ACRYLIC LASER

ENGRAVING & CUTTING & MARKING

CO₂ lasers can process many cast and extruded acrylic materials, including clear, colored, opaque, mirrored, frosted, fluorescent, and selected acrylic laminates. Cutting and engraving results vary according to the acrylic type, color, formulation, thickness, surface finish, and manufacturing method.

Cast acrylic is generally preferred for detailed engraving because it produces a clearer frosted-white finish and stronger visual contrast. Extruded acrylic offers more consistent thickness and is often selected for cutting, fitted parts, displays, boxes, and repeatable production.

Acrylic laser settings depend on the machine model, laser source, power, acrylic type, color, thickness, lens, air assist, and desired finish. The following Nova 100W DC glass CO₂ laser settings are starting references and should be tested on the actual material before production.

These values are intended as starting points only. Always run a material test and adjust the speed, power, focus, air assist, frequency, and other settings according to the actual acrylic and the required cutting or engraving result.

For settings covering more Thunder Laser models, laser powers, acrylic thicknesses, lenses, and processing methods, visit our complete CO₂ laser settings library.

The achievable cutting thickness depends on the laser power, acrylic type, lens, focus, speed, air assist, and required edge quality. Thicker acrylic normally requires slower cutting, more laser power, and a suitable focal-length lens, so the actual sheet should always be tested.

Use the correct focus, tested speed and power settings, clean optics, suitable air assist, and a flat acrylic sheet. Extruded acrylic often produces a smoother flame-polished appearance, while cast acrylic may provide stronger engraving contrast.

It depends on the protective film and the required finish. Paper masking can sometimes remain during cutting to help protect the surface, while the film should normally be removed from areas being engraved. Never process an unknown film or a film containing PVC or other unsafe materials.

Air assist helps control flames and move vapor away from the cutting area, but the suitable airflow depends on the machine, acrylic thickness, and desired edge finish. Use the recommended setting for your Thunder Laser model and maintain effective exhaust extraction throughout processing.

Yes. A CO₂ laser can engrave clear acrylic and create a visible frosted-white effect, especially on cast acrylic. Engraving from the back of a clear sheet can preserve a smooth front surface and create a cleaner display appearance.

Yes. Photo engraving usually creates a frosted finish with fine tonal detail, especially on cast acrylic. Grayscale conversion, contrast adjustment, dithering, sharpening, and image inversion can help reproduce detailed black-and-white photo effects.

Many laser-safe mirrored acrylic sheets can be cut and engraved with a CO₂ laser. They are commonly processed from the coated or backing side to protect the reflective front surface, but the correct direction depends on the product, so always follow the material supplier’s instructions.

A UV laser can create fine text, logos, graphics, and identification marks on selected acrylic materials with limited heat impact and little noticeable depth. The final color and contrast depend on the acrylic formulation, color, additives, coating, surface condition, and laser settings.

CO₂ laser engraving removes material and commonly creates a recessed, frosted effect on acrylic. UV laser marking mainly changes or modifies the surface with little noticeable depth, making it suitable for fine text, logos, codes, and selected heat-sensitive acrylic products.

Most visible-blue diode lasers are not well absorbed by clear acrylic, so the beam may pass through the material instead of cutting or engraving it effectively. Some colored or opaque acrylic may absorb diode wavelengths, but a CO₂ laser is generally the more suitable choice for clear acrylic.

Laser-safe PMMA acrylic can be cut and engraved when the machine has effective exhaust extraction and the process is actively supervised. Acrylic is flammable, so never leave the machine unattended, and do not process materials containing PVC, vinyl, or an unknown chemical composition.

CO₂ laser machines are commonly used for cutting and engraving acrylic, while UV laser systems can create fine surface marks on selected acrylic materials. RF CO₂ systems are suitable for detailed, high-speed engraving, while DC glass CO₂ systems provide strong cutting capability. The best machine depends on the acrylic thickness, working area, required detail, production speed, and application.