How to Laser Cut a Custom Acrylic Menu: Step-by-Step Tutorial

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Custom Acrylic Menu

2026-04-15

Key Information

Laser Machines
Material Needed
3mm Acrylic
Project File Download
Settings
Engraving
Speed: 500mm/s
Max Power: 36%
Min Power: 10%
Number of Passes: 1
Settings
Cutting
Speed: 20mm/s
Max Power: 60%
Min Power: 10%
Number of Passes: 1

Introduction

Acrylic menus are everywhere—from cafés and restaurants to weddings and custom displays. Clean edges, sharp text, and a modern look make them stand out instantly.


In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to laser cut and engrave a custom acrylic menu. It’s a practical project that works for business use, client orders, or your own designs.

Before your work begins

Clean the lens and mirrors
Check the laser head and nozzle for dust or buildup
Ensure ventilation and air assist are working properly
Confirm the machine is running smoothly and normally

Operational Process

STEP01

Prepare & Position the Material

Choose a piece of material with a suitable thickness and size. Place it flat on the table, then wipe away any dust or loose debris from the surface with a clean cloth. If the material is not perfectly flat, use pins or magnets to hold down the corners and keep it stable during processing.

Put the material on the laser bed
Pins
STEP02

Import & Adjust the Design File

Open your laser software, such as LaserMaker, and import the design file. Set the parameters for each layer based on the recommended settings and your specific machine configuration. Once everything is ready, send the file to the machine. Then use the Frame function to check whether the engraving and cutting positions are correct before starting the job.

parameters for laser engraving a pasta menu.png
STEP03

Set the Correct Laser Focus

Adjust the laser focus to match the thickness of your material before starting the job. A correct focus helps ensure clean engraving results and precise cutting edges. You can set the focus manually or use the machine’s auto-focus function, depending on your model.

auto-focus-bolt.jpg
manual focus
STEP04

Start Engraving & Cutting

Once everything is set correctly, start the job and wait for the process to finish. It is recommended to monitor the machine during operation so you can respond quickly if any issue occurs. After the job is complete, wait a moment before opening the lid to let any remaining fumes clear out.

start laser processing
STEP05

Clean and Enhance the Surface

Clean the surface with water or alcohol to remove any dust or residue left after processing. Then use glue to attach the decorative parts in the appropriate positions. If needed, you can further improve the final appearance by applying paint or polishing the surface for a cleaner and more refined finish.

cleaning
paint

Come and Try!

Peel off any remaining protective film and clean the surface. Your acrylic menu is now ready to use or deliver. The result is clean, durable, and easy to match with different styles. From café tables to custom orders, acrylic menus are simple to make and easy to adapt. Try your own design and see how a small detail can change the whole presentation.


Thunder Bolt Series

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Precision Starts with the Right Parameters

Find recommended material settings for your laser machine.

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