Laser Applications

Laser Cutting Acrylic

Laser cutters for cutting and engraving cast and extruded acrylic

Why Use a Laser for Cutting Acrylic?

Laser cutting acrylic is an exceptionally popular application for Epilog Laser machines because of the high-quality results that are produced.

Depending on the type of acrylic you’re working with, the laser can produce a smooth, flame-polished edge when laser cut, and it can also produce a bright, frosty white engraving when laser engraved.

Types of Acrylic – Cast and Extruded

Before beginning to experiment with acrylic in your laser, it’s important to understand the different types of this laser-friendly material. There are two types of acrylics suitable for use with the laser: cast and extruded.

Cast acrylic sheets are made from a liquid acrylic that is poured into molds that can be set into various shapes and sizes. This is the type of acrylic used for most of the awards you see on the market. Cast acrylic is ideal for engraving because it turns a frosty white color when engraved. Cast acrylic can be cut with a laser, but it will not result in flame-polished edges. This acrylic material is better suited for engraving.

The other type of acrylic is known as extruded acrylic, which is a very popular cutting material for signs and promotional products. Extruded acrylic is formed through a higher-volume manufacturing technique, so it is typically less expensive than cast, and it reacts very differently with the laser beam. Extruded acrylic will cut cleanly and smoothly and will have a flame-polished edge when laser cut. But when it is engraved, instead of a frosted look you will have a clear engraving.

Laser Cutting Acrylic

To achieve the best results when cutting extruded acrylic, you’ll want to elevate the material so that it’s not touching the cutting table. This will greatly reduce backside reflection and the occurrence of grid marks on the material after being laser cut.

Using your laser to create standoffs from wood or acrylic is the perfect way to use your scrap wood and acrylic material to help you get those perfect extruded acrylic cuts for your customers. Creating standoffs or using other techniques allows you to raise and support your acrylic for better cutting edge quality.

How thick of acrylic can you cut?

This will depend on the wattage of your laser cutter.

A 30 or 40-watt Epilog system will cut through up to 1/4″ inch (6 mm) of acrylic. As you increase in wattage, you will be able to increase the thickness of acrylic you can laser cut. A 50 or 60-watt machine will allow you to cut through closer to 3/8″ (9.5 mm) of acrylic, and a 120-watt system will allow you to cut from to 1/2″ (12.7 mm) in one pass or possibly 1″ (25.4 mm) with two passes.

Laser Cutting Text out of Acrylic

Text Laser-Cut out of Acrylic

Laser Cutting Graphics out of Acrylic

Laser Cutting Speeds

Cutting acrylic is usually best achieved with relatively slow speed and high power. This cutting process allows the laser beam to melt the edges of the acrylic and essentially produce a flame-polished edge.

Today, there are a several acrylic manufacturers who produce a variety of both cast and extruded acrylics that feature different colors, textures, and patterns. With so much variety, it’s no wonder acrylic is a very popular material to laser cut and engrave.

0.5 in. clear acrylic pear shape cut with epilog laser

laser etched blue edge acrylic candle base holder

Laser Engraving Acrylic

For the most part, laser users engrave acrylic on the back side to produce a look-through effect from the front. You’ll see this often on acrylic awards.

Acrylic sheets typically come with a protective adhesive film on the front and back to prevent it from getting scratched. We recommend removing the protective adhesive paper from the back of the acrylic before engraving, and leaving the protective cover layer on the front to prevent scratching while handling the material. Don’t forget to reverse or mirror your artwork before sending the job to the laser since you’ll be engraving the back side.

Acrylics generally engrave well at a high speed and low power. It doesn’t take much laser power to mark the acrylic, and if your power is too high you’ll notice some distortion in the material.

Laser engraved clear acrylic Audi award with base

Laser Engraved Acrylic Award

Laser Engraving a Sheet of Acrylic

Removing Masking from a Laser Engraved Acrylic Sheet

Laser Cutting Graphics out of Acrylic

General Laser Processing Tips

For Acrylic

Never leave your machine unattended when working with acrylic. Many materials are susceptible to igniting, but acrylic – in all its different forms – has been shown to be especially flammable when cut with the laser. As a general rule, you should never run your laser – using any material – if you are not present.
Make sure to choose the right type of acrylic for your application. Remember, cast acrylic is better for engraving, while extruded acrylic is better suited for laser cutting.
Elevate the acrylic – use an item for support to eliminate backside reflection.

What types of acrylic projects can you make?

Acrylic is a durable and practical material for laser processing. The variety of colors and textures make this material ideal for all kinds of things:

Point of purchase signage
Directional signage
Earrings/pendants/buttons
Containers/boxes
Cake/cupcake toppers
Custom awards
Holiday ornaments
And much more!

Who are some of the main acrylic suppliers?

You can acquire cast and extruded acrylic from a number of materials suppliers. Here are a few common sources:

Find more materials suppliers in our Industry Links listings.

Engraving is Easy!

Print to your laser from any graphics software

Laser machines work similarly to office printers, so the process is simple. Cutting and engraving with an Epilog is as easy as following these three steps: select your design and print, configure the laser for your material with speed and power settings, and push GO to laser it!

Artwork Setup

Design in your favorite software

Material Settings

Assign speed and power by material

Start Engraving!

Send the job to the laser and press go!

Sample Club

With step-by-step instructions and free graphics files, get new project ideas every month!

See Projects

Which machines are best for laser cutting and engraving acrylic?

Whatever the scope of your acrylic project, Epilog Laser has a machine that will fit your needs, from entry-level systems to top-of-the line machines.

See Full Product Lineup

Fusion Maker 12

Starter Series

Work Area
24″ x 12″
(610 x 305mm)

Type
CO2

Wattage
CO2: 30-40

The newest in Epilog’s laser lineup, the Fusion Maker was designed for the entry-level hobbyist or small business owner. This compact system features up to 60 IPS engraving speeds and our popular IRIS Camera System.

Product Details Request Pricing/Samples
Fusion Maker 24

Starter Series

Work Area
24″ x 24″
(610 x 610mm)

Type
CO2

Wattage
CO2: 40

Featuring a 24” x 24” engraving table and available in a 40-watt configuration, the Fusion Maker 24 offers users a larger engraving table and more z-clearance to tackle bigger projects.

Product Details Request Pricing/Samples
Fusion Maker 36

Starter Series

Work Area
36″ x 24″
(915 x 610mm)

Type
CO2

Wattage
CO2: 40-50

The largest in the Fusion Maker Laser Series, the Fusion Maker 36 features a 36” x 24” workspace and 40 or 50 watt configuration options. All of the Fusion Maker systems include our IRIS Camera System and 60 inches per second engraving speeds.

Product Details Request Pricing/Samples
Fusion Edge 12

Business Series

Work Area
24″ x 12″
(610 x 305mm)

Type
CO2, Fiber

Wattage
CO2: 50-60
Fiber: 30

Our compact laser system available in several wattage configurations and features up to 120 IPS/3.05 m/s engraving speeds. Also available with a fiber laser source.

Product Details Request Pricing/Samples
Fusion Edge 24

Business Series

Work Area
24″ x 24″
(610 x 610mm)

Type
CO2

Wattage
CO2: 50-60

A mid-size system that includes Epilog’s IRIS Camera System.

Product Details Request Pricing/Samples
Fusion Edge 36

Business Series

Work Area
36″ x 24″
(914 x 610mm)

Type
CO2

Wattage
CO2: 60-100

The largest system in the Fusion Edge Series, the Edge 36 offers a 36” x 24” (914 x 610 mm) engraving table and comes in a 60, 80, or 100 watt CO2 configuration. The Edge 36 features 120 IPS/3.05 m/s engraving speeds, and features built-in Ethernet, USB, and Wireless options for networking your laser.

Product Details Request Pricing/Samples
Fusion Pro 24

Industrial Series

Work Area
24″ x 24″
(610 x 610mm)

Type
CO2, Fiber, Dual

Wattage
CO2: 60-100
Fiber: 30

The smallest in our industrial Fusion Pro Laser Series, the Pro 24 is available in 60 or 100 watts and can be configured as a dual-source system with both CO2 and fiber laser capabilities.

Product Details Request Pricing/Samples
Fusion Pro 36

Industrial Series

Work Area
36″ x 24″
(914 x 610mm)

Type
CO2, Dual

Wattage
CO2: 60-200
Fiber: 30-50

Like all systems in the Fusion Pro Laser Series, the Pro 36 includes Epilog’s IRIS Camera System, along with engraving speeds up to 165 inches per second (4.2 m/s).

Product Details Request Pricing/Samples
Fusion Pro 48

Industrial Series

Work Area
48″ x 36″
(1219 x 914mm)

Type
CO2, Dual

Wattage
CO2: 80-200
Fiber: 50

The largest of the Fusion Pros, this industrial system is available in 80, 100, 120, and 200 watt configurations, as a dual-source system, and can be networked via built-in Ethernet, USB or wirelessly.

Product Details Request Pricing/Samples