Vector cutting of acrylic

Vector cutting of acrylic is similar to vector cutting of other materials. First make a test cut to find the right speed and power settings. The best results when cutting acrylic come from relatively low speed and relatively high power. This combination lets the laser beam melt the edges of the acrylic and achieve a flame-polished effect.

One pass is usually enough to cut acrylic, but thicker acrylic may need two passes. To keep the edges of your product free of soot and smears from vaporised acrylic, always protect the material on both sides with special protective paper.

If you have left the protective film on one side of the blank, it can also protect it from soot.

Use a vector cutting table to raise the acrylic above the engraver bed when cutting. Extra air from the air assist system greatly reduces the risk of fire when cutting acrylic.