Laser Cutting Acrylic The Power You Need

Everything you need to know about acrylic laser cutter

Acrylic is a popular material in the manufacturing and crafting industries due to its versatility and durability. While there are various methods of cutting acrylic, laser cutter has become the preferred method for its precision and efficiency. However, the effectiveness of acrylic laser cutter depends on the power of the laser being used. In this article, we will discuss the power levels required to cut acrylic effectively with a laser.

What is Laser Cutting?

Laser cutting is a manufacturing process that uses a high-powered laser beam to cut materials such as acrylic. The laser beam melts, vaporizes, or burns the material away to create a precise cut. In the case of acrylic, the laser beam is directed onto the surface of the material, producing a smooth, clean cut.

What Power Level is Needed to Cut Acrylic?

The power level required to cut acrylic depends on various factors such as the thickness of the material, the type of acrylic, and the speed of the laser. For thin acrylic sheets that are less than 1/4 inch thick, a laser with a power level of 40-60 watts is sufficient. This level of power is ideal for intricate designs, creating smooth edges and curves, and achieving high levels of precision.

For thicker acrylic sheets that are up to 1 inch thick, a more powerful laser is required. A laser with a power level of 90 watts or higher is ideal for cutting thicker acrylic sheets quickly and efficiently. It is important to note that as the thickness of the acrylic increases, the cutting speed may need to be reduced to ensure a clean and precise cut.

What Type of Acrylic is Best for Laser Cutting?

Not all types of acrylic are suitable for acrylic laser cutter. Some types may melt or warp under the high heat of the laser beam, while others may not cut cleanly or evenly. The best type of acrylic sheet laser cutter is cast acrylic, which is made by pouring a liquid acrylic mixture into a mold and allowing it to cool and solidify. Cast acrylic has a consistent thickness and is less likely to warp or melt under the high heat of the laser beam.

In contrast, extruded acrylic, which is made by extruding acrylic pellets through a machine, can be more difficult to laser cut. Extruded acrylic is often more brittle and prone to cracking or melting under the high heat of the laser beam.

Tips for Laser Cutting Acrylic

To achieve a clean and precise cut when laser cut acrylic sheet, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Use a high-quality laser: Ensure that your laser is correctly calibrated and maintained to achieve the correct power and speed settings for cutting acrylic.

Adjust the focus: Adjust the focus of the laser beam to achieve a clean and precise cut.

Use the correct cutting speed: Adjust the speed of the laser beam to match the thickness of the acrylic sheet being cut.

Avoid overheating: Take breaks during the cutting process to avoid overheating the acrylic sheet and causing warping or melting.

In Conclusion

The power level required to cut acrylic with a laser depends on various factors such as the thickness of the material and the type of acrylic being used. For thinner sheets, a laser with a power level of 40-60 watts is sufficient, while thicker sheets require a laser with a power level of 90 watts or higher. It is essential to choose the correct type of acrylic, such as cast acrylic, for laser cutting and follow best practices, including adjusting the focus, speed, and avoiding overheating, to achieve a clean and precise cut.