Acrylic
Cast acrylic cuts with a flame-polished edge from the laser alone. Extruded acrylic cuts but the edge is matte. For sign-shop quality. Always use cast.
Acrylic fire risk. Never run unattended
Acrylic is the highest-fire-risk common laser material. Vapor flashes, edge flare-ups, and sustained flames can occur even at "normal" cut settings, especially with low air assist (which is what gives the flame-polished edge). Air must always be on at low pressure (5-15 PSI), never zero. Stay with the machine; keep the lid closed; have an ABC or CO2 extinguisher within arm's reach.
Cutting (cast, 2" lens)
| Thickness | Speed | Power |
|---|---|---|
| 3mm | 15 mm/s | 90% |
| 5mm | 7 mm/s | 100% |
| 6mm | 5 mm/s | 100% |
| 10mm | 2.5 mm/s | 100% (4" lens) |
Air assist for acrylic
Use LOW air assist on acrylic for cutting, high air kills the flame-polish effect because it cools the edge too fast. Just enough to clear smoke. This is opposite to wood.
Engraving
- Frosted look on clear: 300 mm/s, 30%, line interval 0.06 mm.
- Reverse engraving from the back of black acrylic = "lit edge" look on signs.