrylic containers and boxes are sleek, durable, and transparent, making them perfect for storage and display.
Earrings/pendants/buttons
These items can be laser-cut, etched, or painted, making acrylic a versatile choice for unique, personalized designs.

Engraving is Easy!

Design Preparation

Use design software (like Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW) to create your engraving pattern. Make sure the design fits the size of the acrylic and adjust the resolution accordingly.

Set Up the Engraving Machine

Secure the acrylic sheet onto the engraving machine. Adjust the settings of the laser engraver, including power, speed, and resolution, to ensure optimal engraving quality.

Engraving Process

Begin the engraving process. The laser will carve your design into the acrylic, creating precise and detailed patterns.

Post-Engraving Finishing

Once engraving is complete, carefully remove the acrylic sheet. Clean the surface to remove any residue or dust, and if needed, polish the edges for a smooth, professional finish.

Best machines for acrylic engraving&cutting?

Our machines offer precise and efficient acrylic engraving and cutting, delivering clean results for signs, displays, and custom products.